Even an apartment is OK!Cleaning the balcony will keep this point in mind

The veranda, which is always exposed to the outside air, is a place where it is easy to get dirty. Still, it can be kept clean with regular cleaning. Here, we will introduce from easy cleaning methods to solid cleaning methods, and explain the points to note when cleaning the balcony.

4 causes of dirty balcony

There are four main causes for the balcony to get dirty.

・ Soil, sand, fibers, dust, exhaust gas, bird droppings and dead insects

What kind of dirt is likely to get on depends on how you use the balcony and the environment. Since each cleaning method changes, it is important to take measures according to the dirt.

Soil and sand

Soil, sand, pollen, etc. on the ground are carried by the wind and adhere to the balcony. Also, if you have a flowerpot on your balcony, the soil and sand can also cause dirt.

These stains can be easily cleaned with a broom and dustpan while they are dry, but if left unattended and stick to the wall or floor, they are difficult to remove.

Also, if soil or sand collects in the drain, it will cause clogging and poor drainage.

Fiber and dust

When you dry your laundry or futon on the balcony, textile debris, dust, and hair will fall on the balcony. If these are left unattended, they may cause clogging of the drain.

As with soil and sand, you can clean it with a broom or dustpan while it is dry, but if you leave it as it is, it will be difficult to remove it, so regular cleaning is important.

Exhaust gas

If you are facing a busy road, the oil in the exhaust will pollute your balcony. Oil stains from exhaust gas also accumulate dust and sand stains, so early cleaning is important.

Neutral detergent is sufficient for regular cleaning, but it is difficult to remove it with detergent if left unattended.

Bird droppings and dead insects

The veranda is also polluted by pigeons, bird droppings and dead insects. In addition to the visual discomfort, bird droppings are unsanitary and contain pathogens and allergens, so get rid of them immediately.

Easy way to clean the balcony

It is recommended to clean the balcony about twice a month because it will be difficult to remove the dirt if left unattended. First of all, I will explain the easy cleaning method.

Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner

Some people may be reluctant to use the vacuum cleaner outside. However, a vacuum cleaner is effective for cleaning the balcony. When using a vacuum cleaner, first remove bird droppings, dead insects, and large debris. In particular, if you vacuum the bird droppings, you will bring germs into your house.

When using a vacuum cleaner, make sure the balcony is dry. If the dirt is wet, it can stick to the inside of the vacuum cleaner and cause a malfunction. If you rub the dirt with a brush in advance, it will be easier to vacuum with a vacuum cleaner.

With the nozzle for cleaning the gap, not only can you do fine cleaning, but you can also wash the nozzle with water after cleaning, so you do not have to worry about bringing outside dirt into the house.

Cleaning with newspaper

You can also use old newspapers, brooms, and dustpans for cleaning. First, tear the newspaper to a suitable size, crumple it, soak it in water, and then sprinkle it on the floor.

Sweeping wet newspaper with a broom will entangle dust, sand, and hair. After that, collect the newspaper with a dustpan and the cleaning is completed. If you don't have an old newspaper, you can replace it with an advertising leaflet.

How to clean the balcony

If you want to clean it in earnest, you need to clean it with water. It's easy to use a high pressure washer, but some condominiums are prohibited by the regulations. Even if you don't have a high-pressure washer, you can clean it with the goods around you.

How to clean the floor

Even if the floor is cleaned of dust and dirt, dirt that cannot be completely removed will gradually accumulate. Therefore, if you clean it thoroughly about once every six months, you will be able to keep it clean.

First of all, move what you put on the balcony to another place so that it is easy to clean. Then sweep the floor with a broom and throw away the big trash.

Next, hang a solution of baking soda water or sodium sesquicarbonate on the floor of the balcony. After a few minutes, rub it with a deck brush to wash it. After brushing firmly, sprinkle water with a shower or hose to wash away the dirt, and cleaning is complete.

If you can't flush a lot of water, wash it with a household cleaner instead of baking soda and rub it with newspaper to wipe off the water. If the amount of water flowing in the baking soda is insufficient, the ingredients may remain white.

