Can You Pressure Wash A Balcony?
If your apartment balcony or condo patio looks a little worse for wear, you might wonder: Can you pressure wash a balcony? The short answer is yes. Pressure washing is a great way to deep clean your balcony quickly and efficiently, sweeping away built-up dirt, stains, and debris. However, there are some important safety measures and best practices to take to avoid balcony damage while pulling off the best possible results.
Preparing Your Balcony for Pressure Washing
First of all, set up your balcony for cleaning before getting into the real action of cleaning. Here's how:
Clear everything off the balcony - furniture, planters, decorations, etc. Give yourself easy access to all surfaces.
Bring along artificial grass, carpets, and cushions to be cleaned separately.
Sweep the balcony with a stiff-bristle broom to remove loose dirt and other debris on the balcony.
Always pre-treat any stains with the appropriate cleanser. For instance, a solution of laundry detergent works great for rust stains, and dish soap works well on leaf stains. Let the cleaner soak in before pressure washing.
Settings to Use on Your Pressure Washer
You should be using the correct settings on your pressure washer to avoid damage to your balcony surfaces.
Start low and progress to retain the surface, cleaning off dirt and stains. High pressure etches concrete and stone.
Use a wide-angle nozzle, 25-40 degree, never 0 degree because this nozzles damaged surfaces. A surface cleaner attachment is also a safe choice.
Always keep the nozzle about 12 inches away from the surface and use smooth, even strokes in a sweeping motion. Never stop moving the nozzle or you may leave marks.
Be careful around balcony railings, grout lines, and caulking which can be damaged by high pressure. Use a lower pressure on these areas.
How to Pressure Wash Your Balcony Safely and Effectively
Follow these tips for the best pressure washing results :
Work from top to bottom. Start at the ceiling, if applicable, and work your way down to the floor. That way, dirt works its way downward.
Clean the balcony railings with an old cloth and a bucket of water. Clean detailed designs using small brushes. Avoid spraying onto railings so that you don't end up having water falling below.
Run a mild detergent through your pressure washer to help remove discoloration or other build-up. Look for an environmentally-friendly option.
Clean water should rinse each area before the detergent dries. This avoids any sort of residue to be left behind.
Clean off excess water with a squeegee, mop, or wet-dry vacuum after pressure washing to avoid pooling.
Let the balcony completely dry off before you replace the furniture and decor. You can open the balcony doors to let the air speed up the drying process.
Safety Measures while Pressure Washing
Pressure washers can be dangerous tools, and great care should be exercised while using them. Always read the manual that comes with a pressure washer and follow manufacturer instructions on how to safely operate it. Wear protective gear like safety glasses, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. Do not aim the spray at oneself, other people, animals, and electrical parts or equipment. Keep children away from the pressure washer and the area that is to be cleaned. Any cleaners or detergents used should be according to the manufacturer's suggestions for pressure washer applications. Never use harsh chemicals. For those who prefer professional help, services like Deep Cleaning Seattle offer safe and thorough cleaning solutions, ensuring your space is cleaned effectively without the risks associated with DIY pressure washing.
Be careful with slippery surfaces and be very careful not to fall off, especially when you are using a ladder for work.
Test on a small inconspicuous area first and clean up the entire balcony to test results as well as to avoid damages.
Tips on How to Maintain Your Balcony Between Cleanings
Maintaining your balcony to look good anytime, yet with less effort is easy. Here are some maintenance tips:
Sweep your balcony regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris before they get the chance to stain the surface.
Hose the balcony off once a week during pollen season to prevent buildup. You can also use a sponge or soft-bristled brush if needed.
Stains: Clean ASAP, using appropriate cleaner for type of stain and surface
Concrete balconies should be sealed annually to prevent stains, and make cleaning much easier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Allow no moisture to collect on the balcony, as that may be the beginning of mold and mildew. Squeegee after rain if necessary.
With regular balcony cleaning, your place can be an inviting and beautiful outdoor space. Pressure washing will give it a deep clean while light, frequent cleaning reduces the need to do so. Use safety first in all cases, choosing the gentlest methods that will get the job done. If there is any doubt, consider calling in a professional pressure washing service experienced in cleaning balconies.
