We consider our home as one of our most valuable investments. So, it is only fitting that we take care of it and make it look presentable as often as possible.

Most of us always remember to clean our kitchen benchtops and bathrooms because we frequently use them. However, sometimes, we get too busy with our work and daily lives that we forget to clean other parts of our house, like the decks, floors and fences.

As homeowners, it is important that we clean our decks, floors and fences from time to time. Doing so will help keep your house in good condition. Without proper maintenance, your floors, decks and fences will deteriorate and age faster than the usual, decreasing the value of your home.

With proper cleaning and maintenance, you home will stay in good condition for a long time. When the time comes that you are ready to put your house on the market, you would get a satisfying price without spending more on renovations and remodels. Needless to say, no matter how tedious the task may be, always remember to clean the decks, floors and fences whenever you get the chance to do so. Take a look at some tips we’ve prepared to help you complete the job more efficiently.

Tips on Cleaning Decks

When you do not clean your deck, it attracts mould and mildew, causing it to rot. Here are the steps you can take in cleaning your decks.

1. Use a putty knife to remove the dirt and debris in between the deck boards.
2. Cover plants and shrubs with plastic sheeting to protect them from the dirt coming from your deck.
3. Sweep the deck thoroughly.
4. Select the right cleanser for your particular type of deck.

• Wood deck – Standard deck cleaners would do. You simply have to follow the instructions in the box.
• Vinyl deck – Use a mild soap along with warm water when removing mildew, mould and dirt.
• Composite deck – There are cleaners specially formulated for composite materials. You can remove stains and oil by using commercial detergents and degreasers.

5. Clean the deck during a cloudy day so the cleanser won’t evaporate fast.

• Wood deck – Apply the cleanser using a garden sprayer, a stiff-bristled brush broom or a paint roller. Make sure you scrub the deck clean before letting it dry.
• Vinyl deck – Use a stiff broom and scrub in circular motion. Do not forget to rinse thoroughly after applying the cleanser.
• Composite deck – Avoid pressure washing this type of deck. Using a soft-bristled brush is enough to clean the material.

Cleaning Different Types of Floors

There is no one way to clean different types of floors. So, make sure you do your research first before you purchase cleansers and other cleaning supplies. Follow our tips below so you can properly clean your floor and extend its life.

Cleaning Hardwood Floors

1. Remove dirt, pet hair, dust and debris by using a vacuum or a dust mop.
2. Periodically clean your hardwood floors using a liquid cleaner you can buy from the supermarket. You can also make a cleaning concoction by mixing one part vinegar with ten parts of warm water.
3. Dampen a sponge mop or a rag with your chosen cleaning solution.
4. Rinse the sponge mop or rag then use it to mop the cleaner off the floor.
5. Use a clean, dry towel to remove the excess water off the floor.

Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors

1. Make sure you vacuum or sweep your tile floors several times a week.
2. Use a putty knife to remove sticky dirt.
3. Once you’ve removed the dirt, use a mop to clean the surface. Saturate the mop with a cleanser that consists of mild detergent and hot water.
4. Spray commercial-grade grout cleaner along the grout.
5. Let the grout cleaner sit for a couple of minutes. Scrub if necessary.
6. Buff the tile floor dry using a clean towel.

Cleaning Laminate Floors

1. To ensure deep cleansing, occasionally use a steam mop to clean your laminate floors. For daily cleaning, regular mopping would do.
2. For stains and spills, use a window cleaner. Just don’t use it too often as it can remove the laminate floors’ protective sealant.

Cleaning Different Types of Fence Materials

Just like floors and decks, there are different ways of cleaning fences, depending on the material they are made of. Let’s take a look at some of the common types of fences—vinyl, wood, steel and aluminium.

Cleaning Vinyl Fences

1. Purchase a vinyl cleaning solution or you can opt for a bucket of soapy water.
2. Saturate a soft rag with your cleaning material.
3. Wipe down the vinyl fence with your soft rag and pay more attention to areas that need extra cleaning.
4. Once you’re done cleaning, rinse the cleanser off your fence by using a water hose.

Cleaning Wood Fences

1. Lay plastic sheeting underneath the fence, just above the grass to protect it from the chemicals from the cleaning solution.
2. Mix one part bleach with two parts of water. You can also purchase a wood cleaning solution from the supermarket or your local hardware shop.
3. Use a soft cloth to apply the cleaning solution on the fence. Soak the fence with the solution and let it sit for a few minutes.
4. Rinse the cleaning solution off by using a water hose. If there are stubborn stains, use a power washer.
5. Let the fence dry and if you see some areas or spots that need further cleaning, repeat the aforementioned steps.

Cleaning Steel, Chain Link and Aluminium Fences

1. Simple dust and dirt can be sprayed off using a water hose.
2. With stubborn stains or dirt, mix a bucket of warm water with a cleaning solution.
3. Dip a soft-bristle brush in your soapy water and scrub the stains and dirt off.
4. Rinse the cleaning solution off by using a water hose.

It is true that it takes a lot of effort to properly maintain your house. Just consider cleaning as a pleasant obligation that will give you satisfying returns in the future. When you view it this way, you will be surprised as how much easier the task will be.