Cleaning, on a regular basis, becomes a must in terms of making your deck really good and of course keeping it safe from the ruin of the effects of weather.
Although it sounds difficult, in reality, cleaning a deck is very simple when you decide to take it step by step. Here, THQ brings you a simple step-by-step guide to clean your deck effectively, with some helpful hints and techniques to make the process easier.
Obtain all the great tools and cleaning agents, understand how to prepare your deck for cleaning, alongside the correct scrubbing and rinsing methods that will get you best results.
These steps can work however you want your material to be, whether you have a wood deck, a composite deck, or a PVC deck.
1. Understanding your deck material
Understand the fact that different materials make up your deck. You would not wash cashmere in the same way you would wash jeans, right? The same principle applies to your deck.
Whether it's pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, or even some composite material, each has its own motley characteristics and cleaning aspects.
Pressure-treated lumber is usually quite stubborn; it has chemicals infused in it to keep it from rotting and to keep insect pests at bay, so it usually takes a little bit more elbow grease.
You then have real cedar and redwood; real rot-resistant by nature, but quite a bit more tender; and composite decking is in fact a whole different area - that's a wood fiber and plastic composite, so it's just gentler all around for everything.
Once you find out what your deck is made of, you can go ahead and select just the right cleaners and methods to really get the job done without damage.
2.Tools and supplies you'll need
Before cleaning, ensure everything is well-ready with necessary tools and supplies; first, keep a good sturdy broom-a broom is a good tool to have for sweeping the leaves, twigs, and debris that get accumulated in decks.
A power washer is also helpful to blow away all the dirt and dust, but if there is no power washer, a garden hose fitted with spray nozzle will also be doing perfectly.
A bucket to mix soapy water; dish soap or a mild all-purpose cleaner would have to go with it well. Also, we will need a scrub brush or stiff-bristled push broom to scrub tough spots.
Depending on the shape of your deck, you would need a putty knife for scraping those old stains or debris. Heavy duty rubber gloves would save your hands from working.
3. Preparing your deck for cleaning
When cleaning the deck, make sure to prepare it all for that clean-up easily. Before starting with the scrubbing brush, you remove whatever items are present on the surface - patio furniture, potted plants, grill, or anything aside from the items that you're going to take into the yard.
Sweep up that deck broom so that all the fragments of loose dirt, leaves, and debris are cleaned.
Have a leaf blower handy because it will clear this job in a jiffy. The first thing you should do is check for nails popping up out of the boards and boards that are loose enough to require some hammering or may need replacing-you really would not want to snag them with the cleaning brush or scratch wood.
Finally, if you find any stubbornly adhered to or caked-on stains, spots, or goo, scrape off as much as possible using a putty knife or scrapper before wetting down your deck.
4. Step by step cleaning process
The first step is to sweep your deck well and ensure there is not much loose dirt, leaves, or debris within.
Then take your hose and spray down the deck vigorously to loosen that overly caked-on dirt. Perhaps even now it is time to bring out that deck cleaner for those annoying stains: mixing it following the directions, then applying it to the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or broom and really working it into the wood grain.
Now let it sit a while and do its thing before thoroughly rinsing off with the hose. And if you've got a pressure washer, so much the better because it's going to blast all dirt and grime to smithereens.
5. Stain and mold removal tips
It is essential to get rid of stains and mold from your deck for its maintenance and good appearance.
Sweep debris to remove from the surface of the deck before preparing the cleaning solution either by mixing 1 part of bleach with 3 parts of water or buying a commercial deck cleaner from the hardware store.
Pour or spray the cleaner in the affected area and allow it to soak within about 10-15 minutes. Subsequently, scrub with a stiff-bristle brush using elbow grease before being able to blast off the gooey gobs by some power washer available.
After the task, rinse everything off by a hose. Any left spot of mold can be removed by sprinkling some baking powder, leaving it for a few minutes, then scrubbing and rinsing off.
6. Post cleaning maintenance tips
Once you have cleaned the deck in your house, you have to work on keeping it well maintained. With that, you have to ensure regular maintenance by simple means.
Sweeping off every few days will help get rid of leaves, dirt, and other debris. If it is something that is really sticking around, then spray with the hose.
Look for any loose board or nails popped up and hammer them back down. If there is any area on the finish that is worn, just sandlight and reseal that area.
Remove mold or mildew immediately with diluted bleach so that it does not progress.
Maybe seal or stain again your deck every year to keep the wood healthy. These little maintenance routines will ensure that your deck remains in tip-top shape for backyard BBQs and lounging in the sun. It'll take less time and effort, but maintaining your deck pays off in the long run.
7. Common mistakes to avoid
It is safe to say that there are common pitfalls you need to avoid when cleaning your deck. For instance, using high-pressure washing may seem like a quick fix, but it can etch or splinter the wood if not done correctly. If you notice significant damage during cleaning, such as splintered boards or loose nails, it may be a sign that you need deck repair to restore its safety and appearance.
Using chlorine bleach is a big wrong turn. Initially, it does brighten your deck, but over time it breaks down the lignin in the wood, thus weakening it and making a fuzzy surface. Instead, use oxygenated bleach.
And yes, one is inviting trouble if a fresh coat of stain or sealer is used without the proper surface preparation. If all dirt, muck, and old stain are not removed, your fresh finish will not adhere well and will probably start peeling earlier than you expect. So, for best results, thoroughly clean and brighten the wood beforehand.
8. Eco friendly cleaning practices
It's quite easy to clean your deck using some eco-friendly means and not resort to the use of harsh chemicals. One very simple method that is usually used at home would be to pressure wash the surfaces with plain water-no other soaps and cleaners required. The high-pressure water jet will get rid of dirt, grease, and algae build-up.
For more grime, make a homemade cleaner by mixing white vinegar, baking soda, and mild dishwashing detergent. Again do this in a bucket, scrub onto deck surfaces using a stiff-bristle brush, let soak for 15 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with a hose or power washer.
