So, the family reunion is coming up in a couple of weeks and you’re hosting this year. It’s probably a good idea to think about cleaning the lanai. It is going to be an outdoor affair after all.
You grab the broom and head out back, only to stop short at the door. It’s been a busy summer. The fam jumped back into life full swing as soon as the green light was issued regarding COVID. The season flew by in a flurry of ball games and weekend getaways. And, now, with school getting back in session, there’s been a whole new set of activities to dive into—to say things have been neglected back here might be an understatement.
Luckily, it probably looks a lot worse than it is.
We’ve got three tips for cleaning the lanai that will get this chore checked off your list in no time!
When cleaning the lanai by hand
Before you add water to the mix, grab the broom again and knock down any overhead cobwebs, dirt, and visible deposits of salt that have accumulated while you’ve been off living life. Then, use your broom to sweep away any leaves and other yard debris from the area.
A duster comes in handy for cleaning ceiling fans, bulbs, and frames.
Use a damp cloth to clean all wipeable surfaces—tables and furniture, for instance—and wipe down the decor too. Then, remove it from the area while you finish up.
Odds are you won’t have to plan ahead to be cleaning the lanai on a sunny day, but we’ll mention that it will cut down on the drying time. You’ll need a soft-bristled brush, a bucket of warm, soapy water, a garden hose—and, maybe the kids—to get the job done. Avoid using harsh chemicals. They’re bad for the environment. Mild soap or detergent works best and won’t pose a risk to your—or the kids’—health.
Use the garden hose to soak the floors and screens. Then, scrub them gently with the brush dipped in soapy water. Watch as the fingerprints, footprints, weathering, and other stains disappear before your eyes. Rinse thoroughly with the garden hose and allow to dry completely before bringing the furniture and decor back.
When using a pressure washer
If you have access to a pressure washer, you can cut your cleaning time considerably. They’re great for cleaning stubborn stains and hard-to-reach areas. That includes the cracks and crevices.
If you don’t own a pressure washer, they’re available for rent at many hardware and home improvement stores.
Before you begin, wipe down furniture and decor and remove them from the area. You can use the kids to handle this portion of the task, but, unless they are older, you’ll probably want to wield the pressure washer yourself. Use it on the lowest setting—especially if you’re cleaning screened-in areas to blast the lanai with hot water to eliminate the build-up of salt, dirt, and grime.
Allow the area to air dry.
When you discover mold and mildew
First of all, remember that mold can have a negative effect on your health so be cautious when cleaning it up. Working outdoors in the fresh air is a huge plus because the area is well ventilated. You want to avoid breathing in any mold spores so wearing a—we hate to even say the word—mask for the removal process could be to your advantage here.
Vinegar is a great cleaning agent to use. It’s all-natural and works well to eliminate mold and mildew. Mix hot water and vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle. Spray, then, scrub the area followed by rinsing with the garden hose.
Note that vinegar may be harmful to plants so be mindful of where your rinse water is draining.
Bleach is another cleaning agent that knocks out mold and mildew. Put on protective gloves because bleach can be harmful to the skin.
Mix one part of bleach with three parts of water. If using a spray bottle, make sure it doesn’t contain any previously used cleaning agents. Bleach doesn’t mix well with many things and it often results in releasing toxic fumes into the air.
Picture perfect
Family reunions and pictures go hand in hand.
You won’t have to worry about the backdrop because it doesn’t take much to have your lanai sparkling—if outdoor tiles, building materials, and furniture sparkled that is.
You get the point though, right?
Bring on the masses!
Well, as soon as you gather up some extra seating and get some groceries in the house…