Reinvent Your Outdoor Living Space - written by Anita Koppens

Decks and patios receive a great deal of abuse from outdoor weather and debris such as snow, rain, hail and leaves. There is nothing more frustrating than socializing with friends or having family dinners on a dirty deck, especially when there are simple ways of cleaning a deck or patio that entail simple steps.

Many individuals trust in using a power washer for cleaning wooden decks. However, this can harm the wood and create erosion. The best way to start is by collecting some hand tools, which include a scrub brush on a pole, toilet brush, broom and hand scrub brush. Additionally, you will need a bucket, oxygen bleach, water, measuring cup and hand pump sprayer. After you have collected your materials, transfer all outdoor furniture, grills, plants and anything else you retain on your patio. Cleaning any grease spots that could have collected under or around grills is a great place to start. Blend liquid detergent to cut through the grease with scalding water. Scour the exterior firmly, though gently enough as to not damage the surface. Let it dry, and then sweep up the deck and patio.

Afterwards, mix six ounces of bleach for every one-gallon of water. Oxygen bleach is harmless for surrounding plants and flowers. However, you can locate more eco-friendly products in most health food stores. The bleach will bring the deck or patio back to the full glory of its original color. Also, the ions formed in the bleach and water will eliminate mildew and open up wood's pores. This step is very vital if you want to use a sealer on you patio after cleaning. Once you have waited several minutes for the bleach to dissolve into the water, you are now ready to apply the mixture onto the deck. Start by pouring the liquid on your deck. In several minutes you will start to notice your wood's original color emerge.

Following that, spray your deck with water from a hand pump sprayer. You can simply perform this project alone or with the help of a friend or family member. While you are spraying, have the other person scrubbing with brushes or spray certain areas and scrub before the mixture evaporates. The brushes should scrub dirt and grime away within minutes. Finally, take a hose and spray off the deck or patio. You will be astounded at the difference a little bleach and elbow grease can make when cleaning the patio.

Design your decks and patios as an extension of your home. You can make them more warm, inviting, fanciful or any different style you enjoy. Choosing brightly-colored fabrics for furniture is ideal for those who want their decks to really pop or match planted flower. You may want to use a specific color of flowers to complement the color scheme you are using. It is significant to remember to have the fabrics treated to withstand weather. Also, be sure to provide ample seating for visitors and family members. Including benches with storage space will give you more spaces to sit and permit you to store outdoor entertainment items. You may want to mix and match designs, but remember to pick cushions and pillows that have a unifying theme. Maintaining and decorating your deck and patio will offer you an added leisure space for enjoying friends and the outdoors.