A clean patio cover is a happy patio cover! Here are some helpful tips on how to clean your patio cover.
Now that it’s been said let’s get to the tips!
When should you clean your patio cover?
You can clean your patio cover as often as you’d like, but we recommend a day that is sunny and not overcast. This will help your patio cover dry faster. We also recommend that you watch the weather and be prepared before any storms or high winds may occur. During the winter, snow may accumulate on your patio cover/ This could add a lot of weight to your patio cover roof and cause damage to the top or structure.
How Often Should You Clean Your Patio Cover?
This is a difficult question to answer as it will depend on many factors, including the climate and weather of where your patio cover is located. If your patio cover is in an area that gets a lot of rain, you’ll want to clean it more often than if it was in a more sunny climate. However, we recommend cleaning your patio cover at least once every few months to keep it looking its best.
Remove Debris and Leaves from the Roof of the Cover
First, remove any debris and leaves that have accumulated on the cover. This includes leaves, fir needles, and any other objects. You can use a broom with an extension to reach the entire roof or a water hose to spray down the top. Use a side-to-side motion to clean the roof of any debris you see. If you have a pressure washer, that will work, too. Be careful when using a pressure washer, as this excessive pressure can damage the cover.
Some hoses or pressure washers have extensions that add soap to the spray. This will help keep your patio cover rooftop extra clean. If the cover is vinyl, use a hose to blast it clean with water. If the body is plastic, use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suck up any dirt and debris.
Spot Clean All Surfaces
Most patio covers will have at least two stands or columns to support the patio cover. Others may have more depending on the size of the body. Wipe down the columns using soap and water.
Next, use a cloth or a sponge to clean all the surfaces of the patio cover. This includes the stand or column bases, the railing, and other characters. Clean around all edges of the patio cover.
Cleaning the Underside of Your Patio Cover
If your patio cover has a built-in underside, you can clean it using the methods described above. Be sure to clean under the stand or column bases and around all edges of the cover.
To prevent mold and algae from forming, the ceiling should only be cleaned once or twice a year. Of course, this depends on your climate. A more humid environment will need more cleaning.
If you have a smoker or a BBQ grill on your patio, the ceiling may collect soot or grease from the smoke produced. If this is the case, a de-greasing detergent may be required. Alumawood Factory Direct Patio Covers uses high-quality materials resistant to most household cleaners. If you need to use something more substantial, acetone can be used sparingly in small amounts as it will quickly remove the paint from the surface.
Use a De-Icer or Heater to Clean the Patio Cover
If you have a de-icer or heater on your patio, you can use it to clean the cover. Turn the unit on to its highest setting and wait until it begins to frost over. Once it has frosted over, turn off the team and use a garden hose to clean the cover.
Hire a Landscaping Company or Gardener
We get it; there’s only so much time in a day. And for some of us, that time is better spent doing more important things than cleaning a patio cover. So why not hire someone to clean it for you? It can be a landscaping company, a gardener, or even a teenage neighbor looking for extra money on weekends. Landscaping companies and gardeners already have the experience and proper equipment to clean your patio cover. They can do it faster and in more detail.
Need a New Patio Cover that’s Easy to Clean?
Set Up an Equinox Louvered Roof System Patio Cover from Alumawood Factory Direct.
You’re always in command with an Equinox® Louvered Roof System Patio Cover! Because the Equinox’s® 8-inch louvers are entirely adjustable, with a 160-degree range of motion, you can get as much ventilation or sun exposure as you want.
The louvers can be angled away from the sun on hot days to create filtered light. During a rainstorm, you can completely close the louvers and enjoy the rain from the comfort of your outdoor patio without getting wet. It’s the most adaptable patio cover on the market!
The Equinox® Louvered Roof System is straightforward to clean. You’ll need to open them up, so they are almost vertical, then stand on a ladder to clean the louvers with a cloth. Any debris collected on the roof while they were closed will fall through the slats for easy clean-up.
At the End of the Day…
We all want a patio that is clean and cared for. It’s a place to relax at the end of a long day, sip your coffee in the morning, and get together with friends and family. An outdoor patio is a way to be outside with nature while still being protected from the weather. Follow these simple steps to keep your patio cover looking great all season long.