Alright so my tennis court was looking like crap with dirt and leaves everywhere, and those moss patches made it slippery as heck. I wasn't about to pay those crazy cleaning service fees though - figured why not try doing it myself? Here's exactly what went down.

Step 1: Scouting The Battlefield

First thing I did was walk around the court real slow. Poked at the surface with a screwdriver to check for cracks - found two near the baseline that needed patching later. Noticed the worst gunk was in the corners where water pools after rain.

Step 2: Kitchen Chemistry Mixing

Went rummaging under the sink like a raccoon and found this stuff:

• Cheap white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Old broom with stiff bristles

Mixed up a bucket of hot water with 1 cup vinegar, half cup baking soda and a good squirt of soap. Smelled like salad dressing but whatever.

Step 3: Moss Murder Mission

Started by dry-scrubbing the moss spots with the broom - gotta break up that green crap first. Then dumped my bucket solution right on top and let it bubble for 10 minutes while I drank coffee. Came back and scrubbed like I was mad at it - green stains actually started disappearing!

Step 4: Pressure Washer Power Move

Borrowed my neighbor's electric pressure washer (told him I'd clean his driveway too). Set it to medium because high pressure can damage the court surface. Worked from one end to the other in slow passes, watching dirt literally waterfall off the lines. Felt like magic!

Step 5: Finishing Touches Mess

After drying overnight, saw some leftover stains under the net. Made a baking soda paste this time - smeared that gunk on like frosting and let it sit. Wiped off easily next morning with a wet rag. Filled those cracks with $4 acrylic filler from the hardware store.

Results and Lessons

Total cost? Like $12 for supplies and I own him a driveway wash. Pro quote was $350! Took me two afternoons but man that surface looks almost new. Learned three things:

• Vinegar solution works better than expensive cleaners
• Never pressure wash cracks before patching
• Baking soda paste is MVP for stubborn spots

Next time it rains I'll know if the drainage actually improved. Court's ready for Saturday match though - bring it on!