As homeowners we’re always on the lookout for ways to preserve and protect our homes. We go out of our way to keep our homes clean, and make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. Despite this, there may be times when our efforts could be causing more harm than good. Check out some of these common mistakes most homeowners make on their outdoor room areas.

USING A “UNIVERSAL” CLEANING AGENT

Good patio timbers are built and treated to be hardy and able to withstand frequent use, as well as the elements. As with most things “specialized” though, maintenance requires more than just any “all-purpose” solution.

Tests have shown how common indoor cleaning chemicals are not only ineffective for patio use, but can sometimes even cause further harm to your patio itself. That’s because most universal cleaning agents actually “clean away” your patio’s protection, therefore cutting on its lifespan. Rather than using more of those “all-in-one” cleaners, check the hardware aisles for one that’s specifically made for the type of wood on your patio.

TOO MUCH CLEANING

Too much of anything can be a bad thing. In the case of keeping your alfresco design clean, too much cleaning can also be causing more harm than the immediate good that you see in your home. While it’s understood that you only want what’s best for your timber patio when you keep cleaning, chances are that the materials that you use for cleaning are not meant for constant, frequent use. And I’m not just talking about the chemicals mentioned in the previous point.

Too much brushing down on your timber deck could cause scratching or fading you wouldn’t otherwise want on your floors. Make sure you consult with experts regarding the materials you can and cannot use on your floor. This way you’re sure that any measures you take in cleaning your wooden patio floors won’t result in you damaging them.

DIY ADD-ONS

Being an involved homeowner often means making constant changes to your home to suit either your growing needs or your shifting tastes. DIY projects have also seen a huge rise in proliferation in this age of social media, which has birthed many a DIY Fail (also commonly found on the internets).

Even if your DIY projects don’t turn out to be one for the #Fail blogs, if you don’t have the experience and structural knowledge, chances are your project could still cause some long-term problems for your patio in Perth. Your best bet: find a professional to work on your al fresco projects for you.