Decks and patios receive a lot of damage from outdoor elements such as snow, rain, hail and foliage. There is nothing more frustrating than entertaining guests or having family dinners on a filthy deck, especially when there are easy ways of cleaning a deck or patio that entail basic techniques.
Many people trust in using a power washer for cleaning wooden decks. Nonetheless, this can damage the wood and produce erosion. The best way to begin is by gathering some hand tools, which include a scrub brush on a pole, toilet brush, broom and hand scrub brush. Furthermore, you will need a bucket, oxygen bleach, water, measuring cup and hand pump sprayer. After you have gathered your supplies, remove all outdoor furniture, grills, plants and anything else you retain on your patio. Cleaning any grease spots that could have collected under or around grills is a great place to start. Mix liquid dish soap to cut through the grease with very hot water. Scour the exterior firmly, though softly enough as to not scratch the surface. Let it dry, and then sweep up the deck and patio.
Next, mix six ounces of bleach for each single-gallon of water. Oxygen bleach is safe for surrounding plants and flowers. Still, you can find more eco-friendly cleaning agents in most health food shops. The bleach will bring the deck or patio back to the full glory of its original color. Also, the ions created in the bleach and water will remove mildew and open up wood's pores. This step is very vital if you wish to use a sealer on you patio following cleaning. Once you have waited several minutes for the bleach to dissolve into the water, you are now prepared to apply the bleach onto the deck. Start by pouring the liquid on your deck. In a few minutes you will start to notice your wood's natural color appear.
Following that, spray your deck with water from a hand pump sprayer. You can easily perform this venture alone or with the help of a friend or family member. While you are spraying, have the other person scrubbing with brushes or spray specific areas and scrub before the mixture evaporates. The brushes should scrub dirt and grime away within minutes. Finally, take a hose and rinse off the deck or patio. You will be astounded at the difference a little bleach and elbow grease can make when cleaning the patio.
Decorate your decks and patios as an addition to your home. You can make them more intimate, cozy, whimsical or any different style you enjoy. Choosing brightly-colored cloth for furniture is perfect for those who want their decks to really pop or match planted flora. You may want to use a certain color of flowers to complement the color scheme you are using. It is significant to remember to have the fabrics treated to withstand weather. Also, be sure to offer sufficient seating for visitors and family members. Including benches with storage space will give you more spaces to sit and allow you to store outdoor entertainment items. You may want to mix and match patterns, but remember to select cushions and pillows that have a unifying theme. Maintaining and designing your deck and patio will offer you an added leisure space for enjoying friends and the outdoors.
