Cleaners containing oxygen bleach break down mildew and other debris in 15 minutes or less without destroying the wood. They’re also safe for plants and people.
With a garden hose or pressure washer (holding the nozzle about 2 feet from the deck surface to avoid damage), rinse the cleaning solution from the deck. A good rinse makes the next step more effective. VIsit Deck Cleaning Summerville SC for more information.
A professional power wash of your deck can remove stubborn stains and dirt, including mold or mildew, from the wood. It also helps the deck regain its structural integrity and protects against further damage from moisture and sun exposure. Aside from improving the look of your deck, regular cleaning also increases its value as it becomes less likely to require future repairs and replacements.
Using a power washer to clean your deck is more effective than a scrub brush and requires less effort. It can also reach areas difficult to get to with a brush, such as between boards or under railings. However, you need to be careful to avoid damaging the wood with too much pressure or with the wrong settings on your power washer.
Before you start cleaning your deck, take the time to cover nearby plants and greenery with tarps. This will prevent the cleaning solution from inadvertently washing away any landscaping. It’s also important to wear safety equipment, including protective eyewear and rubber gloves.
First, sweep the deck to remove any loose dirt and debris. If the surface is particularly dirty or has tough stains, use a soft-bristled brush and cleaning solution of two gallons of warm water with one cup of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Then, use the power washer or hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the deck. Start with a low setting and hold the nozzle about six inches from the deck to avoid damaging it. A thorough rinsing will allow your cleaner to penetrate the surface and help it dry faster.
After the deck has been cleaned, it’s a good idea to wait 48 hours for it to dry completely. This will give the cleaning solution time to disperse and leave behind a clean, dry deck fully. A quick inspection of the deck during this drying time is also a good idea to look for any rotten planks or loose nails that need to be fixed. The sooner these issues are addressed, the less likely they are to worsen over time and become a safety hazard for anyone who uses the deck.
A wood deck gets a lot of use, and it can be a magnet for dirt and debris. Sweeping regularly is a good way to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris. However, it will only get you so far. If you want your deck to look like new, it needs a deep clean annually.
Begin by removing any furniture, plants, or toys and sweeping the entire deck to remove the debris. This will also help the cleaning solution penetrate the boards and loosen any dirt buried underneath. It’s a good idea to cover nearby plants and greenery with tarps during the cleaning process to protect them from any stray cleaning solution spills.
Next, saturate your brush with the cleaning solution. You’ll need to soak it for a minute or two to ensure it’s completely saturated, and then apply it to your deck’s surface. Scrub the deck in the direction of the grain, and then rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose. Rinsing will remove the cleaning solution and any dirt and debris loosened.
It’s important to use a nozzle at least 6-12 inches away from the surface of your deck. This will prevent the cleaner from damaging your decking or the paint, and it will also ensure that you’re getting a thorough rinse. After rinsing, it’s a good idea to let the deck dry for 24-48 hours.
Aside from a broom and a garden hose, you may also need a few other tools for cleaning your deck. A putty knife can help you pick up dirt stuck between the boards of your deck and even in the joists that support it. If your deck has a stain, there are several common household ingredients that can remove discoloration without damaging the wood. These include lemon juice or vinegar, table salt, and hydrogen peroxide. You can also purchase a commercial wood deck cleaner that contains oxalic acid, which is great for tannin streaks and stains around nails- and screwheads in cedar and redwood.
When a deck is heavily stained or dirty, scrubbing may be needed to remove stubborn debris and dirt. This is typically done with a scrub brush and deck cleaner. It is recommended to read the cleaning product’s instructions carefully, as some have specific dilution requirements, while others need to be applied directly to the deck surface.
It is important to clear the area surrounding your deck before starting. Remove any furniture, plants, and other items from the deck to be cleaned and set them aside for now. This is also a good opportunity to inspect the deck for rotting boards and loose screws/fasteners that will need to be tightened or replaced.
Scrub the deck using a stiff-bristled brush, applying the deck cleaner to a small area at a time. Use a hose with low to moderate water pressure to rinse the deck after you have scrubbed. Be sure to rinse all deck surfaces, including the stairs, to ensure no residue is left behind.
For less severe stains and mild dirt, you can clean your deck by hand with a bucket of hot water, some dish soap, and a stiff-bristled brush. This is a quick and easy way to freshen up your deck and remove mild dirt. For a stronger cleaning solution, you can use a commercial deck cleaner. Again, read the instructions for your chosen product and wear rubber gloves and eye protection as advised.
If you notice any moss or mildew growth, look for a cleaner that includes mildewcide. This is a special type of chemical that will kill the mildew fungi and leave the deck with a protective film that discourages future growth.
It is recommended that you allow your deck to dry completely before treating it. This is especially important if you use a bleach-based deck cleaner. You can speed up the drying process by running a push broom over the deck to knock down any remaining drops of water. It would be best if you also washed any tarps that were used to cover nearby items during the cleaning process so that they don’t dry with a layer of grime on them.
A wood deck is a great place to host a backyard barbecue or spend an afternoon in the sun, but it’s important to keep your outdoor space clean and healthy. A little elbow grease and a few household products can make your deck look brand new. Start by sweeping the entire area to remove dust, dirt, and debris, paying special attention to nooks, crannies, and corners where moss can gather.
Next, dip a scrub brush into your cleaning solution and work it into the surface of your deck. Most products will recommend that you let it sit for several minutes to allow the “enzymes” and other science stuff to do their magic. After a few minutes:
- Scrub the deck, concentrating on heavily soiled areas.
- Apply pressure and scrub thoroughly, but be gentle enough not to damage the wood.
- If you struggle to get the grit out of one area, switch to a stiff-bristled scrub brush.
When finished, rinse the deck with a garden hose to the highest spray setting. Be sure to leave a few feet between the nozzle and the deck surface to avoid damaging it with too much pressure.
After rinsing, the deck should be dry enough to use. It’s a good idea to wait 24-48 hours for the deck to completely dry before applying any additional treatments, like staining or sealing.
For stains caused by mildew or long-term staining, use oxygen bleach to clear away the buildup. Oxygen bleach is less harsh than liquid chlorine bleach and won’t damage nearby landscaping plants. Use a powdered oxygen bleach product, such as Oxiclean or Clorox Oxy Magic, to mix with warm water and apply to the affected areas of your deck. If the stains are especially stubborn, consider adding a bit of powdered Borax to your cleaning solution.
Another option is a specialized cleaner designed for use on outdoor surfaces. These specialized cleaners are formulated to remove moss, mildew, and lichen. They’re available as a spray or mop but read the label instructions carefully before using them since they may require longer drying times than other cleaners.