How to Clean a Deck the Right Way

Your deck is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a breeding ground for dirt, grime, and mold. If you don’t clean your deck regularly, it will start to look dingy and worn down. But don’t worry, cleaning your deck is actually pretty easy. With the right tools and supplies, you can have your deck looking like new in no time.

What you’ll need:

• Broom or leaf blower
• Garden hose or pressure washer
• Bucket
• Deck cleaner (specific to the type of decking you have)
• Deck brush
• Safety glasses
• Gloves

Instructions:

1. Remove all furniture and décor from your deck. This will give you plenty of room to work and make sure that you don’t accidentally damage anything.
2. Sweep or blow off any loose debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt. This will help prevent the build up of dirt and grime when you start cleaning.
3. If you have a pressure washer, give your deck a quick rinse. This will help to remove any remaining dirt and debris. Be sure to use a low setting on your pressure washer to avoid damaging the wood.
4. Mix your deck cleaner according to the package directions. Most deck cleaners are mixed with water in a bucket.
5. Apply the deck cleaner to your deck using a deck brush. Be sure to work in sections and scrub the wood thoroughly.
6. Let the deck cleaner sit for the amount of time specified on the package directions. This will give the cleaner time to work its magic.
7. Rinse the deck cleaner off of your deck with a garden hose. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all of the cleaner.
8. Allow your deck to dry completely before replacing your furniture and décor.

Tips for cleaning a wooden deck:

• If you have a wooden deck, be sure to use a deck cleaner that is specifically designed for wood. Chlorine bleach can damage wood, so be sure to avoid using it.
• If your deck is heavily soiled, you may need to clean it twice.
• Be sure to rinse your deck thoroughly after cleaning. Any remaining deck cleaner can damage the wood.
• Allow your deck to dry completely before replacing your furniture and décor. Walking on a wet deck can cause the wood to splinter and warp.

Tips for cleaning a composite deck:

• Composite decks are typically easier to clean than wooden decks. You can use a mild dish soap and water mixture to clean your composite deck.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your composite deck, as these can damage the material.
• Be sure to rinse your composite deck thoroughly after cleaning. Any remaining cleaner can leave a residue on the deck.
• Allow your composite deck to dry completely before replacing your furniture and décor.

How to remove specific stains:

• Mildew: To remove mildew from your deck, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Apply the solution to the mildew-affected area with a spray bottle or sponge. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the area with a deck brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely.
• Oil stains: To remove oil stains from your deck, mix one part dish soap with two parts water. Apply the solution to the oil stain with a sponge. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the area with a deck brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely.
• Food stains: To remove food stains from your deck, mix one part dish soap with two parts water. Apply the solution to the food stain with a sponge. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, then scrub the area with a deck brush. Rinse the area thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely.

How often should you clean your deck?

How often you need to clean your deck will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of decking you have, the climate you live in, and how often you use your deck. In general, however, you should clean your deck at least once a year. If you live in a humid climate or use your deck frequently, you may need to clean it more often.

Additional tips for cleaning your deck:

• If you have a large deck, or if you have a lot of furniture to move, you may want to consider hiring a professional deck cleaning service.
• Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when cleaning your deck. This will protect you from any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners you are using.
• If you are using a pressure washer, be careful not to spray it too close to the wood. This can damage the wood.
• If you are cleaning a wooden deck, you may want to apply a deck sealant after