In continuing with our theme of spring cleaning this month, we’ve got more valuable tips to help you get your outdoor living room ready for entertaining and relaxation this summer. These tips for cleaning your backyard oasis involve items such as the siding on your house, wrought iron furniture, and outdoor furnishings that are textured as well as made from teak wood.
Siding
One area of our outdoor living rooms that is often overlooked is the siding on our house. This forms the backdrop of recreational and entertainment areas when guests are not enjoying the landscape view available from your backyard. As such, it needs a bit of TLC, usually in the form of a power wash, to get it spruced up for the summer season. This should be sufficient for most types of siding in order to get rid of surface dirt and mold stains. Use a solution of water and vinegar to eliminate mildew. While you are cleaning your backyard oasis and concentrating on the siding, use the power washer on concrete or stone steps and pathways throughout your backyard, too.
Wrought Iron Furniture
When it comes to outdoor furniture made from wrought iron, this material is so hardy and durable that it does not require a gentle cleaning. A good hosing down is usually sufficient. The only instance where you may need to use a bit more elbow grease is if your wrought iron furnishings have been affected by algae from sea spray, which often produces rust. In this case, a commercial disinfectant and stiff brush are required to remove the algae and prevent future rust spots. Often, using a wad of aluminum foil when cleaning wrought iron whisks the rust away due to a chemical reaction. If there are lots of rust spots, consider painting the furniture or replacing it with new.
Outdoor Teak Furniture
Teak is a very popular material for outdoor furniture in the San Diego area since it is naturally resistant to mold, mildew and rot. Use a gentle hand with teak wood furnishings. A mild soap and water solution along with a soft-bristled brush is your best bet for getting it sparkling clean and free of any stains. Add a bit of vinegar to your mild cleaning solution to gently scrub away stains. After you are finished cleaning it, let it dry thoroughly and apply a sealer to the teak wood.
Items with a Coarse Texture
Some furnishings, such as outdoor lamps, portable heaters and outdoor fireplace surrounds are difficult to clean due to their textured surfaces. Try using a cheap paintbrush dipped in a mild cleaning solution to reach into the cracks and crevices, then spray with a gentle stream of water. If this cleaning method is not sufficient to get rid of stains and spots, you may be able to paint the surfaces to give them a fresh lease on life.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about properly cleaning your backyard oasis and the furnishings in it, feel free to call and ask any of our associates. Even if you did not purchase your outdoor furnishings from Hauser’s Patio, we are happy to help you preserve what you have so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less maintaining it.
