Balconies represent the human need for outdoor space in urban living areas.
Enclosed apartments in the city are becoming increasingly popular, so balconies have become our safe haven to escape for fresh air amidst the humid indoor days.
However, everybody loves a balcony, even if they are suburban babies.
Some of us have grown up romanticizing a balcony to the point where we would love a good balcony no matter which type of house, we live in.
Now here’s the catch: if your balcony overlooks the patio or backyard or is part of an apartment complex, so it looks over the road – then there is a high chance that keeping it clean and maintaining its outlook is a consistent job.
If your balcony is made of concrete, it can easily attract elements from its surroundings and get dirty.
Fortunately, there are so many ways you can easily clean your concrete balcony and keep it looking nice and fresh.
12 Amazing Ways to Clean Your Concrete Balcony
Therefore, to make things easier to follow, we have compiled a list of ways, tips, and tricks that will help you clean your concrete balcony and keep it looking fresh for a long time.
We understand that for people with balconies in apartment complexes, where balconies are stacked on top of each other, simply sweeping off the dirt is not the solution.
So, check out our all-inclusive 12 amazingly effective methods for a clean concrete balcony:
Clear Everything Off
First, to clean your entire concrete balcony, you would have to remove every little thing you have there.
However, that’s not just it. You simply can’t bring all the dirt and debris inside your home because you decided to clean your balcony.
Therefore, you should dust off everything on your balcony, from your balcony furniture to planters and pots.
Moreover, make sure to pick up any snack wrappers, napkins, etc., stuff that has fallen to the ground and may become a disturbance when you get to clean your balcony.
Sweep or Vacuum Loose Dust
Now that you have cleared everything off of your balcony, it is time for some actual dusting.
The point is to clear off all the accumulating dust as well as the dust you just cleared off the stuff on your balcony.
So one way to do that is to use a sweeper and pick up the dust in a dustpan. However, the best way, of course, is to use a vacuum cleaner.
If yours does a good job over flat, smooth surfaces like concrete, then go for it. It will be easier, hassle-free against the breeze, and ensure all dust and debris is accumulated inside the vacuum and not left behind.
Dry Brush the Whole Area for Pet (& Human) Hair
Your balcony must look much better now that you cleared the furniture and stuff and vacuumed it.
This should give you a more exposed version of your balcony with all the individual stains and discoloration of the corners and railings.
However, before you get to tend to those, the one thing you’re sweeping, or vacuuming wouldn’t have picked up is hair.
So whether it is your hair or your pet’s hair, it is time to get a hand brush and dry brush the whole area to gather these little nuisances.
Mop the Floor & Walls with a Cleaning Solution
Finally, it is time to get down to the real business of getting your concrete balcony cleaned.
So even if it means you have to run to your nearest Walmart and get a cleaning solution – you must do it.
Mix the cleaning solution in the bucket, preferably with warm water, to activate it better against the surface.
Then, mop the balcony floor’s entire length, including the walls too. Many people don’t realize how pollutants affect your balcony walls until you clean them one day, and it brings out their actual color.
Yes, your balcony was sage green all along!
Use Laundry Detergent for Rust Stains on Railings
If it is an apartment balcony overlooking the seafront or having gone through rain and shine, the balcony railings must have become rusty and surely seen better days.
However, while your neighbor may seem to be enjoying the aesthetic, yours should be changed. And for that, we recommend using laundry detergent.
The best way to use it is by soaking sponges or towel cloth pieces in a mixture of laundry detergent, vinegar, and water in equal parts.
Next, place those cloth pieces or sponges on the rust stains to soak. It should come out looking daisy-fresh.
Pay Special Attention to Corners
The balcony is a very small, intimate space, especially if it is an apartment balcony.
However, even if you have a spacious balcony, the fact still applies that it has plenty of little corners, nooks, and crannies that accumulate the most dust, debris, and pollutants, and even play host to insects like ants, etc.
Hence, this is your cue to pay special attention to such corners and nooks to check for all these uninvited guests.
If you find something, clean it or treat it immediately. However, it is better to call pest cleaning services if it is a serious infestation.
Dish Soap to the Rescue for Plant Stains
Many people like to decorate their balconies. As balconies are outdoor spaces, they make for the perfect little area to put plants and create your own garden.
However, each plant has its own maintenance and growth demands like adequate draining, regular watering, etc.
That leads to plant stains with the leaves dropping sap and water all around. The solution to cleaning these stains lies in your everyday dish soap.
Simply mix the liquid with water and use a hand brush to scrub the stains. It shouldn’t take much effort for the stains to disappear.
Commercial Degreaser & Trisodium Phosphate for Grease & Oil Stains
If you have plant shelves upholstered on the wall of your balcony or sliding doors to your balcony, then you must have used grease or oil to keep them smoothly functioning.
The regular wear and tear experienced thanks to changes in weather can cause rusting, and that can lead to sliding doors and shelves not operating.
So while we have put down the solution for rust, what to do about the oil and grease stains?
Well, fret not, as you can use trisodium phosphate and commercial degreaser to get rid of oil and grease stains, respectively.
Dilute Bleach & Spread a Layer for Mold & Mildew
Mold and mildew are also the product of frequent rain and shine and are pretty common in outdoor settings.
However, you certainly don’t want to accumulate such growth as it can easily become a serious health hazard.
Hence, in order to clean it right off, dilute bleach with water and use the solution to spread a layer on the entire area of your balcony.
The best type of bleach for this is oxygen or chlorine. Both are environmentally safe types and significantly effective against mold spores and mildew removal.
Satisfying Deep Clean Results with Ultimate Pressure Wash
Now that you have addressed many of the concrete balcony concerns with your own DIY experiments and made a manual effort to get things going, it is time for the ultimate pressure wash for satisfying deep-clean results.
