Having an outdoor space these last few months during quarantine has proven to be invaluable. Whether you are working at home on your patio or just using the space to relax with a glass of wine after a long day, being able to step outside for some fresh air and sunlight has been a game-changer.
Keeping this space of yours clean and maintained adds to its tranquility, and in light of the tragic fires burning in parts of California, we wanted to share a few tips for removing soot and ash from your patio and outdoor furniture.
1. Start at the top
Start at the roof, using a broom to sweep the ashes into a pile, bag them, and dispose of them. If you start cleaning the deck first and then go to your roof, you’ll have to go back and redo your deck work, since ash is bound to fall from the roof to the patio. If sweeping doesn’t remove all the particles, you can follow that with a wet mop. Don’t forget to check your gutters for ash, using a smaller brush or scoop to remove and bag it, then use a damp rag to wipe down the cutters.
2. Exterior Walls & Windows
For exterior walls and windows, using a garden hose with a nozzle is a simple way to remove the ash and soot. If you have spots that won’t seem to come clean, a pressure washer might be necessary. Make sure to use the lowest pressure possible to avoid damaging the wood, stucco, or nearby hardscape. Pay close attention to where this water drains, directing the water towards your lawn and keeping it away from storm drains whenever possible. After hosing down the windows, clean them as usual with your normal glass cleaner.
3. Patio Furniture
To clean any stains on your patio furniture fabric or cushions, mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water. Start with a small hidden spot on the fabric as a test area and using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the solution and blot until the liquid is absorbed. Repeat these steps until the stain disappears.
4. Hard space cleaning
When cleaning wood decks, stone patios, or brick walkways, first gently sweep the ash into a pile, collect it into bags, and dispose of it in your outdoor waste bin. Although using a blower sounds easy, avoid this technique. It will dispense the ash into the air, making another mess.
There are 4 easy tips for removing soot & ssh from your patio. We hope all of our customers here in California are safe as these devastating fires are being fought by our brave firefighters.