Your outdoor patio is exposed to the elements year-round. It is therefore not surprising that unpleasant odors can develop over time. Cleaning a patio to eliminate these odors is one of the most important outdoor cleaning tasks that should be carried out before the start of summer so that you can enjoy rest and stay in this space all season long.
Bad smells on a patio can be caused by a variety of causes, including mold, trapped moisture, spills and accumulated dirt. Not only do these smells make your outdoor patio less attractive, but they can also indicate deeper problems that need attention.
So if you're checking to make sure your patio hasn't been damaged during the winter and you notice an unusual smell, it's important to take immediate action to remedy the situation. Our experts recommend the following cleaning tips to help you maintain a pleasant outdoor space and protect your patio by preventing underlying problems from getting worse.
How to eliminate bad smells from your outdoor patio
"Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your garden odor-free. This includes sweeping up debris, washing the deck with a mild soap solution, and occasionally giving it a deep clean with specially formulated deck cleaners, says Steve Sylva, owner of landscaping company Steve's Services. "Not only does this routine keep the deck visually appealing, it also helps prevent odor buildup by removing surface dirt and debris that can harbor mold and mildew and create odors before they can penetrate deeper into the wood grain.
However, for odors that cannot be eliminated and are often caused by mold or organic decay, a more robust solution is usually required.
1. Identify the source of the odor
(Image credit: Laguna)
The first step is to find the cause of the smell, as treatment may vary depending on the cause. Gavin Warwick, founder of Boise Landscaping Company, explains how:
Start by using your sense of smell. Walk around the garden and try to find where the smell is strongest.
Next, inspect the deck for visible signs of mold or algae, especially in shaded areas where moisture is retained. Also look for stains that could indicate spilled food, spilled drinks, or a pet accident. These areas may appear darker or discolored.
If you're still having trouble finding the source, check out these common culprits:
- Under potted plants: Moisture can accumulate here, which promotes the development of mold.
- Between the boards: Dirt and moisture can get stuck between the decking boards and promote the formation of mold.
- Near Cooking Areas: If you have a grill or outdoor kitchen on your patio, food scraps and grease can also build up and cause odors.
- Furniture and carpets: Moisture and dirt can build up under carpets and garden furniture, especially if they are not moved or cleaned regularly.
If you still can't find the source of the smell, Gavin Warwick suggests it could be moisture. Use a wood moisture meter to check if the wood has high moisture levels, which can indicate mold growth.
If this is the cause of the smell, you will need to resort to more drastic measures than just cleaning to remove mold from a wooden deck , such as replacing dirty wooden boards.
2. Remove all residue
(Image credit: Ann-Marie Powell Gardens)
Start by thoroughly cleaning your patio. Using a mild detergent or a specialty deck cleaner like this TIMBERTECH Composite DeckCleaner from Amazon , scrub the surface with a stiff brush to remove dirt, grime, and organic debris. Pay particular attention to cracks and corners where odors may linger.
3. Sprinkle baking soda overnight
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To neutralize odors, baking soda can effectively absorb odors and dry out any remaining moisture.
Spread a generous amount of baking soda evenly over the surface of the deck, paying particular attention to the areas where odors are strongest. Let the baking soda sit overnight so it has enough time to penetrate the pores of the wood. This will absorb any remaining odors and dry out any moisture that could be causing the problem. The next day, rinse off the baking soda.
4. Clean with vinegar
When planning your patio steps, make sure they are the same distance apart for aesthetic and safety reasons.
(Photo credit: Andreas von Einsiedel/Alamy Stock Photo)
For more stubborn odors, applying a mixture of white vinegar and water may help. This natural solution kills mold spores and neutralizes odors without damaging the wood.
You can scrub the baking soda with a broom or brush and clean it with vinegar and water . With its natural disinfecting properties, vinegar can also help eliminate odors while cleaning the deck surface of any residue. Then rinse the deck with a pressure washer or hose.
The first layer of baking soda helps trap odor particles within its structure. The vinegar then provides further deodorization by neutralizing the odor-causing compounds trapped in the baking soda. Regardless of whether the compounds responsible for the unpleasant odor are acidic or alkaline, they should always be eliminated by the neutralization reaction.
"Both products are safe to use on your wood deck and are also safe for your landscaping and any plants that may be growing in the area (as long as you don't overuse them or expose them directly). says Ryan Farley, CEO of LawnStarter .
5. Use a homemade enzyme cleaner
(Image credit: Serena and Lily)
"For immediate odor problems, particularly those caused by organic decay such as leaves or food debris, a homemade enzymatic cleaner can be particularly effective," says Landscaping Steve's Services landscaping business owner Sal Musto.
"This cleanser is made by mixing sugar, lemon and water and letting it ferment for a few weeks. Natural enzymes help break down organic matter, effectively eliminating the source of the odor.
They are particularly useful when odors are caused by pet urine or decaying natural waste.
6. Try oxygen bleach to avoid stronger odors.
(Image credit: Atkin and Thyme)
An effective cleaning mixture that works particularly well against organic rot is a bleach solution diluted with water. Safe for the environment and deck materials, this solution removes stains and odors without harsh chemicals.
"For more difficult cases, like deep-rooted mold or stubborn odors, we use a product like OxiClean Odor Blasters MultiPurpose Odor and Stain Powder from Amazon ," says the owner of McLeod Landscaping Inc. "This non-toxic oxygen bleach is safe for colored surfaces, but effective against stains and odors. Not only does it eliminate odors, it also brightens the patio and gives it a fresh look.
- Apply oxygen bleach to your deck according to the manufacturer's instructions. This is usually one cup of oxygen bleach per gallon of water. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Pour it over the affected area of your deck and use a brush or mop to rub it evenly over the surface.
- Allow the solution to sit for 10 to 15 minutes to penetrate the wood and break down the organic matter causing the smell.
- Next, use a scrub brush to shake the surface of the deck to remove dirt, grime, and other odor-causing substances.
- Rinse the deck with clean water using a hose or pressure washer and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
7. Waterproofing and drainage
(Image credit: Wild Acres)
Once the deck is clean and dry, apply a sealer. This helps prevent future odors by blocking moisture absorption and protecting the wood from the elements. You should do this at least every two to three years.
"In addition, it is important to ensure that your patio has adequate drainage and air circulation," says Steve Schumacher, owner and operator of Boston Landscape Co. "Poor drainage can lead to water retention, which worsens the development of mold and odor problems ." . Ensuring your deck is slightly elevated or has enough space for air circulation can help prevent moisture buildup.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you wash your patio?
It is important to clean your patio regularly and clean up spills immediately to avoid absorbing liquids and residues that can cause bad smells. A well-maintained terrace rarely causes problems with persistent odors.
We also recommend a twice-yearly deep cleaning program using a water and oxygen bleach solution, which does an excellent job of breaking down odor-causing residue without damaging the decking material.
If bad smells persist, it is best to contact a professional. Sometimes the problem lies deeper than the surface, such as deep mold or rot and decay. A professional can help you diagnose and resolve these more stubborn problems.
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