Cleaning your balcony floor is essential, so you can enjoy your outdoor space with family and friends, especially during the summer season. Over the winter, leaves, dirt, and grime can accumulate leaving your balcony floor dirty and messy. A thorough cleaning will help maintain a safe environment for you and your loved ones while making your balcony a place to enjoy the fun and the warmth of summer.
Balcony Floor Types & Cleaning Products to Use
Before diving into the cleaning process, it’s important to know first the type of material your balcony floor is made of and understand the specific cleaning product it requires.
- Concrete floors: Concrete is durable but can accumulate stains and dirt over time. These can be removed using a mixture of water and mild detergent. For tough stains, a pressure washer or a specialized concrete cleaner may be needed.
- Wooden floors: This material requires gentle care to avoid damage. Use a wood-specific cleaner and avoid excessive water, as it can warp the wood. After cleaning, apply a wood sealant for protection against moisture and UV damage.
- Tile floors: Tiles are easy to tackle, requiring only a mixture of water and tile cleaner. For the grout lines, you need a grout brush and a specialized grout cleaner to remove any buildup.
- Composite Decking: Composite materials are low-maintenance needing only water and mild soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, as these may damage the material.
- Stone Floors: Granite and slate are natural stones that need gentle handling. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner mixed with water for cleaning avoiding acidic or abrasive products that can damage the stone.
- Vinyl floors: This material is durable and easy to clean. It requires only a mixture of water and a mild vinyl floor cleaner.
Steps to Cleaning Balcony Floor
Now that you know the specific cleaning product needed for your balcony floor, you’re now ready for the cleaning process.
- Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin, make sure that you have the necessary cleaning supplies you need. Depending on the type of material your balcony floor is made of, your supply list may include:
General Cleaning Supplies
- Broom or outdoor brush
- Dustpan
- Vacuum cleaner (optional, for larger balconies)
- Garden hose or bucket (if you don’t have access to a garden hose)
- Mop and bucket
- Floor cleaner (This depends on the type of floor you have. Refer to the previous section to know which cleaning product you need.)
- Protective gloves
Additional Cleaning Supplies
- Concrete floors: stiff-bristled brush, pressure washer (optional)
- Wooden floors: soft-bristled brush or broom, soft mop or cloth, wood sealant (optional)
- Tile floors: grout brush, soft cloth or sponge, mop
- Composite decking: soft-bristled brush, hose, or pressure washer (low setting)
- Stone floors: soft-bristled brush, soft mop or cloth
- Vinyl floors: soft cloth or sponge
- Clear the Area
Put aside all items from the balcony, such as furniture, plants, and other items. This will allow you to clean the space thoroughly and more easily.
- Remove Debris
Sweep away loose dirt, leaves, and debris using a broom and dustpan, paying special attention to corners and edges. You may use an outdoor vacuum for larger balconies to make it more efficient.
- Rinse with Water
Rinsing with water will help remove any remaining loose dirt and prepare the surface for a deeper clean. If you have access to a garden hose, use it to rinse your floor. If a hose is not available, fill a bucket with water and pour it over to achieve a similar effect.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution
The type of cleaning solution you need depends on the material of your balcony floor. Refer to the previous section to determine the appropriate cleaning solution for your specific floor type.
- Scrub the Floor
Dip a scrub brush into the cleaning solution and thoroughly scrub the floor. For wooden floors, make sure to scrub gently to avoid damaging the surface. Tile and vinyl floors may only need mopping if they’re not too dirty.
- Mop the Surface
When you’re done scrubbing, mop the floor to clean up the dirty water and any remaining cleaning solution. Make sure to rinse the mop frequently to avoid spreading dirt around. If your balcony floor is particularly dirty, you may need to change the mop water partway through the process.
- Rinse Again
After mopping, rinse it again with clean water. This step helps to ensure that the floor is free of any remaining cleaning agents that could leave behind residue.
- Dry the Floor
Allow the floor to air dry completely before placing back your furniture and plants, preventing mold and mildew from developing. If you’re in a hurry, you can use old towels or a dry mop to speed up the drying process.
- Maintain Your Clean Balcony
Establish a regular cleaning routine to keep your balcony looking great all summer long. Sweep the floor at least once a week. Spot-clean any spills or stains as soon as they occur. Periodically, rinse the floor with water to keep it fresh and inviting. For a deeper clean, consider hiring a residential cleaning service to ensure every corner is spotless.
Final Touches
Once your balcony floor is clean and dry, replace your furniture, plants, and décor. Consider adding a stylish outdoor rug or floor mat to help protect the floor and add a touch of comfort and color to your outdoor space.
Since summer is fast approaching, this is the best time to prepare our balcony. With a little effort and the right approach, your balcony can become a haven for enjoying a beautiful sunny season. Happy cleaning and happy summer!
If you need assistance with cleaning your balcony, don’t hesitate to contact us! At Clean.On, our team of experienced professionals is equipped to handle all types of balcony floors using the right tools and cleaning products. Hiring professionals can be the most practical choice for you if you don’t have the time and the right cleaning materials.
For more cleaning tips and insights, be sure to check out our other blog posts. We have a wide range of articles covering various cleaning topics from deep cleaning techniques to eco-friendly product recommendations.