With pool and barbecue season coming into full swing, you may be looking around asking yourself how your outdoor living spaces got so dirty! Today, we’re going to offer some tips on how to clean your lanai or screened in porch.
Small items
The first thing is to get rid of all of the decorative and personal items which may be residing on your porch or lanai. Grab a damp rag and a box and wipe down everything wipeable before you stash it in the box. Magazines, ashtrays, decorations and other small items should be stashed out of the way until you're finished. Anything cloth should be taken in and washed, including cushion covers if they can be removed for washing. Otherwise, vacuum them thoroughly.
Electronics and more
Look for anything in or around the screen enclosure which is electronic or which can be plugged in. These need to be unplugged, wiped down, and stowed away from the area until you’re finished cleaning and the area is completely dried.
Bigger items
When you look over the bigger stuff, you’ll have to decide on whether or not it can get wet. Some things you may want to move and wash somewhere else or wipe down and move out of the way. Remember: whatever is left will get wet.
Start at the top
Clean any fixtures or fans on the ceiling should before you begin. If you think a bulb is getting near the end of its life, replace it while you’re cleaning the light fixture. If there are any problems with the ceiling, take care of those at this time, as well.
Hose or pressure washer?
A hose with a bucketful of hot, soapy water and a soft brush is all you need to clean your screen enclosure. If you have a pressure washer and are reasonably handy with it, enough to be able to wash the screens and frame without damaging them, you can do that, instead. We don’t have one recommendation over the other except to be gentle not to damage the screens or frame. Start at the top and work your way down. Sweep out any corners which can’t be sprayed out. Use a 50% mixture of vinegar and water on severe mold or algae, being careful to rinse it away thoroughly from anything it could damage. Bleach should only be used as a last resort, and only with gloves, and at about a 20% mixture. Do not allow the mix to get in your eyes!
If the screens are tearing or in poor shape, call us for a free estimate on rescreening!
Drying
If there are any areas on the floor which refuse to dry on their own, use a wet-dry mop to pick up any remaining water. When the patio is completely dry, you can put the furniture and accessories back in the reverse order from the way you removed them.
Once everything is clean and dry, you’ll be ready for entertaining around your pool or on your patio. It’s going to be a great summer!
Lanai Guy is a full-service screen company servicing Brandon, Riverview and the surrounding area for screen enclosures, lanai's, rescreen and screen repair. Call (813) 316-5971 to schedule an appointment!
