Quick Answer
Deep clean your patio in 8 steps: Clear furniture, sweep debris, pre-treat stains, scrub or pressure wash, rinse thoroughly, clean furniture separately, wipe glass and railings, and let everything dry before reassembling. Do this 2-4 times per year.
San Diego's incredible weather means we live outdoors more than most cities. Our patios, decks, and balconies are true extensions of our homes—where we eat, entertain, work, and relax. But this heavy use means outdoor spaces need regular attention to stay beautiful and safe.
Unlike interior spaces, patios face unique challenges: sun exposure, bird droppings, BBQ grease, pollen, and (near the coast) salt spray. A seasonal deep clean prevents buildup that becomes impossible to remove and extends the life of your outdoor surfaces.
Patio Cleaning Process
Clear the Space
Remove all furniture, planters, rugs, and decor. This gives you full access to clean every corner. Shake out outdoor rugs and cushions while they're off the patio.
Sweep and Remove Debris
Sweep the entire patio surface, including corners and edges. Remove leaves, dirt, and cobwebs. For textured surfaces, use a stiff broom to get into crevices.
Pre-Treat Stains
Address specific stains: grease from BBQ (dish soap or degreaser), rust (lemon juice + salt), mold/mildew (bleach solution for concrete, vinegar for wood). Let treatments sit 10-15 minutes.
Scrub or Pressure Wash
For routine cleaning, scrub with a brush and soapy water. For deep cleaning, use a pressure washer with appropriate settings. Work in sections, overlapping strokes for even results.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse away all cleaning solution with a hose. Ensure no soap residue remains—it can make surfaces slippery and attract new dirt. Work from high points to low for proper drainage.
Clean Furniture
While the patio dries, clean outdoor furniture. Wipe down frames with appropriate cleaners, wash cushion covers if removable, and scrub plastic or resin furniture with soapy water.
Clean Glass and Railings
Wipe down any glass table tops, light fixtures, and railings. Use glass cleaner for transparent surfaces and all-purpose cleaner for metal or painted surfaces.
Let Everything Dry
Allow the patio surface to dry completely before replacing furniture. This prevents trapping moisture that leads to mold. San Diego's dry climate helps surfaces dry quickly.
Cleaning by Surface Type
Concrete/Pavers
Most forgiving surface. Use pressure washer at 2500-3000 PSI. Pre-treat oil stains with kitty litter overnight, then degrease. Seal annually to prevent staining.
Wood Deck
Use lower pressure (1500-2000 PSI) and sweep with the grain. Apply deck cleaner first, let sit, then rinse. Re-stain or seal every 2-3 years to prevent graying and splitting.
Tile/Stone
Clean grout lines with a scrub brush. Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone. Seal porous stones like travertine annually. Use pH-neutral cleaners for routine maintenance.
Composite Decking
Gentle soap and water usually sufficient. Don't use pressure washer above 1500 PSI. Avoid bleach which can discolor. Follow manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.
San Diego Patio Care Tips
Sun Protection
Our intense sun fades and degrades outdoor furniture. Use UV-resistant covers when not in use. Clean early morning or evening when surfaces are cool—midday heat evaporates cleaners too fast.
Santa Ana Cleanup
After Santa Ana wind events, patios get coated in fine dust. A quick hose-down prevents this dust from becoming embedded. Check during fire season for ash that needs immediate removal.
Coastal Salt
If you're within a few miles of the ocean, salt spray corrodes metal and leaves residue on all surfaces. Monthly fresh water rinses prevent buildup. Use marine-grade furniture near the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my outdoor patio?
Sweep weekly and deep clean seasonally (2-4 times per year). Near the coast, monthly hosing helps remove salt buildup. Clean immediately after parties, BBQs, or Santa Ana wind events that deposit dust and debris.
Can I pressure wash my patio?
Yes, but use appropriate PSI for your surface: 1500-2000 for wood decks, 2500-3000 for concrete/pavers. Hold the wand 6-12 inches away and test in an inconspicuous area first. Avoid pressure washing on windy days.
How do I remove mold from outdoor furniture?
Mix 1/4 cup white vinegar per quart of water for fabric. For plastic and metal, use dish soap and water. For persistent mold, try a solution of 1 cup bleach per gallon of water on colorfast materials only.
What's the best time to clean my patio?
Early morning or late afternoon when surfaces are cool. Avoid midday sun which causes cleaners to evaporate too quickly. In San Diego, overcast marine layer mornings are ideal for cleaning.
Art Machekin is the founder of Metla House Cleaning. Before starting the company, Art worked as a professional cleaner — hands-on experience that gives him a deep understanding of the techniques and details that matter most in delivering a spotless home.
Related Articles
Indoor-Outdoor Living
While outdoor spaces are DIY territory, keep your indoor spaces professionally clean to match. Our deep cleaning service gets every corner so you can enjoy both spaces.
Book a CleaningLearn About Deep Cleaning