Patio cleaning is a task that homeowners often tackle themselves. Removing stains, dirt, and mold may seem simple enough, but there are always mistakes and problems that can creep up. Taking some extra time to research or hiring a professional cleaning company could save you.
Patio cleaning mistakes could cost you lots of money over time and ruin your patio. No one wants to have to build a new patio while it should be being enjoyed during the summer months, so read below on patio cleaning mistakes you need to avoid.
Using The Wrong Pressure In Your Pressure Washer
Learning to handle a pressure washer is the most difficult task for DIY homeowners. There are many complex parts and research that need to be done in order to achieve the results that you want. Using the right PSI for your patio cleaning will prevent damage to the material. The amount of pressure that is applied needs to be just right to remove stubborn stains but avoid divots being made along your patio.
Forgetting To Rinse
While a cleaning solution is arguably the most important part of patio cleaning, one mistake is to think you can just let the cleaner sit. You need to rinse the cleaner and other products off the patio or it will continue to seep into the patio or porch material.
Certain cleaners can strip your stain or damage the material and make the patio look dull. This is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve and is one of the most easily avoidable patio cleaning mistakes.
Not Doing Enough Research About Proper Cleaners
Patios can be made from many different types of slabs or wood, so using the right cleaners for your specific patio is important. One cleaner to always avoid is bleach. Using bleach can cause the coloring to become patchy and it can also weaken the integrity of your patio slabs. This is the last thing you want to handle when you are getting ready to host a party in your backyard this summer.
Many abrasive cleaners can cause scratches as well, especially on stone surfaces. Before you buy any commercial cleaner, ensure that it is safe for the material and get many options on that option before application.
Neglecting A Patio Sealant
Patio cleaning mistakes are often easily avoidable and are caused by a lack of research or too short a timeline. After cleaning the patio, many homeowners believe that is the end and their patio is in good shape until the next cleaning. Patio sealants actually need to be applied after a thorough cleaning to protect it from further damage and stains.
Sealants help to make your patio smooth and look shiny for much longer than if you just cleaned the material and left it. Sealants need to be applied every few years to keep the patio in the best condition possible and avoid microorganisms from sneaking in.
Avoiding Fixing Underlying Issues
If the patio continues to have mold problems or has poor drainage, this is usually a sign of other issues that need to be addressed. Simply just cleaning your patio more often instead of fixing the issue is one of the biggest patio cleaning mistakes to avoid.
When you take the extra steps to prevent the issues, you save time and money. Pressure washing can remove mold from the surface of the patio, but it won’t completely eliminate mold from around your home completely. Addressing underlying issues will simplify your cleaning process in the future.
Patio Cleaning And Other Services From Sierra Vista Maintenance
Hiring a professional cleaner can ensure that your patio stays in proper shape for many years. Sierra Vista Maintenance can help remove dirt, moss, mold, and other stains that have become embedded on your patio.
Because this is a commonly walked-on area, it may be hard to get your slabs or stones back to their original color on your own. Professional cleaning with the right cleaners can take your home back to normal coloring and remove health hazards from off your patio. Check out some of our other projects and request a free estimate before scheduling your cleaning.