After months of snow, rain, and freezing temperatures, many homeowners find their patios and decks buried under soggy leaves, dirt, and potential damage. Cleaning professionals say the key to reviving outdoor spaces is a systematic approach that starts from the top and works down, addressing both visible mess and hidden structural issues.
Jade Piper, operations manager for BetterCleans, notes that winter leaves behind clogged gutters, moss, and dirt on high spots. She recommends starting with gutters, using gloves and a gutter scoop or an old plastic spatula to remove leaves and twigs. For those uncomfortable with ladders, Piper suggests attaching a leaf blower or wet/dry vacuum hose to a long PVC pipe to suck out gutter gunk from the ground. She also advises checking downspouts, which can quickly become clogged, and using a broom or long-handled duster to clear cobwebs under overhangs.
Once gutters are clear, the next step is removing debris from the patio, porch, or balcony. Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of MaidForYou, explains that these areas often get covered in debris due to lack of maintenance during colder months. He recommends using a leaf blower to push debris into a corner, then raking it into garbage bags. This clears the bulk before deep cleaning begins.
Pressure Washing: Proceed with Caution
Pressure washing can be satisfying, but it carries risks. Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard, warns that the tool can damage certain materials. He advises starting with a low PSI and keeping the wand at a greater distance from the surface. For composite decks, Raboine specifically recommends using a fan tip blade with no more than 1300 PSI, held at least 10 inches away. Pressure washers can be used on wood decking and even outdoor cushions, but only with careful technique.
Moisture from winter often leads to mold and mildew growth on outdoor furniture, patios, and grills. Piper suggests mixing equal parts water and oxygen bleach—not regular bleach, which can harm plants—and scrubbing affected areas. After letting the solution sit for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly. For a natural alternative, she recommends a DIY mold remover using white vinegar, which requires an hour of sitting time before scrubbing and rinsing.
Deep Cleaning Furniture and Checking for Damage
Outdoor furniture, whether wood or wrought iron, needs attention. Piper uses a simple combination of warm water and dish soap, scrubbing with a sponge or brush, with extra focus on armrests and tabletops where dirt accumulates. For upholstered pieces, Gomasi advises a more thorough method: pre-treating stains, using a wet/dry vacuum on a high setting to remove embedded dirt, then steam cleaning to kill mold spores and fungus.
Freezing temperatures and moisture can cause cracks and holes in concrete, wood, and other materials. Raboine emphasizes protecting hardscaped areas, particularly the jointing between pavers, which is the most vulnerable. He recommends keeping joints topped off with jointing sand to prevent the sand-bedding layer below from deteriorating, which could cause pavers to shift.
Finally, trees and shrubs may show damage from snow and ice buildup. Homeowners should scan plants for dead or snapped branches, and look for more serious issues like vertical cracks in tree trunks. If cracks are severe, a professional may need to remove the tree. This is also a good time to pull weeds, as changing weather can coax them from the soil.
By following these steps, homeowners can prepare their outdoor spaces for spring gatherings and avoid costly repairs down the line.
