During winter it’s easy for outdoor areas to get neglected. Between lack of use, rain, wind and trees dropping leaves, a patio or balcony can very quickly start to look a bit of a mess, and leaving it until spring means there’s a huge job to look forward to when the weather starts to warm up.
An outdoor area is often the first part of a business that people see when they are passing by or visiting. If a patio is dirty and covered in debris, it’s not going to give a great first impression. The good news is with the right cleaning equipment it’s easy to get a sparkling clean balcony or patio area and keep it that way.
Here are a few of the essential products needed to keep a patio looking great all year round:
- Pressure washer. Using a pressure washer is the fastest and most efficient way to get a patio looking great again. A pressure washer works by sending a stream of water at great speed on to the surface, breaking up the dirt and washing it away. Pressure washers are great because they don’t require any chemicals so you don’t have to worry about surface runoff contaminating plants or garden areas.
- Hard bristled broom: If you don’t have a pressure washer you can get a good result with a hard bristled broom, some detergent and hot water, and a decent amount of elbow grease. There are a few different cleaners out there that are designed to clean and protect outdoor surfaces. The best option for you will depend whether the patio or deck is tile, wood or concrete – always check before using any products to make sure they are suitable.
- Scrubbing brush: To get a really great result on patio cleaning, you’ll want to use a scrubbing brush to get right into the corners and any cracks or crevices. This is where dirt can easily collect and make the patio area look unsightly.
- Chemical cleaners: When using any chemical cleaner on outdoor surfaces, it’s important that it’s purpose designed for the material it’s being used on. Always do a spot test in an inconspicuous corner to make sure there won’t be an discolouration, damage or unsightly staining on the patio.
With the right equipment and products chosen specifically for the surface you’re cleaning, you can keep patio areas looking fantastic this winter. Keeping things clean now will save you time and energy when the weather starts to warm up again.
