The terrace being outdoors, it is subject to bad weather, stubborn dirt and pollution. It therefore requires good maintenance and regular quality cleaning to ensure its longevity. However, let’s remember that being outside, it is close to our plants and the garden. Also, it is better to opt for cleaning products that are safe for the environment, but which will not compromise on the cleanliness of the floor! So no more chlorine and chemicals that poison our health in the process… So, how do you clean your terrace without any problems when it is made of wood, stone or tiles? Here are all our little grandmother’s tips!
Good to know: We’ll come back to this when the time comes, but not all terraces support a high pressure cleaner (Karcher, etc.). When comparing different models, choose a device that offers a brush attachment that helps clean while avoiding damaging the floor.
Clean your concrete terrace
This material being more resistant, we can use a high pressure cleaner. However, be sure to move the jet a little away from the ground so as not to apply too much pressure. Otherwise, elbow grease works great too! To do this, use a push broom. Then mix water and baking soda (also called baking soda or sodium bicarbonate, in the salt section). Scrub well then rinse with clean water.
For polished concrete, we will consider going a squeegee after the rain. This will remove most of the dirt. Soapy water with black soap (antiseptic, degreaser, stain remover, insecticide and cleaner) can also do the trick. On the other hand, as for marble which is washed with black soap diluted in water, we will avoid using acidic natural products (lemon, vinegar, etc.) on concrete slabs. This could make it porous.
Clean your tiled, natural stone or reconstituted stone terrace
High pressure cleaning must remain exceptional on the slabs of a terrace of this type. Indeed, this will be suitable for a very dirty terrace which has not been cleaned for a long time. However, this risks removing the glazed surface of your tiles. It would then become porous and impossible to maintain. Therefore, this good old push broom is more recommended than ever! Additionally, avoid cleaning when it’s too hot to avoid soap stains.
To clean the terrace, you can use water in which soda crystals or soap (Marseille soap or black soap) have been diluted. After scrubbing carefully, rinse just as thoroughly and start again if necessary. You can also mix equal parts baking soda and water and leave for an hour. On the terracotta tilesdilute soda crystals or baking soda in lukewarm water and use lemon water on their stains.
In case of stain on tilessprinkle bicarbonate or pour glycerin and rub the tiled slabs. White vinegar diluted in water will scrub the mold (to be avoided on porous stones). A bucket of water with 3 tablespoons of percarbonate of soda will allow recover a blackened tiled terrace (sandstone, concrete, marble, stone, tiles, etc.).
And for a wooden terrace, how do we do it?
Wood may be rot-proof, but it still needs a facelift! Here too, bring your own push broom (with bristles not too hard so as not to scratch the wood) and lukewarm water with Marseille soap or black soap. After cleaning by scrubbing following the grooves of the woodbe sure to rinse well. Then protect it with a thin layer of linseed oil to avoid dirt and water infiltration. Optionally, after cleaning and before oiling, you can apply boron salt to prevent fungi and insects.
For sobering wood, no need for industrial sobering product ! Sodium percarbonate will do the same job while being biodegradable. You will need to sober up the wood after taking care to clean your terrace. Mix water and this powder (the exact proportions can be found here), apply and leave to act before rinsing.
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