Question: We are noticing a lot of pollen and dirt on the pool screen enclosure, which is ending up on our tables and chairs. Also, the deck looks dirty, dingy and much older than it is. What is the best way to clean our patio and pool deck safely?Answer: Let's start from the top down to make your job easier.Clean your screens first to eliminate any double work. Use household detergent and water to remove dirt and debris. Don't use the fine-tipped nozzles of pressure sprayers or single-stream high-pressure garden hose ends because they could rip the screen like a razor blade. It takes only a little water pressure and household detergent to restore the screens to an almost new and clean condition. Clean the aluminum frame in the same way, allowing the household detergent and water to remove any mold and mildew.Leaves, pine needles and small branches can block the water from properly draining into the downspout. This blockage can cause the water to overflow from the gutter, spill onto your screen enclosure and pool deck, and leave you with more to clean.

A common household degreaser should tackle the dirt and grime. For spots or stains requiring extra work, the important rule is to read the label and follow directions. Find a test area to try this solution. Dilute the degreaser, using the lowest recommended dilution first. An example would be 10 parts water to 1 part degreaser. Then if the stain doesn't disappear, gradually decrease the dilution, 8 to 1 and so on. After several minutes or when the stain is gone, immediately wash the area with water.You also can use diluted household degreaser on acrylic painted decks, river rock, interlocking pavers, and patterned, stamped or colored concrete to clean your deck monthly.Diluted household bleach (50 percent water/50 percent bleach) also will control and remove algae and mildew on your deck and won't hurt plants. First, spray any plants with water. That gives them an extra protective layer. Never use any product -- bleach, chlorine or muriatic acid -- undiluted. The results can be damaging, permanent and costly.

Always test a small area first, and then wash with water.Monthly general cleaning of your pool and patio area includes a good wash-down of your deck. Spot clean to remove any noticeable dirt and stains. Every 12 to 18 months, use a pressure-washer machine set between 2,000 pounds per square inch and 3,000 psi with no less than a 25-degree fan tip. A fan tip that is less than 25 degrees produces too much water pressure and can damage the deck surface permanently.Porous surfaces such as colored, patterned and stamped concrete along with interlocking pavers require more care than sealed surfaces. Often, these porous surfaces also have protective sealers applied before the job is complete.When the normal cleaning on any deck becomes more difficult or the luster of the sealer is dull or gone, it's time for a reapplication. Check with the manufacturer about how often the sealer could be reapplied; if applied too often, it might create a hazy look or the finish might flake.Rust stains from furniture and old grills could be removed by an over-the-counter rust remover.

Iron from fertilizer (especially if you live along the golf course) can be removed with diluted muriatic acid. Use no more than 5 parts water to 1 part muriatic acid; a stronger solution will kill vegetation. Rinse the surface first, and then apply the diluted solution. After two to three minutes, flush with water. If the stain is still present, try the pressure washer. Lottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoLottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoDo your homework before painting or sealing cool deckPuerto Rico birth certificates: How to get a new oneLottery results for Powerball, Florida LottoLottery results for Powerball, Florida Lottoautomatic pool cleaner rentalA pool screen enclosure can help keep insects and debris out of your pond. best budget vacuum cleaner nzHowever, if you do not perform some basic maintenance on it, the screen enclosure can look dirty and unsightly. mandarin oriental las vegas pool cabana cost

Follow these simple tips for a smart poolside. First clear the area of any plants, personal belongings and garden furniture to prevent them getting wet. Take the opportunity to consider whether you need all of this stuff by the pool. Does it make the area look cluttered? Whether the pool enclosure is made of plastic or glass, check whether there are any cracks or holes in it. If there are, these areas will need special care and attention during the cleaning process. Any excess pressure could make the defect worse. Next brush the pool screen enclosure down with a regular brush to release loose leaves and other debris. For stains caused by dead insects, fingerprints and the weather, mix up two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two pints of warm water. Scrub this onto the pool screen enclosure with a scrubbing brush, making sure that the bristles are small and not vigorous enough to damage the surface. Test a small area of the pool screen enclosure first. If the preparation is not powerful enough to shift the dirt on the screen, you may have to resort to chemicals.

Bleach is most people’s first choice for getting rid of mold. A well diluted solution is all you need for this job. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the container for the correct ratio of bleach to water. As with the bicarbonate of soda solution, be careful not to scrub too vigorously, as you could damage the surface of the pool screen enclosure. Next rinse the screen with a hosepipe. If your screen has aluminium frames, you may notice some discoloration caused by the bleach if you do not rinse the solution adequately. Using a chamois cloth, dry the screen. Tempting as it may be to skip this step, if the pool screen enclosure is left to dry in the open air, the drips from the rinsing stage could run and form unsightly streaks. Most gas stations sell kits for repairing small cracks and holes on car windscreens. With children playing around pool screen enclosures, it is easy to see how small stones can fly up and cause minor chips. If you have any on your screen, apply the filler in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow to dry thoroughly before you let anyone near the pool.