How Long Does It Take To Clean A Balcony?
If your apartment balcony is starting to appear grimy, you're probably wondering if you can pressure wash a balcony. The short answer would be yes, as this becomes one of the most effective ways through which to get your balcony deep cleaned and be rid of the most persistent kind of stains. There are, however, some important safety considerations and techniques you would want to keep in mind for a proper clean. Follow these expert tips to pressure wash your balcony the right way.
Safety First: You and Your Balcony
Before engaging in the actual pressure washing, protect yourself from possible damage or injury by wearing closed-toe shoes, pants, gloves, and safety glasses. This will protect you from the powerful spray. For residents in Seattle looking for professional help, consider deep cleaning Seattle services to ensure thorough and safe cleaning. When using a pressure washer, always test it on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage the surface of your balcony.
Be careful not to hurt sensitive materials: windows, railings, and the balcony of the apartment below you, which can be damaged with too much pressure
Adjust the nozzle to aim at a 45-degree angle—not directly down—to avoid etching of the balcony surface
Pre-Treat Stains for Best Results
To give your balcony an ultra-detailed clean, take some time to pre-treat it before pressure washing:
Sweep away any loose dust and debris using a broom.
Gently pre-douse and loosen dirt and algae with a mild detergent, like Simple Green
Always test the cleaning solution on the small area to be sure it is safe for the balcony material
Apply bleach solution on mold and mildew; let it sit for some minutes before pressure washing
Treat rust stains with muriatic acid
Apply the Right Method of Pressure Washing
Pressure washers are serious business. Keep safe and effective by following these tips for operation:
Apply the lowest pressure first and gradually increase as needed; high pressure can be damaging.
Most jobs will call for a wide fan nozzle or a surface cleaner attachment, which is gentler and more uniform.
Keep the nozzle about 8 inches from the surface, working in smooth, even strokes.
Don't stop the spray or change directions abruptly.
Be careful around grout lines, as high-pressure will wash out the sand and mortar.
Rinse and Seal for Long-Term Results
Once you pressure wash, go ahead and follow up with a few final steps to get the job wrapped up:
Rinse the balcony totally with clean water to get off all remaining dirt and cleaning solutions;
If you have downstairs neighbors, use a mop so you don't drip onto them;
Let the balcony dry completely.
Sealing concrete balconies with protective sealant to guard against future staining
Other Cleaning Techniques
Don't have access to a pressure washer? No problem, get your balcony looking fresh with these tips:
Sweep away dust and debris using a stiff-bristled broom
Mix Laundry detergent and warm water Scrub away rust stains using a sponge
Try dish soap to remove leaf stains and other organic matter
For a light cleaning, mop the balcony with warm water and a mild cleanser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These are the most common mistakes to avoid for balcony cleaning:
Too much pressure on the surfaces
The soap is not rinsed out well
Plant or furniture protection from overspray not considered
Assuming all surfaces can handle being pressure washed without a test
Trim the trees or bushes that overshoot to drop leaves and other dirt on your balcony
Cleaning of the balcony at least twice a year during spring and autumn
Get a cover or awning to protect from dirt and sun damage
Sweep regularly so major build-up doesn't occur between deep cleans
With the right tools, techniques, and precautions, pressure washing can get your balcony looking new again. Using the following tips to pressure wash safely and effectively, pre-treat stains, and avoid grime in the near future will keep you enjoying a clean outdoor area all through the season. Happy cleaning!
