While it is best to clean your patio in spring due to the ideal temperatures, doing proactive maintenance work all year round will contribute to the longevity of the structure.
Autumn
Although Autumn has begun, it’s not too late to catch up on some cleaning if the temperature is still bearable:
- Trim nearby trees and bushes that are too close to any part of the patio. If you leave them be, it could encourage the growth of mould, mildew and moss.
- Gather and properly dispose of Fall leaves and other debris. Don’t let them pile up in the gutters, corners and roof.
- Wash down your patio roof with a spray hose pack or pressure washer filled with mild cleaners. With patios that utilise insulated roofing systems, avoid using harmful chemicals that can potentially damage the material.
- Inspect your patio ceiling for mould growth, especially damp or humid areas. Before unleashing your dust and sponge mop, make sure to clear your all items and furniture in the patio.
Winter
In preparation for winter, set aside large outdoor furniture and put them in a dry and cool storage area. An ideal location would be a garage or if there’s enough space indoors, you can bring them inside.
Other items like small coffee tables, pillows and rugs should be inside the house to avoid being damaged by wet weather.
Spring
As mentioned earlier, spring is the ideal time to clean your patio. Bring out the furniture and other items you kept in storage for the winter, but before putting them back in their place, do the following:
- Remove and sweep any debris or dirt on the patio surface.
- Then use a mild cleanser to thoroughly wash wooden surfaces. For composites, use a solution that is specifically for composite material. For Vinyl, warm water and mild soap will do.
- If your patio is exceptionally dirty, consider using a power washer for deep cleaning and efficiency.
- After thorough cleaning, sealing can help maintain the beauty and extend the lifespan of the structure. Consider the best option for your patio. For instance, clear sealer will still show wood’s natural grain and color while solid and opaque seals will help mitigate weather damage.
Summer
The warm and dry weather during summer can further help patio cleaning and maintenance. However, with Australia recording its warmest year on record in summer 2019, make sure to stay properly hydrated when working outside:
- Remove nearby weeds. Inspect and clean up any area of the patio that is a few inches away from the ground (e.g. downspouts)
- Check for signs of rotting, wherever it may be (e.g. stairs, posts, joists) and mark those areas for future reference when making the necessary repairs.
Professional Advice for All Seasons
Cleaning a patio will require some form of sweeping, hosing and scrubbing. The degree of effort in which you execute them will largely depend on what the weather conditions permit you to do.
Talk to our expert team at Just Patios. We don’t just provide solid advice on patio maintenance, we build and customise patios according to your budget and needs.
Request your free design and quote by completing our online form or calling us on 1300 284 531.