How to Use Steam Cleaning for Outdoor Spaces

When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, most people want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Unfortunately, after a long winter, patios and decks often need some TLC to become beautiful and functional again. You could spend long hours cleaning with toxic chemicals, but there is an easier way. You can use a steam cleaner. Many people assume steam cleaning is only effective indoors, but it is actually very effective for outdoor spaces.

Preparing to Use a Steam Cleaner

Before you begin outdoor cleaning with a steam system, you need to prepare. Start by moving furniture, grills and other items from the space you are going to clean. This will save you the hassle of trying to navigate around them. Next, use a broom made for outdoor use to sweep away loose leaves, twigs and other items. Finally, use a power washer or basic garden hose to rinse away any stubborn debris that wouldn’t come off with a broom. It is important not to skip this step, as debris can clog your steamer’s attachments.

The Process for Steam Cleaning

A steam cleaner works by heating up water from your tap until it is hotter than 200 degrees — hot enough to create steam. Heating the water typically takes only a few minutes. Once the water is hot enough, you can use the steamer’s attachments to begin the cleaning process. When the steam reaches the surface of your deck or patio, it will quickly expand, causing ground-in dirt to rise to the surface. For the best results, use a pattern similar to how you would mow your lawn. This will ensure you don’t miss any spots. Don’t forget to get into the corners and cracks, places where dirt can easily be forgotten. Once you’ve completed the steam cleaning process, rinse it with a garden hose. Finally, let it dry completely, and then move your furniture and other items back into place.

The Benefits of Steaming

Steaming your outdoors spaces offers many benefits. It is much safer for you, your family and the environment. Typical outdoor cleaners use toxic chemicals that are harsh enough to cause eye irritation and breathing problems, which is especially bad for asthmatics. Consider you’ll be rinsing those toxic chemicals into the ground, and you can see just how they affect the environment. Steaming is also more affordable than buying cleaning products each summer, not to mention it’s much easier and faster.

Outdoor cleaning is one of those household chores you simply can’t get out of, but steam cleaning will make the process much smoother. You’ll be entertaining family and friends in no time!