Imagine that it’s a nice summer day and you’re looking forward to spending some time on your deck. But when you go outside, you see a dirty surface that doesn’t make you feel welcome. Do you recognize it?

If you like to spend time outside, you know how important it is to keep your deck clean and in good shape. Not only does it make your house look better, but it also makes sure that everyone can use and enjoy your outdoor area. In this article, I’ll talk about deck cleaning and why it’s so important for anyone who likes to spend time outside. So grab a cold drink, kick back, and let’s get started!

Deck Cleaning

Why is Deck Cleaning Important?

Decks and other outdoor spaces are used by more people and have to deal with bad weather and air pollution.

Decks, patios, and pavers that are cleaned regularly not only look better but also last longer and increase the value of the house.

When you power wash a deck, you get rid of the mold and mildew that has grown on it.

This makes the surface look clean and helps prevent lasting damage and stains.

Decks look better, last longer, and cost less to fix if they are taken care of on a regular basis.

Before sealing or painting an outdoor surface, cleaning it can also help you look for signs of damage.

Over time, dirt and other waste build up on the outside of a house, which makes it look bad and can damage the outside and, eventually, the inside as well.

Before you stain or paint, you can use pressure cleaning to blast away dirt, dust, and other debris and look for signs of damage.

Last but not least, pressure washing is a fast and easy way to clean outdoor areas like decks and patios.

Pressure washing is faster and easier than hand cleaning, and it can get rid of tough stains.

Cleaning Different Types of Decks

Decks can be made of different things, like wood or a mixture of wood and other materials.

How decks are cleaned varies on the material they are made of.

To scrub a wood deck, you need a deck cleaning product and a stiff bristle brush.

A common product used to clean and brighten a wood deck is bleach.

Before applying cleaning products, the wood surface must be fixed.

Sanding can get rid of mill glaze, which is left on the wood when it is cut.

You can clean a composite deck with soap and water, a scrub brush, and a power washer with a low pressure setting.

Composite products from the first wave should be cleaned every six months with a composite deck cleaner.

High-performance composites can be cleaned with soap and water or with a light pressure washer.

Rubber-backed mats, tarps, and other non-porous things shouldn’t be left on composite decks for long periods of time because they can stain the surface of the decking.

Frequency and Safety

The type of deck and the materials used will determine how often it needs to be cleaned.

Decks made of natural wood should be cleaned at least once a year to keep them in good shape.

This is because the wood’s natural acids and oils need to be protected and kept in good condition for the deck to look good for years to come.

New wood decks should be cleaned between 3 and 6 months after they are put in.

A deck should be power-washed once a year or whenever a new coat of paint is put on it.

Power-washing is suggested twice a year for wood that has been treated with pressure.

Depending on the product line, there are different ways to clean composite decks.

Composite products from the first wave should be cleaned every six months with a composite deck cleaner.

For high-performance product lines, you can clean them with soap and water or a gentle power wash.

To make sure you clean and take care of your decking correctly, you should read the instructions that come with it.

Cleaning a deck is a big part of keeping it looking nice and safe. When cleaning a deck, here are some ways to stay safe:

  • Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from the cleaning solution and debris.
  • Choose the right cleaning solution: Use a cleaning solution that is safe for your deck material. For example, vinegar and baking soda are safe for both composite and wood decking. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning product on your deck.
  • Test the cleaning solution: Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the deck to make sure it does not harm the surface.
  • Clean in small areas: Clean the deck in small, manageable areas to avoid letting the cleaner dry on the surface.
  • Rinse thoroughly: Thoroughly rinse each area before moving onto the next section to avoid leaving a layer of film.
  • Allow the deck to dry: Allow the deck to dry for 24-48 hours before staining and sealing.
  • Sweep regularly: Sweep leaves and debris off your deck often to prevent stains and mildew.

By taking these safety steps, you’ll be able to clean your deck well and safely.

With the right cleaning methods and how often you do them, you can keep your outdoor space looking nice and making it last longer.

Power Washing: The Ultimate Solution for Deck Cleaning

If you’re looking for a quick and efficient way to clean your deck, power washing is the answer.

This method uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt, grime, and other stubborn stains that have accumulated on your deck over time.

It’s perfect for those who want to save time and effort while achieving a spotless deck.

But be warned, power washing can be perplexing for beginners.

It’s important to understand the right pressure and technique to avoid damaging your deck.

Burstiness is also a factor to consider, as too much pressure can cause splintering or cracking of the wood.

To ensure the best results, it’s recommended to hire a professional power washing service.

They have the expertise and equipment to clean your deck safely and effectively.

Plus, they can provide additional services like sealing and staining to protect your deck from future damage.

In conclusion, power washing is a great option for deck cleaning, but it’s important to use it correctly.

Don’t hesitate to seek professional help to ensure your deck stays in top condition for years to come.

