Regularly maintaining your wood or composite deck is crucial year after year. Maintenance may include sweeping, power washing, staining and sealing your deck. Additionally, staining and sealing your wood deck with a stain like Ipe Oil will help protect it through even the harshest conditions – which is important in the Midwest.

Before using Ipe Oil, note that it is a deck stain. There are other solutions to clear sealing and cleaning that you can view here, or at your local hardware store.

Power washing and sealing regular, decorative or exposed aggregate concrete is important to maintain the look and quality of the concrete as it was when it was first poured. Washing your concrete is especially important after it has been salted throughout the winter months.

Sealing will increase durability, extend the concretes life, provide protection and enhance its color. The cost of replacing concrete far exceeds the investment in regular power washing and sealing. 

Evaluating your grill and performing any maintenance necessary for a worry-free grilling experience is important. Throughout each use, your grill can accumulate grease and grime build up, so it is crucial to clean it to increase the grills life span and performance. To view how to properly clean your stainless-steel grill grates, visit our past blog!

Patio furniture spends a significant amount of time outdoors, so it is the perfect prospect for routine cleaning. Most outdoor furniture can be cleaned using a mild soap, or white vinegar for difficult stains. If the furniture cushions have zippers, unzip them and put the covers in the washer on gentle to freshen them up. If there are no zippers, the cushions can easily be cleaned with soap water and a sponge, then left to air dry.

Notably, it is important to follow your manufacturers instructions. Not all cushions and covers can be cleaned the same as above.

Both windows and doors are susceptible to harsh winter weather, so they can be left looking dingy and dirty. To leave your windows looking sparkly and new, it only takes a little soap, water and a good sponge. Checking the window seals, weather strips and caulking/silicone will also maximize your HVAC efficiency throughout every season.

When planning to clean your doors, take into consideration what material they are made of. If you have a wood door, it may need to be cleaned with a wood cleaner and have a new coat of polyurethane applied. If you have a fiberglass door, it can be treated the same as your windows – soap, water and a sponge will do the trick. You can also add a coat of polyurethane to fiberglass doors.

Note that it is important to also check your manufacturers cleaning and maintenance instructions.