How To Clean Your Outdoor Areas?

People living in rented apartments are obligated to keep their rental spaces clean, both during tenancy and at the time of vacating. While this is mostly followed, renters often forget to include outdoor spaces in their routine maintenance schedules, leading to disputes with the landlord. To avoid this, routine maintenance and cleaning of the place where you hold BBQ sessions and enjoy your cup of coffee in the sun is important.

Outdoor spaces are extensions of the home – they offer a place to relax, entertain and enjoy the natural surroundings. But with constant exposure to the elements, dirt, grime and debris start accumulating. Be it your patio, driveway, garden or balcony, regular maintenance is essential to keeping them safe, functional and visually appealing.

This article will share steps on how to best clean and maintain your outdoor living spaces. The goal is to ensure these outdoor areas remain inviting and in excellent condition for years to come – be it through pressure washing driveways or removing stains from furniture. You may be aiming to get your property in tip-top condition before a professional Bond cleaning Townsville inspection, or maybe you’re looking for simple outdoor cleaning tips – whatever the goal, these practical tips will ensure you get flawless results each time.

1. Cleaning Your Patio and Driveway

Patios and driveways are very prone to getting oil stains, dirt and moss – all of which can build up and make them look dull and unkempt. To keep these areas clean, start by sweeping away all the loose debris (use a stiff broom or a leaf blower for this purpose), then use a pressure washer to remove stubborn grime or stains, from the concrete, tiles or pavers. In case of oil stains apply a few drops of dish soap or a degreaser and scrub with a stiff brush. Then rinse it away with water. If there is mould or moss, use a mix of water and white vinegar or a commercial mould remover to do the trick.

Caution: When using a pressure washer, wear gloves and goggles to avoid getting injured, and if you are using chemical cleaners, wear a mask to avoid inhaling fumes.

2. Maintain Your Garden and Lawn

A well-kept garden and lawn can add charm to your home. To keep them looking their best, take out some time on a weekly basis to mow the lawn, weed and trim plants (you can use an eco-friendly herbicide to prevent unwanted growth), clear the outdoor spaces of fallen leaves and debris (use a rake or leaf blower for this), and ensure proper irrigation of the foliage to keep them looking healthy and green. For safety purposes, always wear gloves when handling garden waste, as you may unknowingly expose yourself to harmful substances or sharp objects, and exert caution when handling herbicides. Expert Bond cleaners in Townsville often recommend these precautions.

3. Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

Our outdoor furniture can accumulate a lot of dust, pollen and bird droppings over time. To maintain them, wipe the furniture regularly with a damp cloth, and once a week, use a mild soap solution to clean the surfaces. Alternatively, if the furniture is made of a suitable material, like metal or plastic furniture, pressure wash them to renew their original shine, and by applying protective coatings on the furniture, you can further protect them from moisture and sun damage. For cushions and fabric covers, keep them indoors or in waterproof storage when not in use to prevent the growth of mould.

4. Keeping Your Decks Spotless

Decks, especially the ones made from wood, require special care and attention if you don’t want them to deteriorate. Here’s how to maintain them:

• Sweep off dust and dirt: Regular sweeping will prevent debris from accumulating in the crevices.
• Wash with mild soap and water: Avoid using harsh chemicals as they may damage the wood. A deck cleaner can also help you in removing the stains.
• Apply a sealant or stain: Protect wooden decks from moisture and UV damage with weatherproof sealant.
• Inspect for damage: Check for any loose nails, splinters or rotting wood, and if you find any, repair them promptly.

If you opt for using a pressure washer for your decks, keep the pressure low to avoid damaging its surface. When applying a sealant, wear gloves and work in well-ventilated areas.

5. Maintaining your Swimming Pool

If there is a swimming pool on your property, keeping it clean is essential to maintain hygiene and safety. For this, skim the pool’s surface daily using a net to remove leaves or floating debris, and give the pool floor a regular vacuum to prevent dirt from settling in. Do a regular check of the chlorine levels and pH balance in the pool to keep it safe and clear and clean or replace the filters of the pool as needed to ensure optimal water circulation. As for the pool itself, drain it out once every 6 months to give the bottom a good cleaning and clear out the gunk.

Caution: Wear protective gear when handling pool chemicals.

6. Preparing for Bond Cleaning

If you are moving out of your property and want to reclaim your deposit amount in its entirety, hiring professional Bond Cleaning Townsville is a wise decision. Their expertise and thoroughness will take care of everything: pressure washing driveways and patios, clearing garden waste, ensuring gardens, lawns and pathways are tidy, deep cleaning outdoor furniture and ensuring decks and pools are cleaned to pristine conditions. Their attention to detail will help you meet all the requirements of your rental inspection, and as a bonus, if you hire services that focus on environmental responsibility, they’ll also help you achieve local safety protocols.

Maintaining Your Outdoor Areas

Wrapping up

Regular maintenance and the occasional deep cleaning of your outdoor spaces will not only help you maintain their aesthetic appeal, but will also allow you to reclaim your full bond money when vacating the property. With the right techniques and tools – while keeping safety in mind- you’ll be able to prevent damage and keep everything in top condition.