What counts as a lanai
A lanai is a covered outdoor living space attached to a house, common in warm climates. Some are open, some have screens, and some are fully enclosed with glass. How you clean yours depends on which type you have, mainly because of how water can drain.
Before you start: safety and supplies
- Never mix cleaning products. Do not combine bleach with ammonia (including some glass cleaners) or with vinegar or other acids. The result can release toxic gases. Use one product at a time and rinse between products.
- Ventilate. Open doors and screens while you work in an enclosed lanai.
- Keep children and pets out until floors and furniture are rinsed and dry, and store cleaners out of their reach.
- Be careful on wet floors. Tile and sealed concrete can be slippery.
- Use a stable stepladder for high screens and ceiling fans.
Supplies: soft broom, vacuum or leaf blower, hose, soft-bristle brush, microfiber cloths, bucket, mild dish soap, squeegee, and a non-abrasive floor cleaner suited to your floor.
Cleaning order: top to bottom
Work from the ceiling down so dirty water and dust do not land on areas you have finished:
- Remove furniture and cushions
- Dust ceiling, fans, and light fixtures
- Clean screens
- Clean frames and tracks
- Clean glass
- Clean the floor
- Wash and return furniture
How to clean lanai screens
Screens collect pollen, dust, and mildew. Be gentle, because they tear and stretch easily.
- Brush or vacuum loose dust with a soft brush attachment.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a bucket of warm water.
- Wipe with a soft sponge or brush in light strokes, supporting the screen from the other side with a flat hand or a board.
- Rinse with a hose on a gentle setting.
Avoid high-pressure spray, which can push the screen out of its spline or tear it. If mildew persists, use a cleaner labeled safe for screens and follow its directions. Do not assume bleach is safe for your screen or frame. The same gentle approach applies to window screens, covered in the best way to clean window screens.
How to clean aluminum frames and tracks
Aluminum is soft and can stain or pit. Wipe frames with mild soap and warm water, then rinse and dry with a cloth. Use a small brush or old toothbrush for tracks, and clear debris so water can drain. Many aluminum frames have a painted or powder-coated finish; see how to clean powder coated aluminum railings for care that also applies to similar finishes.
How to clean the floor and handle drainage
The best method depends on the lanai type:
- Open lanai: You can usually hose the floor, scrub, and squeegee water off the edge, away from the house.
- Screened lanai: Many have a low rail at the floor edge, so water cannot easily leave. Some people prop the door open and sweep water out, while others skip hosing and use a damp mop. Avoid flooding a space that does not drain well, because standing water promotes mildew.
- Fully enclosed lanai: Treat it like an indoor room. Sweep or vacuum, then use a damp mop with a cleaner suited to your floor (tile, stone, or sealed concrete).
For stubborn algae on pavers or concrete, a stiff brush and a cleaner made for that surface is a good start. Stone and some tiles can be damaged by acids, so check the manufacturer’s guidance. For wider exterior cleaning ideas, see how to soft wash a house.
Furniture, cushions, and glass
- Wipe frames with mild soapy water and dry. Wicker pieces need their own approach; see how to clean wicker patio furniture.
- Check cushion care tags before washing; many outdoor fabrics can be hand-washed with mild soap, rinsed well, and dried fully.
- For glass, use a glass cleaner and microfiber cloth. Do not mix glass cleaner with bleach.
What not to clean aluminum with
Common advice is to avoid:
- Bleach and ammonia
- Strong acids, such as muriatic acid
- Strong solvents
- Steel wool or abrasive pads
- Harsh oven or heavy-duty degreasers
These can dull, pit, or discolor aluminum and strip finishes. When unsure, test a hidden spot.
Preventing mildew and keeping it clean
Mildew thrives in damp, shaded spots. Improve airflow, keep drains clear, and dry wet areas after rain when you can. A quick weekly sweep goes a long way.
You may have heard of the 20 minute rule, which suggests setting a short timer for a cleaning task to make it manageable. It works well for lanai upkeep: 20 minutes to dust, sweep, and wipe furniture keeps big cleanups rare.
When to use soft washing or call a pro
If frames or walls have heavy algae growth or the lanai is large, a professional may be the safer option. They can handle ladders and use methods suited to your materials. Read our soft washing guide for how those methods work and what safety steps matter.