Outdoor living areas are important extensions of our homes that play a big part of our enjoyment and lifestyle. Whether they are patios, decks, verandahs, pergolas or outdoor seating and gathering areas, these are the places where memories are created, meals are shared, and relaxation and enjoyment are our sole focus.
So with the enjoyment (and value) that our outdoor living spaces add to our lives, it’s of course important to maintain them. By maintaining your outdoor living areas, you can make sure they stand the test of time, and continue to serve you in these ways for as long as possible.
We’ve created this guide to maintaining your outdoor living spaces so you can do just that — with Melbourne’s seasonal specifics included. (We know you’ll want to be doing minimal maintenance during those cold winter months! So, we’ve covered general outdoor living maintenance tips, and season-specific timelines in this guide, made for Melbourne locals).
Outdoor living maintenance: the Melbourne weather edition
During the colder months in Melbourne, when we tend to stay indoors more, it’s easy to overlook our outdoor areas. But keeping on top of your outdoor living area maintenance is important, so you can enjoy your spaces for years to come. The solution is to stay ahead of your outdoor living maintenance throughout the year. So we’ve provided instructions on how you can do just that, with more maintenance during the warmer months and just enough to keep things welcoming and durable in between.
General cleaning and care
Keeping your outdoor living area clean and well-maintained makes it more inviting and also extends the lifespan of your space. We recommend setting up a regular cleaning schedule that suits your lifestyle and the seasonal demands of your area. For Melbourne this means keeping regular cleaning and care happening throughout the warmer months, followed by an extra-deep clean just before the winter chill kicks in, to tide you over.
On those rare sunnier warmer days throughout the winter, you can top it off with an extra clean, and this is a good idea to do if it’s been a while; but knowing you’ve done an extra good clean just before the cold sets in will give you a bit more breathing room before you need to do so.
For most outdoor materials, a gentle approach is best. Use soft brushes or cloths, and mild, environmentally friendly cleaning products to avoid damaging surfaces. This way, you’re not just caring for your outdoor area but also for our planet.
Cleaning tips for outdoor spaces (for common materials used)
When creating or enhancing your outdoor living space initially, choosing the right material is crucial. Each material, from classic wood to modern composite, has its own unique charm and specific care requirements. Be sure to check the requirements for the specific materials that you have chosen for your outdoor space.
Here are some general maintenance tips for the most common materials used for outdoor living structures like verandahs, patios, pergolas, and outdoor seating areas:
Wooden surfaces
Wooden verandahs, patios and pergolas made from wooden surfaces look stunning, but can be harder to take care of. Known for its natural beauty, wood requires regular sealing or staining to resist weathering and maintain its warmth and colour. When washing a wooden surface, be sure to use something mild like a mild detergent or wood cleaner and a damp cloth. Be sure that there is not too much water though. You’ll want to make sure the cloth isn’t too soaked. Be careful that the wooden surfaces are not left too slippery (the right ratio of detergent to water will take care of this).
Metal
Durable and strong, metal furniture often needs a protective coating to prevent rust and corrosion. Again, a damp cloth and a mild detergent or metal polish can work well, but you’ll need to make sure it’s not left wet, or rust and corrosion can occur. A safer option is to use paper towel to wipe off any accumulated dirt and grime, but depending on how dirty the metal is, it may need a proper wash down with the damp cloth, mild detergent and water combo.
Concrete
A sturdy choice for outdoor spaces, concrete benefits from sealing to protect against stains and moisture. Concrete is fairly hardy when it comes to cleaning options, so you have a wealth of options up your sleeve. If you have a large area, a soft bristled broom may help make this job easier. Depending on the concrete, a part vinegar, part water mixture can lift some of the grime, but be sure to wash it off afterwards with clear water.
Composite Materials
Combining the best of both worlds, composites are low-maintenance but occasionally need cleaning with surface-safe cleaning agents to keep them looking fresh. Depending on the exact composite materials you have, you may need to use different cleaning methods. Mild detergent and a bit of water work well for most things, particularly if this is rinsed afterwards with clear water and a clean cloth. If in doubt, don’t saturate, and just use a damp cloth.
Protecting your outdoor space from the elements
Your outdoor space is constantly exposed to the elements. Each brings its own challenges, and may include:
- Sun Damage: Over time, the sun can fade and weaken materials. Applying UV-protectant finishes and setting up shades or umbrellas can keep your space cool and protected.
