Just because you live in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little slice of outdoor bliss. That balcony of yours? It has the potential to be your private sun trap, your herb garden, your happy hour hangout – if you keep it clean.
We get it, when life gets busy, the balcony can turn into the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ zone. A few leaves here, some dusty furniture there… suddenly it’s less urban sanctuary and more neglected corner. But a bit of regular love goes a long way.
Keeping your balcony clean isn’t just about appearances – it’s about making the most of your home. A clean, clear space feels better to spend time in, protects your surfaces from damage, and gives your apartment that top-to-bottom sparkle. In this guide, we’ll cover easy tips to keep your balcony fresh, functional, and guest-ready all year round.
Because let’s be real – who wouldn’t want their morning chillout spot to feel a little more “zen retreat” and a little less “grime and regret”?
Revamp Your Balcony with Fresh Tiling and Regrouting
If you find that you need frequent balcony regrouting Melbourne, you might consider changing your tile flooring to a fresh set of tiling or other balcony flooring surfaces. Over time, and with exposure to the elements, your balcony flooring can wear, tear and fade over time. A fresh facelift with some new tiling or another surface, such as concrete or even wood decking, may be the best choice here, as certain surfaces are easier to keep clean over others.
The right balcony flooring doesn’t just tie the space together – it actually helps protect it. In Australia, where the weather can go from blazing sun to sideways rain in the space of a weekend, choosing materials that are built to cope makes a huge difference.
Good flooring options can handle the heat without warping, resist moisture so you’re not dealing with water damage down the line, and are far less likely to stain or fade over time. That means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your morning coffee in peace. Plus, when it comes time to sell, a well-maintained, good-looking balcony is a serious value-add.
Keep Separate Sponges and Mops for Your Balcony
As outdoors can quickly become dirty and grimy due to exposure to the elements, you may want to consider keeping separate outdoor sponges and mops for your balcony. You can use a cloth wipe to wipe down the balcony railings, a sponge for the glass, a window cleaner, and a separate mop to use on the floor.
Not only does this help you mop floors the right way (no muddy crossover from indoors to out), but it also means your indoor cleaning tools won’t wear out as fast. Plus, having everything ready to go makes balcony clean-ups quicker and far less painful. Win-win.
Attach Privacy Screens
One drawback of a balcony attached to an apartment is that you lack privacy. You can kill two birds with one stone here by attaching privacy screens to your balcony as an outdoor upgrade. It will offer you a private refuge, so you can still enjoy a nice breeze and fresh air while you chill out on your balcony without worrying about what the neighbours will see.
At the same time, the privacy screen will limit debris such as leaves and other mess getting trapped on your balcony, so you’ll have less cleaning to do.
Sweep and Scrub Regularly
You’ll want to sweep, scrub and mop your balcony regularly to keep any messes small and manageable. To get a spotless home from top to bottom, make your balcony part of your regular apartment cleaning routine. When you’re tackling the indoor floors each week or fortnight, take a few extra minutes to step outside and give the balcony a proper sweep, mop, and wipe-down too. This will go a long way to keeping your balcony neat and clean for you to enjoy all year round.
What you use to clean different flooring types depends on the material. If your balcony is tiled or has a concrete slab, a mix of warm water and a mild detergent (dishwashing liquid will work fine) will usually do the job. Depending on how dirty the balcony surface is, you can apply it with a mop or a scrubbing brush. For stubborn mould or algae (common in shaded or damp spots), white vinegar or a specialised outdoor cleaner can be used.
Add in Easy Outdoor Storage
Consider adding some nifty outdoor storage to your balcony to keep it looking neat, organised and clean. You might include storage benches, where you can store your cleaning materials or your outdoor dining utensils to keep things tidy. Ottomans are also great to relax on, and they can help you store outdoor blankets, cushions, and other creature comforts.
Add Table Space
You may want to invest in a table for your balcony to help keep it neat, tidy, and clean. This way, you can sit and enjoy a cuppa outside during the warmer months, and by keeping the tabletop clear and clean, you’ll go a long way to keeping your balcony clean and neat.
Move it around occasionally to give the floor underneath a good clean, so you don’t end up with a build-up of dirt or mysterious sticky spots (you know the ones). And while you’re at it, why not use it as a mini outdoor station? Keep a couple of mugs, a jug for iced tea, or even a cute storage box with cutlery or napkins tucked underneath. That way, you’re not constantly carting things in and out, and your kitchen cupboards stay a little less chaotic.
It’s about making your balcony feel like a functional, relaxing extension of your home, not just a bonus space you forget about until spring.
A Word About Plants
Having some plants on your balcony is an excellent way to introduce a splash of green into your space and increase its aesthetic appeal. However, potted plants can make your apartment balcony dirty, as they may leak water and potting mix when you water them. When you clean your balcony, ensure that you move and clean under your pots, wiping away any residue of water or dirt.
Make Outdoor Living a Breeze
At the end of the day, your balcony should be more than just a patch of concrete collecting dust and dead leaves. With a little regular care (and a few clever upgrades), it can become your favourite nook in the whole apartment. A place for slow mornings, fresh air, sneaky afternoon snacks, or sunset chats.
By staying on top of cleaning, getting smart with storage, and adding some personality (hello, privacy screens and potted plants), your balcony can go from overlooked to overachieving in no time. So give it a little love, and enjoy that feeling of having a space that’s clean, cosy, and 100% yours, year-round.
Because life’s better with a view. Especially when it’s from a balcony that doesn’t smell like old mop water.
