How to wash an apartment balcony without soaking the neighbour below
In a building, water from the balcony above lands on the laundry or the balcony below. The secret is simple: little water, pushed towards the drain, and never a jet over the railing.
Before you start
- Check the balcony drain is clear of leaves and soil
- Move pots and mats, and sweep up dust and leaves first
- Pick a time when the neighbour below has no laundry out, or let them know
Step by step, with little water
- A bucket of warm water with neutral detergent, never bleach or acid on the floor
- A mop or long-handled brush, scrubbing towards the drain
- Rinse with a little clean water, pushing it to the drain with a squeegee
- Wipe the corners by the railing with a cloth, not with running water
Green algae and dark stains
On a north-facing balcony, green algae return every winter and make the floor slippery (see slippery terrace in winter). A stiff brush and neutral detergent remove the fresh layer; old algae deep in the joints needs a different treatment.
A pressure washer on an apartment balcony?
With a home machine, the jet sprays water and dirt across the facade and the balconies below, and near the joints it can lift them. On small apartment balconies a brush works better. On large terraces, roof terraces and houses, professional washing with a rotary cleaner cleans evenly; the difference is in home machine or professional.
When to call
For terraces and roof terraces with old algae, terrace and deck washing costs from €5.5/m² (€89 minimum), guide price on the site. The best time is before the rains: see the autumn checklist.