Like any outdoor living area, decks need periodic cleaning to keep them safe for outdoor gatherings. Using a natural cleaner can prevent the need for harsh chemicals and can extend the life of wood decks and furniture.
Mix the following ingredients in a bucket of warm water: 2 cups powdered oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean, available at most grocery stores). For more information visit Deck Repair Charleston SC.
As the weather warms and people start spending more time outdoors, a clean deck becomes a must. This is especially true for people with outdoor pools, as a clean deck makes the transition between pool and home more pleasant. However, a dirty deck is not only unattractive but can also lead to injuries due to splinters and slippery surfaces. While it may seem like a hassle, the best way to keep your deck looking its best is to sweep it regularly. This will remove loose dirt and debris, as well as prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can cause stains.
Sweeping is a simple task that can be done using a regular broom or a power washer. Before you begin, remove furniture, plants, and other items from the deck so they do not get dirty or wet during cleaning. It is also important to use a broom with tightly spaced bristles to remove dust and other small particles without damaging the surface of the deck board.
If you choose to use a power washer, be careful not to overdo it and damage the surface of the deck or the wood fibers in it. It is best to start with the lowest water pressure and move up if necessary. Before you begin, be sure to put on appropriate protective gear, such as rubber gloves and eye protection. It is also a good idea to cover any plants in the surrounding area that could be damaged by soapy water from the wash hose or power washer nozzle.
Once you have prepared the surrounding areas, mix a cleaning solution of water and mild soap or deck cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wet the deck with a garden hose or bucket of water, and scrub away dirt, mold, mildew, and surface stains. Always work one section at a time and rinse the brush frequently with a hose or bucket of clean water. This helps to prevent the soap from sitting or drying on the boards and staining them.
A dirty deck isn’t just ugly; it prevents new stains from penetrating the wood. This can lead to peeling and cracking. You must thoroughly wash the deck before staining it again if you want the fresh coat to last long.
Remove furniture, grills, and plants from the deck and spray them with a garden hose or a power washer to a low-pressure setting. Keep the nozzle at least 6-12 inches from the surface to avoid damaging it. It would be best always to use a non-toxic cleaner such as oxygen bleach, which isn’t harmful to the environment or plant life. Avoid chlorine bleach, which can damage a deck by whitening it unnaturally and even corrode metal elements such as nails in the wood.
The best chemical cleaners are available in liquid form or in a powder you mix with water. Wear rubber gloves when mixing and applying the cleaner. If the cleaning solution contains ammonia or bleach, it can cause eye, nose, and mouth irritation. If you need to banish mildew stains, add 1 cup of Borax (a natural mineral compound that won’t harm plants) to your cleaner at the same time you add the oxygen bleach.
Rinse the deck well after the homemade cleaning solution has been on it for a few minutes to remove residual chemicals. Some solutions must be left on the wood for a few hours or days to break down embedded contaminants. Cover landscape plants around the deck, if necessary, so the oxalic acid or other compounds in the cleaner don’t leach into and kill them.
Scrub the deck with a scrub brush as needed, especially on areas with stubborn stains. Rinse it well afterward to remove any remaining cleaners and brighten the wood. If you need to, you can also apply a wood brightener, which is sold in most hardware stores. This is particularly important if the deck has grayed or darkened with age and has developed iron and brown-black tannin stains. Brighteners can be used on both cedar and redwood.
A good rinse is just as important as the sweep and wash because it clears away any cleaning solution that may have dried on the deck’s surface. Without rinsing, this cleaning residue can etch the surface of your wood or even cause damage to your deck stain. If you used a pressure washer, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and maintain a safe distance from your deck to avoid sanding it off.
Some deck cleaners contain chemicals that can negatively affect nearby plants and grass. You can reduce the risk of damage by wetting down plants and lawn areas before cleaning your deck and rinsing them off as soon as you finish the wash.
If you’re washing a stained deck, you can try a natural cleaning alternative to bleach that’s gentle on the environment and your wallet. Vinegar can remove grease, kill mold and mildew, and eliminate stubborn odors. Combine equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bucket, scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse well. You can also use a pressure washer set to low pressure for particularly soiled or grimy sections of your deck.
Scrub away dirt, mold, mildew, and any other surface stains, working one section of your deck at a time. Ensure you have a hose nearby and spray the scrubbed area frequently to keep it wet.
When you’re ready to start the final rinse, use a garden hose with a spray nozzle so the water doesn’t fall off the boards or dry on the deck’s surface. The nozzle should be slightly lower than the height of your deck to prevent water from pooling on the top boards and staining them.
After you’re done rinsing your deck, it will need to dry completely before you can start using it again. It may take 24-48 hours for your deck to dry fully, especially if the weather is cool or humid. During this time, you can use the push broom to sweep off any standing debris and help the deck dry faster.
A deck that’s not dry is an invitation to mold, mildew, and wood rot. These substances look unsightly and smell unpleasant, but they damage the wood and turn it from a sturdy, load-bearing structure into a shaky mess. Moisture that clings to the surface or between boards can also cause warping and cracking that weakens the deck and invites insects. The best way to protect your deck and avoid costly repairs is to keep up with cleaning and staining.
When you’re ready to wash your deck, spritz it with water to soften the cellulose fibers and make the cleaning solution more effective. Then, mix up a cleaning solution compatible with your deck material. You can purchase a commercial cleaner or a simple homemade solution of oxygen bleach and warm water. If you use a power washer, point the sprayer away from people and windows. The pressure from the sprayer can damage them and harm plants or pets that may be nearby.
Once your deck is clean and sanitized, be sure to let it dry completely before applying any additional treatments, such as staining or painting. Then, you can enjoy your newly cleaned deck and avoid the unsightly damage that can occur if you don’t keep up with regular cleanings.
Allow the deck to dry for 48 hours before walking on it. Touching the surface and testing with litmus strips that change color based on moisture can help determine if the deck is fully dry and ready for foot traffic. Taking these precautions will protect the investment you’ve made in your deck and will make it more resistant to future damage from moisture buildup.