How to clean the drain

To clean the drain, first thoroughly remove the dust around the drain. Sweep with a small broom to remove dust cleanly. Wipe off any remaining dirt with a rag.

Next, prepare 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1.5 liters of water with half a tablespoon of citric acid. Sprinkle baking soda evenly on the drain in the form of powder, and sprinkle citric acid water from above to foam, so leave it for about 5 minutes. If you don't have baking soda, you can substitute sodium sesquicarbonate.

After 5 minutes, scrape off the dirt with a sponge or brush. Finally, flush it with water and clean it, and you're done.

In some apartments, the drain may be shared with the neighbor. In that case, let's say a word before starting cleaning to avoid troubles in the neighborhood.

How to clean bird droppings

Bird droppings may contain pathogens and allergens and should be removed carefully. Do not use things that you normally use for cleaning, such as rags and vacuum cleaners, as they will bring germs into your house. Immediately after the bird droppings are soiled, you can wipe them off with work gloves, rubber gloves, and wet kitchen paper.

If it gets dry and sticks, it is recommended to clean it with citric acid water. Sprinkle citric acid water on the dung stain, leave it for about 5 minutes, and then wipe it off with kitchen paper. Bird droppings are acidic and citric acid is alkaline, so they can be removed cleanly.

How to remove moss

Verandas in poorly lit and humid environments may have green stains. This is moss. Hot water is an effective way to remove moss. Sprinkle boiling water about 3 times, and after a while, rub it with a brush to remove the roots. If you do not remove the moss from the roots, it will grow again soon and it will not be effective enough.

Depending on the material of the wall or floor, boiling water may not be applied. First, pour boiling water over an inconspicuous place and check for any changes before using it.

If the moss cannot be sprayed or cannot be removed by boiling water, use a spray-type chlorine bleach to remove it.

Precautions for cleaning the balcony

Depending on the material of the floor or wall, it is necessary to take care not to disturb the surroundings when cleaning the balcony. Here, we will explain the precautions for cleaning the balcony.

Cleaning is recommended on cloudy days

The best time to clean is not on a sunny day, but when it is a little cloudy. This is because the humidity increases and dust and soil are less likely to fly.

On a sunny day with low humidity, dust will fly up and dirt will be attached again soon. In addition, it may cause trouble to the neighborhood and lead to troubles in the neighborhood.

If you can't use water on the balcony

In apartments such as condominiums and apartments, cleaning the balcony with running water may be prohibited by the regulations. The balcony is a common area, so be sure to check the terms.

If you can't flush the balcony, do a lot of sweeping. If the dirt cannot be removed without using water, use a watering can and clean it with a small amount of water. If you wipe it off with newspaper after cleaning, you will not bother others.

For urethane waterproof balconies

Urethane waterproofing is a waterproofing method in which liquid urethane resin is applied in multiple layers, and a rubber-like film is formed on the floor. Urethane waterproof balconies have a soft coating and are easily scratched, so deck brushes cannot be used.

Urethane waterproofing requires diligent cleaning because the waterproofing function itself deteriorates if dust adheres to it. Clean the urethane waterproof balcony with a tightly wrung cloth, cloth, or sponge.

summary

How to clean the balcony depends on the type of garbage. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind the proper cleaning method.

It feels good to keep the balcony clean. It doesn't need to be cleaned as often as indoors, but if you clean it about twice a month to remove dust, a clean balcony will last longer.

(Last updated: 2022.03.10) * The content of this article was created based on the information at the time of writing. The system and contents are subject to change after publication, so please check the latest information on each website. ~ This article is also read ~ What is the empty space on the balcony? How to use and points to know What is the difference between veranda, balcony and terrace? Explaining the meaning and usage of terms How to use the balcony of an apartment | Make the balcony fashionable and more fun! ~ Related Links ~ Simulate the amount of mortgage that can be borrowed Simulate how much you can save by refinancing a mortgage Make a reservation at an ARUHI store