How to clean the balcony well and quickly (even if it is very dirty) — idealista/news

Balconies are useful habitable environments even if exposed to all types of weather. This is why it is not uncommon to ask how to clean the balcony without too much frustration, especially during the changing seasons when the wind carries pollen, sand and leaves. If you do not dedicate constant care to your balcony, it is easy to find yourself faced with a very demanding cleaning job which requires combining the right strategies to have the perfect result and bring the balcony back to its original splendor.

Clean very dirty balcony

Cleaning a very dirty balcony can take a little work, but with the right tools and a methodical approach, it can be made into a shining in a short time. Here’s one step-by-step guide to clean an excessively dirty balcony:

• Empty the balcony: First, remove any objects, furniture or plants that may be on the balcony. This will make it easier to clean every corner.
• Sweep: use a broom to shake away dust, leaves and other debris. If there is a lot of caked-on dirt, you may need to use a stiff brush to scrape away more stubborn dirt.
• Wash with soap and water: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent or dish soap. Use a sponge or cloth to moisten the surface of the balcony and rub away the dirt until it reaches the nooks and crannies.
• Rinse: After scrubbing the surface with soap and water, rinse thoroughly with clean water using a garden hose or bucket of fresh water.
• Drying: Once the balcony has been rinsed, dry with a cloth or leave it to dry in the open air.
• Cleaning windows or railings: if the balcony has glass surfaces or a metal railing, it will be necessary to use a specific cleaner for glass or metal.
• Cleaning of furniture: also in this case, if you have furniture – as in many cases where there is a small balcony and you need to optimize the space – you need to make sure you clean it using a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt, and if necessary, applying a gentle cleanser.
• Rearrange objects: once the balcony is clean and dry, put all objects, furniture or plants back in their place.

If the balcony is particularly dirty or has stains that are difficult to removeyou may need to repeat some of the steps above or use specific products for the most stubborn dirt. It is important to always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the safe use of detergents and chemicals.

Finally, some useful tricks include theuse of essential oils to keep ants away, coffee smoke to repel bees and wasps, and hanging plants to save space. Better avoid carpets to prevent the formation of mold and pay particular attention to the maintenance of the flue and cleaning of pigeon droppings.

Balcony cleaning for every type of material

Each type of balcony covering requires specific care also with regards to cleaning it. Before acting with chemical products, it is right to know which method is the most correct for clean every type of flooring.

How to clean a terracotta balcony

We recommend using a mixture of water and white vinegar to sanitize the surface.

How to clean a slate or stoneware balcony

Create a solution with warm water, Marseille soap, baking soda and white vinegar. Brush vigorously, rinse and leave to dry.

How to clean a balcony with pebble tiles

The best method involves cleaning with water and a brush, or even using a steam pressure washer.

How to clean a concrete balcony

Mix water and ammonia, then use this solution to clean the floor. For smog stains, sprinkle lightly moistened fine salt, leave to act and then remove everything.

How to clean a marble balcony

Use mild soap and water, then polish with marble wax.

How to clean the balcony without dropping water?

When cleaning the balcony it is possible that theexcess water falls on the lower floors and create disturbance and conflicts with your neighbors. But it is possible to clean the balcony without dropping water by taking some methods that limit water use or which involve the use of controlled quantities of liquids:

• Dry clean: Use dry cleaning methods, such as sweeping away dust and dirt with a broom or vacuum cleaner, or a damp sponge only to remove stubborn stains without soaking the surface too much.
• Damp cloths or spray cleaners: These leave-in products are designed to clean effectively without the use of excess water. Read the manufacturer’s instructions and test the product on a small area to check compatibility with the balcony material.
• Using sponges or dry mops: These tools can pick up dirt without adding water, you can opt for microfiber mops that capture dirt without the need for moisture.
• Use of multipurpose products without rinsing: There are multi-purpose no-rinse cleaners that can be sprayed directly onto the balcony surface and then dried with a clean cloth. These products are ideal for light cleaning and removing surface dirt.
• Steam cleaning: If you have a steam cleaning device, you can use it to clean your balcony without using excess water. Steam can effectively remove dirt and germs without wetting the surface too much.

By choosing one of these methods, it is easy to clean the balcony effectively while limiting the use of water to a minimum and reducing the risk of spilling it. Before proceeding it is important test any product or method on a small hidden area to ensure it does not damage the balcony surface.