7 Tips On How To Clean A Balcony Safely

A balcony is one of the great amenities an apartment can have because it provides extra space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh air. However, this space indeed needs frequent cleaning and maintenance to be at its best. Here are 7 important tips that will guide you on how to clean your balcony safely and effectively:

Clear the Clutter

First, remove everything off your balcony, from furniture to plants to decorations. This will give you a clean slate to start cleaning and ensure that you hit every crevice. It is also an excellent opportunity to declutter—think about getting rid of things that no longer serve any useful purpose. Decluttering not only creates an easier time in cleaning but also helps in keeping up the space, organized and nice.

Sweep Away Rubbish

First, clear off the balcony of all its contents and sweep the floor. This will loosen dirt, dust, or leaves that might have settled in there. Make sure you get into the corners and crevices where dirt might accumulate. A stiff-bristled outdoor broom is very hard on rough balcony surfaces like concrete or stone. In the case of tiled balconies, ensure that you are also cleaning the grout lines through which dirt can accumulate.

Sweep the Floor

Now that the floor has been swept, it is time to wash the balcony floor. Take a bucket and mix mild dish soap with warm water. Clean the floor using a mop or sponge, scrubbing more on those places that have stains or stuck dirt on them. For harder stains, let the soapy solution stay on top for some minutes before scrubbing. This should be well rinsed with clean water afterward to avoid soapy remains, which can make the surface slippery or sticky to more dirt.

Clean the Railings

Balcony railings tend to get loaded with dust, grime, and sometimes rust, especially if they happen to be metal. Cleaning the railings pretty much follows the same procedure: take a sponge or cloth and dip it in your soapy water. Wipe down all areas on your railings, including top, sides, and underneath. Be diligent in cleaning any crevices where dirt can accumulate. When you have rust spots on the metal railings, treat them with some laundry detergent and scrub it gently; afterwards, rinse off. Regular maintenance may prevent rust from developing and thus make the railings look good.

Wash the Windows and Doors

Balcony windows and doors are exposed to elements and become grimy over time. Clean these with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth or sponge. The inside and outside of the glass should be cleaned for more visibility. Do not forget to clean down the window frames and door handles, as these things seem to attract dust and dirt. If you find spots on the glass after cleaning—in most cases, streaks left by water droplets—a little vinegar mixed with water may do the trick.

Cleaning Stains the Right Way

Balconies can be stained by many things, each of which requires special cleaning methods. Rust stains are cleaned by applying laundry detergent directly to the smear, then giving it time, scrubbing lightly, and washing it with water. Dish soap and warm water clean leaf or plant stains, scrubbing the area clean.

Oil or grease stains: Sprinkle over the stain some baking soda, cornstarch, or talc powder to absorb the grease. Allow it to remain there for a while before scrubbing it with dish soap and then rinsing off well.

Bird droppings: Hose off an area as much as possible, then scrub with a paste made of baking soda and water.

These methods will effectively clean the stains without damaging the surface of your balcony.

Safety Measures for Balcony Cleaning

Balcony cleaning can be dangerous, particularly if you are cleaning from upper floors. It is essential to use safety precautions to safeguard yourself and the people living nearby or on lower floors:

• Lock the balcony door from inside to avoid locking yourself out.

• Avoid standing too far over the rail; it could be dangerous.

• Be careful to see that the ladder or step stool on which you work is firm and level to the floor.

• Wear shoes with non-slip soles in order not to slip on wet floors and protective rubber gloves to protect your hands from cleaning chemicals.

• Do not mix cleaning products because some combinations form toxic fumes. Always use just one type of cleaner at a time.

• Keep cleaning supplies out of reach from children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure to harmful substances.

To maintain your balcony's cleanliness and inviting atmosphere, it's recommended to perform a deep clean at least once per month, keeping grime at bay. By following these tips, you'll not only extend the life of your balcony surfaces but also transform it into a more enjoyable outdoor space. Dedicate some time to caring for this valuable area of your home, and it will reward you with a sparkling, pleasant environment that invites relaxation and enjoyment of fresh air. For professional assistance, consider reaching out to Deep Cleaning Seattle for expert balcony cleaning services.