• Remove everything from your deck, or if this isn't possible move everything to one side
• Remove, or cover items below the deck you do not want to get covered in grime. Hose down deck to begin, mix a large pail of a mild detergent and warm water, or use
  a specialized cleaner, found in the paint department of your local home center
• Start at the high point and scrub with a nylon brush, rinse before soap dries
• Rinse deck from underneath, then re-rinse the top one final time
• Do stairs last, and always start at the top and work down

Patios

• Clear patio as much as possible (ie chairs, BBQ, bikes, etc)
• Sweep to remove large debris, and prevent creation of a big mud puddle
  Mix TSP with water in a bucket, or use a special formulated chemical safe for the environment
• Apply cleaner, and agitate with a stiff bristled brush
• Hose off, beginning at the high point. A pressure washer will provide a much more
  dramatic difference in cleanliness. Use a high pressure 2,000 psi and up for best results
• Check that you have adequate drainage for the water you will be applying
  On brick pavers, and exposed aggregate do not apply pressure in one spot for too long

Note: Consider sealing pavers and exposed aggregate to prevent damage and to ease cleaning


Outdoor Furniture

• Clean twice per year, in spring and in the fall before storage
• Use a mild detergent, or a specialty chemical safe for the environment
• Apply, and scrub with a scotch brite pad or nylon brush, and rinse
• Wash umbrellas with a mild detergent, dry thoroughly before storing
• Avoid using pressure washer on painted wood
• Protect unpainted wood with sealer, oil, polyurethane to lengthen life
• Use an automotive paste wax to protect plastic, metal, and painted metal

Barbeques

• Clean exterior with a mild soap, and hose off thoroughly. Re-paint if needed.
• Remove grill and clean with oven cleaner as detailed in article
• Remove gunk from the bottom of the BBQ, use pin to open all holes on burner element
• Check for spiders in venturi tubes, and test all gas connections with soapy water
• Replace Lava rocks with grease drips facing down
• Run BBQ for 45 minutes on HIGH to sanitize, and burn off any cleaning residue
• Only open propane tank half a turn for safety. This makes shutting off quick and easy.
  

Labels: Cleaning/Organizing