As the beautiful days return, you might notice the marks left by winter while inspecting your terrace. Dried leaves, grease splatters from barbecues, or even stubborn moss: the tiling on your terrace often needs a thorough clean.
How can you achieve this effectively and naturally without harmful products or those dangerous for the environment? Here are some simple and practical tips to get your terrace looking impeccable!
Commence with the proper material: use a scrub brush
Before adding any products or detergents, equip yourself with a hard-bristled scrub brush and very hot water. This is your basic tool. With this duo, you can easily eliminate most common dirt found on your terrace.
Depending on the type of tiling on your terrace, you’ll need to tailor your cleaning method. Here are the best natural recommendations based on the materials used.
1. Natural black soap: perfect for a gentle cleaning
Commonly found on our terraces, ceramic stoneware is appreciated for its natural shine and ease of maintenance.
Here’s how to restore its luster:
- Simply mix 3 liters of hot water with 3 caps of black soap. Scrub vigorously with a brush, then rinse thoroughly with clear water.
- For particularly stubborn stains, prepare a thick paste of black soap and baking soda. Apply it to the stains, let it sit for 1 hour, and scrub before rinsing thoroughly.
No need for aggressive chemical products; black soap is your best ally for everyday cleaning.
2. Remove moss and lichens easily with white vinegar
Is your terrace humid or shaded in winter? It likely has developed moss or lichens in the gaps of the tiling.
To tackle this:
- First, perform a classic clean with hot, soapy water.
- Once your terrace is dry, generously spray a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
- Let it act for a few minutes, gently scrub the affected areas, and then rinse thoroughly.
Your surface will then regain its freshness and tidy appearance, even after a long and damp winter.
3. Say goodbye to greasy marks with Sommières clay
For embedded grease residues (typically around the barbecue area or after meals on the terrace), try a solution that’s often overlooked but very effective: Sommières clay.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Sprinkle this natural powder generously directly on the greasy stains.
- Let it sit for several hours, then vacuum up the residue.
- Finally, scrub with a mixture of water and baking soda before rinsing to eliminate any remaining residues.
4. Pressure cleaner: effective but use with caution
Indeed, using a pressure cleaner is tempting due to its speed and power. However, caution is advised! While it is very practical for an intensive annual clean (for instance, at the beginning of spring), avoid making it a regular habit.
Overuse may eventually damage the surface layer of the tiling as well as the joints. Reserve its use for deep annual cleaning, followed by regular maintenance using the natural products mentioned earlier.
We want to hear from you! What’s your favorite method for cleaning your terrace? Have you tried one of these natural tips? Do you have another method? Let us know everything in the comments below. Share your experiences and personal tips with our community. We look forward to discovering your advice and feedback!