Yes, proper techniques and strategies will depend on the specific structure. For instance, pressure washing is an effective cleaning method for portable sheds with metal siding; however, it may damage portable sheds with vinyl siding. The flooring of portable buildings may also influence the ideal cleaning solution.

Storage sheds that lack traditional flooring and instead rest on dirt or a bare concrete slab may benefit from a different cleaning approach than a storage shed with plywood, pressure-treated wood, laminate, interlocking rubber tiles or vinyl flooring.

The primary reason most people clean their portable shed, pole barn or carport is to protect the items they store within the structure and ensure the storage space is safe and free of rodents or other pests. Some maintenance chores, like applying sealants, stains, new paint or treating mold and wood rot, could also help prevent damage that may necessitate premature portable shed replacement.

Proper Cleaning Techniques for Different Materials

Metal

• Apply a mild detergent and water solution with a soft-bristled brush or a sponge and rinse thoroughly.
• For tough stains, use a non-abrasive cleaner. Avoid steel wool or abrasive brushes.
• Regularly inspect for rust. Use rust remover and apply rust-inhibiting primer and paint if you do find rust.

Vinyl

• Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean vinyl siding with a water and mild dish soap solution. Thoroughly hose down the exterior when you finish.
• For mold and mildew, mix one part bleach with four parts water. Let the solution sit after application before rinsing.
• Pressure wash on a low setting, keeping the nozzle at least 12 inches from the siding’s surface.

Wood

• Use a mixture of water and a mild wood cleaner. Scrub gently with a soft brush or cloth and rinse thoroughly.
• For mildew and algae, use a solution of one part vinegar and three parts water. Apply, scrub and rinse.
• Periodically reseal or stain the wood to protect it from the elements.

Concrete Floors

• Sweep or use a leaf blower to remove loose dirt and debris.
• There are specific concrete cleaners designed to remove grease, oil and stains that are common in workshops and garages with concrete floors, but you may also be able to use more traditional vinegar and water or dish soap and water solutions if you’re just using a shed for storage and the floor doesn’t have any heavy-duty residue or stains.
• Applying a concrete sealer periodically can protect slabs against stains and moisture penetration.

Proper Cleaning Tips

Exterior Cleaning

For exterior cleaning, be sure to clean on a day with a sunny weather forecast to enable quicker drying. As long as the exterior isn’t made with wood or vinyl, power washing is an efficient way to clean accumulated dirt, grime and stains on your shed’s siding.

For portable sheds, especially those with gutters and painted or stained wood siding, manual cleaning with a garden hose, a scrub brush and soap and water will help clean the structure without risking potential damage. For stubborn stains or mildew, a toothbrush can be used for detailed cleaning. Rinse the exterior thoroughly with plain water to remove any soap residue.

You should also regularly check and clean the gutters to prevent debris accumulation, which can lead to roof leaks and interior water damage. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your shed and protecting the property you store inside.

Interior Cleaning

It’s easy for home storage spaces to become cluttered, especially if you’re using it to dump items you rarely need and don’t want to store inside your home’s closets or your attached garage. As a result, storage sheds can quickly transform into unnavigable, rarely visited messes that might make attractive homes for pests, rodents, snakes and other Florida wildlife.

If this is the case with your storage shed, periodic emptying and thorough cleaning are good ways to protect the property you want to keep and dispose of items you no longer need.

Start by sorting stored items into categories: keep, donate, recycle or discard. This can help homeowners clear out unnecessary clutter and make the cleaning process more manageable.

Once the shed is empty, use a broom to sweep out dust, dirt, cobwebs and nests. For corners and tight spaces, a vacuum with a hose attachment can be effective.

For floors, the best cleaning method will depend on your structure and how you use it. For example, if you need to clean a garage or carport, you may want to invest in a concrete cleaning solution to treat oil spills and stains from fluid leaks. If the floor is particularly dirty, a pressure washer can be used for a deep clean.

Get the Right Portable Storage Solution for Your Panama City Property

Bestway Portable Building sells and constructs sturdy portable sheds, pole barns and carports that can be customized based on your unique needs and preferences. We use high-quality, long-lasting materials that require minimal maintenance so you can worry less about upkeep.

For over 20 years, the experienced craftsmen at Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. have been custom designing and building structures throughout the Panhandle. Call (850) 747-8974 today or visit us online to get a free quote for a custom storage building.