Is your favorite backyard living space well beyond due for a complete and through deck cleaning? A task that is often easy to put off, regular deck cleaning keeps the dreaded chore from becoming a complete nightmare. No matter if your deck is made from wood or an engineered composite product, here are a few tips and tricks to deck cleaning - the quick and easy way.
Start With A Clean Slate
First things first, when it comes to deck cleaning, it's wise to just dig in and do the work necessary to clean the deck until it sparkles (at least once at the beginning of the season). The goal here is to remove any pesky mildew and other grime so it will be easier to maintain a clean deck throughout the remainder of the outdoor living season.
What should be used to clean a deck? It depends on the situation. Sometimes just a little warm, soapy water (kitchen dish soap works great) will do the trick. Just spray down the deck with a hose and spread the soap solution around with a broom. Be sure to really work the bristles of the broom into the grain of the deck's surface.
Other times, stubborn grime and stains require the use of a deck cleaning solvent. If such a product is necessary, be sure use one that is designed especially for the purpose. You'll find several good deck cleaning products at your local home improvement store - for best results, follow the provided instructions precisely.
Nine times out of ten, one of these two methods of cleaning a deck will completely do the trick. If it seems beyond hope, it might just be time to call in the pros.
What To Avoid When Cleaning Decks
There are a few common misconceptions out there when it comes to deck cleaning. First, pressure washers are sure handy, but they can also really accelerate damage to a wooden decking surface if set on too high of a pressure. Also, using harsh household products like bleach are simply not good for a deck's surface. It pays to avoid the temptation.
Once It's Clean, Keep It Clean
The hard work is done and the deck has been cleaned. What's next? Well, an annual application of water sealant or deck stain will help the deck stay clean and lustrous all season. In fact, a properly treated deck is a lot like a freshly waxed car - the water will just bead right up and roll off, taking the dirt and grime with it. A gentle hosing down will often be all that's needed to maintain it.
The best thing about regular deck cleaning is that just a little bit of preventive maintenance helps to keep the deck surface looking great all of the time and it prolongs the life of the deck for years and years to come. Making a deck last a lifetime really is quick and easy with frequent deck cleaning.
In order to maintain a wood deck properly, you must annually inspect and assess its condition. Look for any loose boards and mend them. Check the structural integrity of the deck. Fix what you are able to fix and get professional help if the repairs are beyond your skill level. Make sure there is no rotting wood, which is often discolored and soft. Replace any elements of the deck that are rotten. Look for loose nails and screws and tighten them.
After you have taken care of the deck structure, you are ready to begin deck cleaning. Start by removing any loose paint with a scraper. Use a sander on any loose paint that isn't removed by scraping. If you need to remove paint or varnish, you'll need to get the appropriate chemicals. Apply them carefully and use the proper precautions. Protective eyewear and chemical-resistant rubber gloves are essential at this step.
Once you've removed loose paint and stripped the varnish, you're ready to apply the deck cleaner. There are a variety of deck cleaners to choose from; you should use the type that your deck needs. Chlorine bleach cleaners are terrible for wood decks, as they are harmful to the wood. They also leave an unnatural residue. Oxygen bleach deck cleaners can safely remove mildew stains. They also are great for restoring the color to a sun-damaged deck and removing dirt. Oxalic acid deck cleaners effectively remove tannins from wood decks. Thorough deck cleaning usually requires a combination of oxygen bleach and oxalic acid to completely remove any stains from the wood.
Now that you've procured the proper cleaning solutions, it's time to prepare the surrounding areas. Cover any plants near the deck and spray the area with water to dilute any chemical overspray. Mix the solution according the directions, being sure to wear your protective eyewear and gloves. Working in small sections, spray the cleaner and let it sit for the prescribed amount of time. Scrub with a deck brush, then rinse. Make sure that you scrub with the grain of the wood. Move to the next section of the deck and repeat the steps.
After you've cleaned your deck, let it dry for at least two days before resealing. When the deck is completely dry, select the finish you want. Avoid using paint. Make sure the finish you choose is water-repellent and resistant to ultraviolet rays. Use a roller for the large parts and a brush for the handrails. The wood will soak the sealer quickly, so it's likely that you'll need to generously apply the sealer. Once it dries, you're ready to get the party started.
As long as you keep a deck cleaning and resealing routine, you'll enjoy many years of comfort in your backyard. Wood is highly susceptible to the elements, but with a little tender loving care, it will last a lifetime.
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