In Florida, the lanai is an extension of your living space. Whether you call it a lanai, screened porch, Florida room, or patio, keeping this space clean makes it more enjoyable year-round. Here's how to keep your outdoor living area fresh. And if you'd rather spend your free time relaxing on the lanai than cleaning the house behind it, our standard cleaning service handles the indoor chores for you.
What Builds Up on Florida Lanais
Even with screens, lanais collect plenty of debris:
Pollen & Dust
Cobwebs
Mold & Mildew
Bug Debris
Blown-In Dirt
Pet Hair
Step-by-Step Lanai Cleaning
Step 1: Remove Everything
Move all furniture, plants, and decor off the lanai. This lets you clean every surface and prevents soaking your belongings.
Step 2: Sweep and Dust
Start from the top and work down:
- • Use a long-handled broom to brush ceiling and fans
- • Dust light fixtures and any mounted items
- • Wipe down railings and vertical surfaces
- • Sweep the floor thoroughly into a pile
Step 3: Clean the Screens
Screens are the biggest dust catchers:
- • Brush screens gently with a soft brush or vacuum with brush attachment
- • Mix mild soap with water in a spray bottle
- • Spray screens and wipe with a soft cloth or sponge
- • Rinse with a hose on low pressure
- • Don't use high pressure - it can damage screens
Step 4: Wash the Floor
Most lanai floors are concrete, tile, or pavers:
- • Hose down the floor to remove loose dirt
- • For mildew stains: mix 1 part bleach to 10 parts water
- • Scrub with a stiff brush
- • Rinse thoroughly
- • Let dry completely before replacing furniture
Step 5: Clean Furniture Before Return
While the floor dries, clean your furniture:
- • Wipe down frames with all-purpose cleaner
- • Wash cushion covers if removable
- • Hose off plastic and metal furniture
- • Clean glass tabletops
Lanai Maintenance Schedule
Weekly
- • Sweep floor
- • Wipe down tables and surfaces
- • Remove cobwebs from corners
- • Shake out outdoor rugs
Monthly
- • Dust screens
- • Clean ceiling fan blades
- • Wipe light fixtures
- • Mop or hose down floor
Quarterly
- • Deep clean screens
- • Wash cushion covers
- • Scrub floor with cleaning solution
- • Clean outdoor furniture thoroughly
Annually
- • Inspect screens for holes
- • Check for mold in corners
- • Pressure wash (if appropriate)
- • Re-seal concrete if needed
If your annual check turns up mold in the corners or grime a quick scrub won't touch, the buildup has probably crept indoors too. Our deep cleaning service is built for exactly that, resetting the whole house from baseboards to ceiling fans.
Pollen Season Tips
During heavy pollen seasons (spring and fall in Florida), your lanai may need more frequent attention. Pollen doesn't stop at the screen door either, which is why many of our clients pair their lanai routine with recurring standard cleaning to keep the dust from settling indoors:
- Hose down screens 2-3 times per week during peak pollen
- Keep a small broom handy for quick daily sweeps
- Cover outdoor furniture when not in use
- Clean before entertaining - pollen shows on everything
Need Your Lanai Cleaned?
Our cleaning service includes lanai cleaning. We'll sweep, wipe, and freshen your outdoor living space as part of your regular cleaning.