Are smoky ribs slathered in your famous secret sauce calling your name? What about a few sizzling steaks or juicy burgers for family and friends? A few sides of buttery corn on the cob, Grandma’s potato salad, and you’re good to go. If you’re drooling at this point… us too. But before you fire up the grill or smoker, take a look around at your deck and patio. Is it grimy? Dirty? A little unkempt? You don’t want anything to detract from your delicious food - or your company’s enjoyment - so take a little bit of time to give it a good, thorough clean.
5 Tip for a Clean Deck - and Great Gatherings
Whether you’re having a buddy over for a cold one or grilling with the family, a clean deck or patio always sets the scene. For a terrific alfresco ambiance:
1. Let Water Do the Work: Pressure Washing
Clear the decks. Remove all your outdoor furniture, grill, plant containers, and other patio essentials so you don’t inadvertently cause damage. To get the clean you need - and wipe off a long layer of winter - you need to make sure you are using the correct pressure and nozzle so you get the grime off without gouging the wood. The pros at Mobile Magic will make quick work of your porch (and your furniture - more on that in a minute) so you can get to work on that sauce.
2. Spruce Up Your Patio/Deck Furniture
Your outdoor furniture is, obviously, exposed to the elements and can quickly start showing its age. And, if you have allergies, they can become a magnet for pollen, pet dander, and other irritants that will ruin any backyard gathering. Cleaning them not only makes your outdoor space look better, it can help you and your guests breathe easier.
We can give you a hand here, too. Our trained technicians use a safe, gentle, and effective process to rinse, clean, and scrub away any buildup. The key is using low pressure to prevent damage. Mobile Magic also uses a soft wash approach that combines low pressure with biodegradable soaps, mildewcides, and algaecides that are plant- and pet-safe.
3. Take a Look At Your Siding
A sparkling deck won’t look it’s best if you have grimy siding in the background. Pressure washing allows you to tackle stubborn buildup - and can remind you what color your siding actually is!
4. Clean Containers and Decoration
Another obvious statement: plant pots get dirty! So do other decorations and items that you keep on your porch. While pressure washing is not ideal here, a good hand-wash can do wonders to create a fresh look. Use a sponge or damp cloth (and mild detergent like Dawn).
And don’t forget your grill or smoker! Refer to your owner’s instructions, and get that bad boy ready for the season. If you have gas, turn it on and close the hood. Wait for it to heat up (30 minutes or so should do it). This will save you a lot of work. Then scrub with a wire brush dipped in warm soapy water to remove carbon from the grates. After, turn off the gas and disconnect and remove the tank.
After the grill is completely cool, remove the grates and submerge them in warm soapy water for at least 30 minutes. While you’re waiting, take a vacuum to the firebox to clean out all the fallen debris. Scrub the grates and other elements, and you’re good to go.
5. Treat Your Surfaces, If Necessary
Some surfaces are more resistant to the elements. Hardwoods, such as cedar, teak, or oak, are usually the hardiest. Just wipe them with teak oil a few times a year. If you have softer wood surfaces, like pine, elm, beech, or ash, apply the appropriate preservative and varnish. Wrought and cast iron can be rubbed down with wire wool. If you need to repaint, use an anti-rust primer and then a quality exterior metal paint.
6. Do Some Pest Prevention
Uninvited guests have a habit of showing up to our summer get-togethers. Do your best to keep mosquitos and other pests at bay. Some easy steps include removing any organic debris (fallen limbs, leaves, etc.), removing stagnant water, keeping shrubbery trimmed, planting mosquito resistant varieties, such as marigolds, lemon balm, basil, lavender, garlic, and peppermint, and using citronella candles and other deterrents.
Bonus: all of this will make your patio or deck much more inviting and comfortable.
7. Clean Up After the Party!
After an evening spent grilling, do a quick clean up. This will keep dirt, grime, and barbeque sauce from building up on your deck or porch. Food and pop spills can also attract ants and other pests, so take care of them as soon as you can.
Here’s to a great grilling season! Give the Mobile Magic team a call so we can help you get ready.
