Question 1

How do you clean a patio?

Accepted Answer

Sweep debris, apply cleaner, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse with a hose or pressure washer. Apply sealant for protection.

Question 2

How often should you clean gutters?

Accepted Answer

Twice a year minimum -- spring and fall. More often if surrounded by trees.

Question 3

How do you clean outdoor furniture?

Accepted Answer

Method depends on material. Wicker: gentle soap. Metal: rust-resistant cleaner. Wood: mild soap. Plastic: hose down.

Question 4

How do you remove mildew from outdoor cushions?

Accepted Answer

Mix water, vinegar, and detergent. Spray on, scrub, let sit 30 minutes, rinse. Sun-dry to kill remaining spores.

Question 5

How do you clean a grill?

Accepted Answer

Heat the grill to burn off residue, then scrape with a wire brush. Deep clean by removing grates and soaking in soapy water.

Question 6

How do you remove algae from a deck?

Accepted Answer

Apply a deck cleaner with bleach or use white vinegar diluted with water. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse.

Question 7

How do you clean outdoor cushions?

Accepted Answer

Brush off debris, mix mild soap and water, scrub with a brush, rinse, and air dry. Some have removable covers that can be washed.

Question 8

How do you remove rust from outdoor furniture?

Accepted Answer

Sand off rust with steel wool or sandpaper. Apply rust-resistant primer and paint to prevent return.

Question 9

How do you clean a wooden deck?

Accepted Answer

Sweep debris, apply deck cleaner, scrub with a brush, rinse. Apply stain or sealer when dry.

Question 10

How do you remove pollen from outdoor surfaces?

Accepted Answer

Hose off lightly first to wet the surface. Then wash with soap and water. Don't dry-wipe pollen -- it spreads.

Question 11

How do you clean a hot tub?

Accepted Answer

Drain, wipe with hot tub cleaner or vinegar solution, refill with fresh water and proper chemicals.

Question 12

How do you remove paint from concrete?

Accepted Answer

Apply paint stripper, let sit per instructions, scrub with a stiff brush, rinse. May need multiple applications.

Question 13

How do you clean an outdoor umbrella?

Accepted Answer

Open the umbrella, brush off debris, scrub with mild soap and water, rinse, air dry completely.

Question 14

How do you remove leaves from gutters?

Accepted Answer

Use gloves to pull out leaves, then flush with a hose. Install gutter guards to reduce future buildup.

Question 15

How do you clean a bird feeder?

Accepted Answer

Remove old seed, scrub with hot soapy water, sanitize with diluted bleach, rinse thoroughly, air dry before refilling.

Outdoor Cleaning FAQ