So you can either get the equipment on rent or call in a professional service provider to get it done for you.
Either way, this part really makes the biggest difference in making your concrete balcony look as good as new.
It will bring out all the real colors, sanitize the whole area and clean all the chemicals that you have just used.
Rinse & Dry
You are almost there, and this isn’t the time to stop. Now that you are done with the pressure wash, your balcony must be looking like it hasn’t for many years.
In fact, you wouldn’t have even found it this good when you first moved into the house. So now it is time for one final rinse and then drying out the area.
You can use a regular pipe attached to a tap inside and let the water run through the length of the floor and walls.
Just remember to be wary of dripping the water below (if you have your patio or someone else’s balcony below).
Seal Your Concrete Balcony for Longevity
Lastly, we assume your concrete balcony is unsealed, and that is how you got it.
So in order to ensure that all your effort doesn’t go to waste and balcony maintenance becomes a less tedious task than it is now – seal your concrete balcony.
You can use an industrial concrete sealer and follow the instructions given on the label.
Or you can hire a contractor to get a professional hand at the service.
Either way, the sealant ensures the longevity of your balcony’s surface and keeps it looking good with little maintenance.
Cleaning Tips for a Sparkling Condo Balcony
Having a condo balcony is a wonderful feature that allows you to enjoy fresh air and outdoor space in the comfort of your own home.
However, like any outdoor area, it requires regular cleaning to maintain its beauty and functionality.
Whether your condo balcony is small or spacious, cleaning it doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clean your condo balcony effectively and efficiently.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before we begin, gather the following materials and tools to ensure a successful cleaning process:
- Broom or brush
- Dustpan
- Garden hose or bucket
- Mild detergent or balcony cleaner
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Microfiber cloth or mop
- Window cleaner (if applicable)
- Protective gloves
- Safety goggles
| Step 1 | Clear the Area: Remove any furniture, plants, or other objects from your condo balcony. Clearing the space will allow you to clean more efficiently and ensure that no items get damaged during the cleaning process. |
| Step 2 | Sweep Away Debris: Start by sweeping the entire balcony using a broom or brush. Remove any loose dirt, leaves, or debris. Pay attention to corners, edges, and under furniture where dirt tends to accumulate. Collect the swept debris with a dustpan and dispose of it properly. |
| Step 3 | Prepare the Cleaning Solution: Fill a bucket with warm water and add a mild detergent or a balcony cleaner specifically designed for outdoor use. Follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging to determine the appropriate amount to use. |
| Step 4 | Clean the Surfaces: Dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the cleaning solution and scrub the balcony surfaces thoroughly. Pay attention to any stains, marks, or areas with built-up grime. If there are stubborn stains, you can use a slightly stronger cleaning agent or a specific stain remover recommended for the balcony material. |
| Step 5 | Rinse with Water: After scrubbing, rinse the balcony surfaces with a garden hose or by pouring water from a bucket. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is thoroughly rinsed off. Pay attention to the floor, walls, and any railings or glass panels. Be cautious not to let excess water drip onto the lower floors or neighboring balconies. |
| Step 6 | Wipe Down Surfaces: If there are any glass panels or windows on your condo balcony, use a window cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean them, leaving them streak-free and sparkling. Additionally, wipe down any surfaces, such as railings or furniture, using a damp cloth or a mop. This will remove any remaining dirt or cleaning residue. |
| Step 7 | Dry the Balcony: Allow the balcony to air dry naturally, or use a mop or towels to dry the surfaces thoroughly. Pay attention to any areas where water may pool or collect, ensuring they are completely dry to prevent slips or falls. |
| Step 8 | Reorganize and Add Finishing Touches: Once the balcony is dry, rearrange your furniture and decor, creating an inviting space to relax and enjoy. Consider adding plants or colorful accents to enhance the ambiance and make your condo balcony feel like an extension of your living space. |
In Conclusion,
Cleaning a concrete balcony is not something that you do once in a blue moon but, in fact, something to do regularly.
Ideally, once every two weeks makes for a good time to let your balcony have its time looking pristine, clean, and put together.
However, if it is bad weather week or environmental pollution getting to your balcony, cleaning it how it may please you isn’t a bad idea at all.
Just make sure to follow the methods we have listed and be wary of dripping.
Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to clean a concrete balcony without a hose?
If you don’t have a hose, you can still clean your concrete balcony. Start by sweeping the balcony to remove any loose debris.
Then, mix warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a scrub brush into the solution and scrub the balcony surface.
Rinse the brush frequently in the bucket to avoid spreading dirt around. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire balcony, rinse it with a bucket of clean water or a damp mop.
How to clean balcony walls?
To clean balcony walls, start by removing any loose dirt or cobwebs with a broom or vacuum. Then, mix warm water and a mild detergent in a bucket.
Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution and scrub the walls gently. Rinse the brush frequently in the bucket to avoid spreading dirt around.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire wall, rinse it with a bucket of clean water or a damp cloth.
How to clean a high-rise balcony?
Cleaning a high-rise balcony can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Start by removing any loose debris with a broom or vacuum.
Then, use a long-handled scrub brush or mop to apply a cleaning solution to the balcony surface. Rinse the brush or mop frequently in the cleaning solution to avoid spreading dirt around.
Once you’ve scrubbed the entire balcony, rinse it with a bucket of clean water or a damp cloth.
How to clean balcony concrete with vinegar and baking soda?
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the concrete surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, sprinkle baking soda over the vinegar solution. Use a scrub brush or a broom to scrub the concrete surface.
Rinse the balcony with a bucket of clean water or a damp mop. Note that this method may not be suitable for all types of concrete surfaces, so test it on a small area first.
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