- Rain and Moisture: Water is a common cause of damage to outdoor spaces. Ensure proper waterproofing and drainage to keep your area dry and free from mould and mildew.
- Wind: Secure your furniture and decor to prevent them from being tossed around or damaged on windy days.
- Temperature Extremes: Extreme heat or cold can be damaging. Consider using protective covers or storing sensitive items indoors during harsh weather to keep everything in prime condition.
Seasonal maintenance tips for Melbourne homeowners
Let’s face it; we live in a beautiful area, in the Greater Melbourne region. But it sure can get cold, which makes outdoor maintenance no fun. While it can be absolutely lovely to snuggle indoors during those colder (and darker) months of the year, it can be easy to forget about your outdoor spaces. So here’s some season by season tips to keep up with your maintenance so your outdoor spaces are ready for your enjoyment (and can give you enjoyment for longer).
Here’s how you can care for your outdoor space according to the seasons:
Spring outdoor living maintenance tips
Did someone say ‘spring cleaning’? Spring is the perfect time for a thorough clean-up.
This is a great time to clear away any debris accumulated over winter, check for repairs needed (so they can be done in time for your summer-ready outdoor living), and do your post-winter maintenance clean. This will prepare your space for all of the enjoyment in those glorious warmer months.
Summer outdoor living maintenance
Now you’ve laid the groundwork, you can focus on enjoyment and relaxation. Keep an eye out for pests though, and be sure to maintain regular cleaning (especially now these spaces are likely in high use) to ensure your outdoor furniture and outdoor living areas stay in great shape.
Autumn outdoor living maintenance
Now is a good time to prepare for the colder months. Do a really good deep clean towards the end of Autumn, or just when things start to get a bit cooler (and approaching too cold). Store any items that might not withstand winter indoors (especially if you’re done with using them for the moment). Clean and cover your furniture now to protect it from the elements. If you might still use your outdoor spaces, consider replacing any furniture not so suited for winter’s cold with some more weather-proof furniture temporarily (so you can still enjoy your outdoor spaces —- maybe with the addition of a few throw rugs and cushions for warmth!).
Winter patio and verandah maintenance
Winter is the time to protect your spaces from the cold and elements. This might include covering furniture, ensuring water features are drained to prevent freezing, and securing your space against storms and severe weather. If you have wooden surfaces in your outdoor spaces, or metal surfaces, now is the time to break out the polish to add a protective layer against the harsh biting cold air of winter.
Depending on your outdoor space and the dust around your area, you may need to do a couple of maintenance cleans throughout winter. However, as you’re likely in your outdoor spaces less, you’ll most likely not have to do this as often in the winter months. Our best advice is to pick a rare warmer day or sunny day to do so, to make this job as pleasant as possible. By doing a deeper clean and maintenance job just before and just after the colder months though, you’ll remove the need to do so much through the winter. Which is a win in our books.
Regular outdoor maintenance is key
In order to protect your outdoor spaces and extend their lifetime, regular outdoor maintenance is key. This includes cleaning your surfaces, polishing them (depending on your materials) and protecting them against the elements.
While it’s easy to forget in the cooler months when we spend more time inside, doing a bigger clean and protection job before, and after the winter will help tide you over, meaning you’ll only need to do smaller maintenance cleans on a few rare sunny days in between.
These spaces are not just extensions of our homes but reflections of our lifestyles. By taking proactive steps towards maintenance, (and doing it in a smart way based on the time of year), you’re preserving the beauty and functionality of your outdoor living spaces and making it easier on yourself in the process.
Looking to upgrade your outdoor living space?
If you’re looking to upgrade your outdoor living space in time for the next glorious round of summer days, or if you’d like to extend the enjoyment of your living spaces by upgrading them into something you can enjoy year-round, the team at Discounted Patios are Melbourne’s outdoor living specialists. We have all the recommendations for the best outdoor living solutions based on your home, aesthetic, budget, goals and needs.
We love helping create the perfect outdoor living spaces for people, and, as a local Melbourne business, we have all the tips for creating the outdoor living solutions that are going to get you the maximum amount of enjoyment. Whether it’s blocking out some of that chilly wind with privacy and decorative screens or adding blinds to block out the elements or catch the rare winter sunshine on the sunshiny days, our team will have a bunch of suggestions for you.
Just get in touch with our friendly team to learn more or get a quote, or see our recent projects for inspiration.