Preparation: weather and house rules
Sweep the balcony and collect dirt before damp cleaning for its surface. Contain water, check building rules and stay safely inside the railing.
Choose a dry, calm day for cleaning the balcony. In wind, dust and leaves blow straight to the neighbours; in rain the floor becomes slippery. Also take a look at the house rules or tenancy agreement of your building. They often state what is allowed on balconies, for example regarding water use or quiet hours.
If anything is unclear, ask the property management before you start. Then move furniture, plants and decorations aside or briefly indoors as far as possible, so that you can reach every spot.
Start dry: sweep and collect
The most important step is dry. Sweep leaves, petals, soil and dust from the edges towards the middle with a broom, instead of pushing everything over the edge. Pick up the dirt with a dustpan and dispose of it properly, green waste in the organic bin where permitted and the rest in the household rubbish.
Remove cobwebs in corners and on the ceiling with a hand brush. Wipe railings and window sills dry first before cleaning them with a damp cloth.
- Choose a calm, dry day
- Move furniture and plants
- Sweep towards the middle, not over the edge
- Collect the dirt and dispose of it properly
Further reading
Clean balcony floors: steps by material
After sweeping, a bucket of warm water with a little mild cleaner is usually enough. Wipe the floor with a well-wrung mop or cloth. This produces hardly any water that could drip over the edge or through drains to the balcony below. Check beforehand that the balcony drain is clear.
Only use a pressure washer or garden hose if the property management explicitly allows it and the neighbours below have been informed. High water pressure can also damage joints, surfaces and waterproofing.
| Situation | Appropriate action |
|---|---|
| 1. Every surface | Sweep dry leaves and soil inward, collect with a pan; throw nothing over the edge. |
| 2. Tiles or natural stone | Use a material-approved cleaner sparingly; keep acids off natural stone. |
| 3. Wood or composite | Follow care instructions, do not soak; collect dirty water. |
| 4. Finish | Let surfaces dry, inspect only the visible drain and keep neighbouring areas clean. |
Railings, furniture and plants
Clean railings, glass balustrades and balcony furniture with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. Follow the manufacturers' instructions, especially for wood, plastic and metal. Do not lean out to clean the outside of the railing, and do not climb onto chairs or tables.
Put flowerpots on saucers so that no water runs onto the balcony below when watering. Cut off faded plant parts and collect them straight away. Hanging balcony boxes should be securely fixed and mounted on the inside of the railing.
Further reading
Safety first
Wet balcony tiles can be very slippery. Wear shoes with good grip and let the floor dry after mopping before putting furniture back. Do not use ladders on the balcony and do not work beyond the balustrade.
Do not mix cleaning products, and use only products intended for outdoor surfaces. Children and pets are best kept indoors while you clean.
- Wear non-slip shoes
- No ladders, do not lean over the balustrade
- Use only one suitable product
- Let the floor dry
A small routine instead of a big clean
A quick round every one to two weeks during the warm months stops dirt from building up. Sweep dry, empty plant saucers and wipe the table. Before winter, it is worth putting cushions away and checking your plants.
If you would like help with your household in the supported municipalities around Zurich and Rapperswil-Jona, you can book regular apartment cleaning with PUTZIO for CHF 40 per hour. Whether an easily accessible balcony is included, and to what extent, is agreed within this normal cleaning; PUTZIO does not offer special facade or pressure-washing work.
Further reading