Congratulations on the new addition of a deck box to your patio furniture arsenal. May it bring you happiness and protect your odds and ends for years to come. While your cushions and other accessories may find themselves protected and taken care of in the safety and comfort of your box, the exterior of your box may find itself wearing down over time. I'm not talking about the actual structural integrity of the box itself, but the appearance that it will take as a result of the seasons. A stationary target opens itself up to collect dirt, debris, and other depressing items as time goes by. Making the perfect addition to your patio look more like the perfect dirt pile.



It is not an uncommon thing to happen to your deck box, as the collection of dirt and debris has happened to many other boxes that people have had over time. Because it stays in one place during the favorable times of the year, everything Mother Nature can throw at it will eventually end up against the walls of your box. But by knowing how you can protect and clean your deck box, you will be ensuring the protection of your investment for years to come.

If you have a plastic deck box, you have very little to worry about. Because plastic is a solid, non-porous material, keeping it clean is a breeze. For the most part, taking a mild cleaner (such as an all-purpose cleaner or dish soap) and warm water to your plastic box will keep it clean throughout the year. For the bigger projects, taking a harder cleaner will help get out the longer lasting stains. Always check what is in the cleaner before applying it to your plastic box.

If you have a wooden deck box, taking care of your investment may take several more steps before it gets easier. The wood that it is made of will dictate the type of treatment that it will ultimately get. While hard woods like cedar can take oil treatments to keep it protected, other woods (like pine or cypress) can be stained to give it an extra layer of protection, or even painted to your specifications. Adding these protective barriers give your box bullet-proof protection from the elements, preventing rot and bugs from attacking. Plus, once your box has the layers set up, cleaning can be as simple as taking a sponge and warm water to your box.

Of course, if your wooden deck box becomes too overloaded with dirt and debris, you can always start over by applying a gentle sanding across the entire box. By sanding down the outer layer of the wood, you are starting fresh with the best and cleanest wood. And sanding down the wood allows you to change the direction that you want to go with your box. If you want to change the stain, or even paint a new motif along the box. And once its complete again, cleaning becomes a breeze.

Knowing how to keep your deck box clean throughout the seasons will help you have the best results, and offer the greatest protection to your investment. By taking the steps now to keep your box clean, you will guarantee years of joy and protection for all your patio accessories.