The weather is getting warmer as we say adios to winter and hello to spring.
And of course, with spring comes Spring Cleaning!
But what about that balcony?
Patios and balconies don’t get much love during the colder months, so we decided to dedicate this post to balcony cleaning tips and tricks to get your patio in tip-top shape for the wonderful weather to come.
Find out how to naturally get rid of rust, moss, and winter residue left behind on your balcony as well as how to decorate for spring without breaking the bank.
Let’s begin!
Balcony Winter Woes
Winter can do its share of damage. Now that the snow is gone and the wind has eased up, behold the rust stains, slimy green moss, and trails of chalky, dirty residue left behind on your balcony.
But don’t panic!
You can easily clean this all up with simple household items (and without harmful chemicals). Here’s how to handle each of those pests.
Rust Removal
Even if you don’t have metal patio furniture, you may still find rust on the metal parts of plastic furniture and on your railings. If not cleaned off, it can stain your clothes and drip off onto the balcony floor. It can also be potentially harmful to children and pets so it’s best to get rid of it.
There are a few ways you can tackle the rust cleaning process:
1. Rag & Water
The easiest way to remove rust is simply with a rag and water. Get a bucket of water and lightly dip the rag and scrub away the rusted areas. You can also swap the rag or use it in combination with a wire brush if you need something stronger to scrub with. After cleaning, wipe off the areas with a dry rag.
2. Baking Soda Method
You can also mix baking soda with water to create a cleaning paste. Spread the paste on the rusted surfaces and gently scrub with a rag or wire brush. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 Mississippi’s and then wipe it off with some clean water, and then again with a dry rag.
3. Lemon and Salt Trick
Lastly, the lemon and salt technique is another way to tackle those rusted stains. All you need to do is squeeze the juice of a lemon into a bowl, add some salt and apply the mixture over the rust. Then, scrub with a rag until the rust comes off. Wipe off with clean water and then again with a dry rag.
Moss Clean-up
Moss thrives in dark and moist environments, especially during cool weather. If not removed, it could cause surface decay. It is also slippery, which can pose a safety hazard, so it needs to go.
There are a number of chemical products you could buy to kill moss growing on your balcony, but the most natural way to remove its traces is to use white vinegar.
Here’s how to do such:
Step 1: Pour white vinegar directly on the moss and let it sit for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Rinse the vinegar and moss off with a hose or wipe with a wet rag.
Step 3: Use a dry towel/rag to dry.
Getting Rid of Other Winter Residue
As far as removing all the other dirty streaks and stains caused by the winter,
your best bet is warm water and a rag.
Also, make sure you clean any dirt, fingerprints, etc. off the sliding doors which lead to the balcony and wipe down the screen.
Don’t forget to give the patio floor a good, clean sweep as well!
What About the Cushions?
If you have patio furniture with cushions, those pretty, patterned pillows tend to wear over time too and collect dirt. Here’s how to get them looking fresh this season too.
Step 1: Combine 1 quart of warm water, 1 teaspoon dishwashing soap (like Dawn), and 1 tablespoon Borax in a bucket.
Step 2: Dip a sponge in the solution, then use it to scrub the cushions on all sides.
Step 3: Let the solution soak in for 15 minutes and then rinse with a hose or in your bathtub/shower. Just make sure you clean your bathtub afterward.
Decorate Your Balcony Like A Boss
Once all the gunk and grime is bye-bye, the fun part can begin! Who doesn’t love sitting on an adorable balcony surrounded by fresh flowers, a cozy pillow to put your feet up on, and tall sparkly glasses of fresh lemonade (or wine)?
No matter your decorative taste, the possibilities are endless, especially when you head to Pinterest for inspiration.
But, we also promised you a few easy and affordable decorating tips to turn that patio from passé to “oh, heyyyy.” Check out our secrets to stylish and inexpensive balcony décor below.
Table & Chairs
No balcony is complete without a little table and chairs. But, you don’t have to shell out the big bucks for a cute set. Wayfair has adorable patio furniture with side tables as low as $30. They also offer free shipping on orders $49+.
Potted Plants
Decorative plants are a must to any fashionable balcony! But did you know you can easily and inexpensively DIY your own pots and planters? Use old watering cans, mason jars, and mugs. You can even get pretty glasses and candle holders from the dollar store which make adorable plant holders.
Lights
Nothing is trendier in the world of outdoor balconies right now than lights! Decorating with string lights or lantern lights is the perfect way to make your balcony glow on magical nights. And the best part? They’re not that pricey, especially if you’re decorating an apartment balcony. A box or two is all you need to stream across the railings or hang above awnings. For the best prices go to stores like Target and Walmart. Also, check out the selection of lantern lights at Michaels and head to their homepage for printable coupons!
Ready to Spring Clean Your Balcony?
There you have it, the tips and tricks you need to clean and decorate your balcony for spring. Let us know if we forgot anything! Of course feel free to share photos of your spring balconies with Hirschfeld Apartment Homes in Maryland too.
And for all our Eagles Walk Residents, don’t forget to submit your balcony photos to our Facebook page by March 24th for a chance to win the Eagles Walk Spring Clean Your Balcony Contest!
