It might seem a little chilly outdoors right now for some homeowners, but we’ll be nearing the mid-70s next month. And, by March, a streak of eighty-degree days isn’t unheard of here in Florida. That said, with outdoor weather right around the corner, it’s a good time to clean your lanai, patio, or pool enclosure.
It’s really not hard to understand why so many people put off tasks like outdoor cleaning. Life keeps us hopping—especially after adding kids into the mix. Keeping up with everyone’s extracurricular everything can leave very little time for actually spending time at home. And, when you are home, cleaning your outdoor living space probably doesn’t make it very high up on the list of things to do.
You’ll have this chore checked off your list in record time if you follow these cleaning tips.
Clearing the space
The first thing to do is to move any decor and furniture out of the area. It makes cleaning go much faster.
Moving it out into the yard or in the driveway will just be short-term. It could probably use a good hosing down and either place will provide the needed workspace.
You may decide to take off down the driveway or sidewalk and continue your cleaning spree.
Kicking into cleaning mode
Break out your broom and knock down any visible overhead cobwebs. You may even notice accumulated salt deposits. Clear those away, as well. Unless you’re relatively new to the state, you’re already aware that salt is extremely corrosive. It doesn’t take long for it to begin eating away at outdoor surfaces.
Then, use the broom to sweep any dirt and debris from your floor—and you might as well follow through with any attached sidewalk while you’re at it.
A duster comes in handy for cleaning ceiling fans… but you may need to actually use a step ladder or another stable surface to climb up and clean the blades with a damp rag. The same goes for light bulbs and window frames.
Rinse out your cloth—or grab another—to clean all your wipeable surfaces. After you clean any tables and other furniture that you moved out, use your garden hose to wash down the floor.
If your lanai is screened in—an option that more homeowners are taking advantage of—get a bucket of warm, sudsy water and a soft-bristled brush… and, maybe the kids? They’d probably enjoy helping you scrub down your screens to remove any accumulated dirt, debris, and, of course, salt.
Avoid using harsh chemicals. They’re bad for the environment—and more than likely, your health.
It shouldn’t take much scrubbing as far as the screens are concerned. And, the floor will be a breeze if you break out a power washer. In fact, you could use a power washer to clean your screens too. You’ll blast through this task then, for sure!
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew can be a problem living here in Florida. The environmental conditions are perfect for its growth. And, once it gets started, it spreads.
If you come across mold while your cleaning, remember that it can have a negative effect on your health. You should be cautious when cleaning it up because you don’t want to inhale any mold spores. It’s best to wear a—do you cringe a little at the thought? Us too—mask during the removal process for added protection.
Your lanai is obviously a well-ventilated area. That’s a huge plus because there’s a far less chance that you will breathe in the spores.
Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent. It eliminates the mold and mildew because its acidic nature kills it on contact. Using a spray bottle, mix hot water and vinegar in equal parts. Spray and then scrub the area. Follow up by rinsing the area with the garden hose.
We’ll note that vinegar can be harmful to plants so pay attention to the area where you want to direct your runoff.
Bleach is another cleaning agent that stops mold and mildew in its tracks. Use protective gloves if you decide to work with bleach because it can be harmful to the skin.
Use one part of bleach to three parts of water. If using a spray bottle to apply the mixture, make sure it hasn’t contained any other cleaning agents. Bleach doesn’t mix well with many of them and you don’t want to risk releasing toxic fumes into the air around you.
Open air or enclosed?
If you haven’t enclosed your lanai, doing so affords you several added benefits when you want to enjoy time outdoors. The same goes for enclosing your pool area—just saying.
• The entire area stays cleaner overall.
• You create a bug-free zone. Mesh screen enclosures keep mosquitoes and those annoying no-see-ums out too.
• You get some added UV protection—and cover from the rain too.
• You add a sense of privacy that you will definitely notice.
• They’re low maintenance and last for years to come.
If you’re thinking about enclosing your outdoor living space, now’s a great time of year to get it done. You’ll have a jump start on spring and a new place to hang out. And, you can bet that your family and friends will enjoy the space as much as you think they will.
You may have the new favorite hangout—one that will hold its place for years to come!
You can’t beat that!