For more information:

Power Washing 101: Surfaces, Benefits, Cost & More

Tools and Materials for Deck Cleaning

You will need the following things to clean your deck:

  • Stiff Bristle Brush: A stiff bristle brush is essential for scrubbing away dirt and debris from your deck. Choose a brush that is appropriate for your deck’s material.
  • Bucket: A bucket is necessary for mixing cleaning solutions and carrying water to your deck.
  • Garden Hose with Water Nozzle or Power Washer: A garden hose with a water nozzle is ideal for rinsing your deck after cleaning. If you have a power washer, you can use it to clean your deck, but be careful as high water pressure can damage composite decking.
  • Brush with Extension Pole: A brush with an extension pole is helpful for cleaning hard-to-reach areas of your deck.

Materials for Deck Cleaning

How you clean your deck will depend on what kind of deck you have. Here are things you might need:

  • Deck Cleaning Solution: A deck cleaning solution is necessary for removing tough stains and protecting your deck from future stains and weathering. There are many deck cleaning solutions available on the market, so choose one that is appropriate for your deck’s material.
  • Liquid Detergent: If you have composite decking, you can use liquid detergent and water to remove most surface stains and layers of dirt that accumulate.
  • Wood-Specific Cleaner: If you have a wood deck, the best cleaner is a wood-specific cleaner. There are many wood-specific cleaners available on the market, so choose one that is appropriate for your deck’s type of wood.
  • Oxygenated Deck Cleaners: Oxygenated deck cleaners are a good option for wood decks as they are less expensive and do a great job.
  • All-Purpose Cleaner or Natural Cleansing Vinegar: If you have Trex decking, a gentle, all-purpose cleaner or natural cleansing vinegar is usually the best cleaner for a thorough and detailed cleaning.

Choosing the Right Cleaner

It’s important to choose the right cleaner for your deck so that you don’t damage the surface.

Check the deck’s warranty before you choose a cleaner to make sure that the type of cleaner you use won’t void the guarantee.

Here are some cleaning products that are suggested for different kinds of decks:

  • Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner: This is a popular choice for removing tough stains without heavy scrubbing and leaving behind a nonskid surface.
  • TimberTech DeckCleaner™: This is a recommended cleaner for TimberTech Advanced PVC Deck or Porch, TimberTech Composite™ Deck, and TimberTech Composite Rail.
  • Saver Systems Wood Deck Cleaner: This is a powdered concentrated formula that is effective in cleaning wood decks.
  • Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit, Gemini Restore Cleaner Kit, Defy Wood Cleaner, and Woodrich EFC-38 Wood Cleaner: These are also effective in cleaning wood decks.
  • Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner: This is a budget-friendly option that has an eco-friendly formula and lifts grime on a variety of deck surfaces without any harsh chemicals.
  • Olympic Deck Cleaner: This is a ready-to-use formula that combats stains, mold, and mildew and is effective on non-wood surfaces like concrete and composite decking.

Deck Cleaning Frequency and Safety

Natural Wood Decks

Decks made of natural wood should be cleaned at least once a year to keep them in good shape.

This is because the wood’s natural acids and oils need to be protected and kept in good condition for the deck to look good for years to come.

New wood decks should be cleaned between 3 and 6 months after they are put in.

A deck should be power-washed once a year or whenever a new coat of paint is put on it.

Pressure-Treated Wood Decks

Power-washing is suggested twice a year for wood that has been treated with pressure.

This is because pressure-treated wood is less likely to rot and attract insects, but it still needs to be taken care of properly to last longer.

Composite Decks

Depending on the product line, there are different ways to clean composite decks.

Composite products from the first wave should be cleaned every six months with a composite deck cleaner.

For high-performance product lines, you can clean them with soap and water or a gentle power wash.

To make sure you clean and take care of your decking correctly, you should read the instructions that come with it.

Deck Cleaning Safety Precautions

Cleaning a deck can be dangerous if you don’t take the right safety steps. When cleaning a deck, here are some ways to stay safe:

  • Wear protective gear: Wear gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect yourself from the cleaning solution and debris.
  • Choose the right cleaning solution: Use a cleaning solution that is safe for your deck material. For example, vinegar and baking soda are safe for both composite and wood decking. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaning product on your deck.
  • Test the cleaning solution: Test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the deck to make sure it does not harm the surface.
  • Clean in small areas: Clean the deck in small, manageable areas to avoid letting the cleaner dry on the surface.
  • Rinse thoroughly: Thoroughly rinse each area before moving onto the next section to avoid leaving a layer of film.
  • Allow the deck to dry: Allow the deck to dry for 24-48 hours before staining and sealing.
  • Sweep regularly: Sweep leaves and debris off your deck often to prevent stains and mildew.

Preventing Future Dirt and Grime Buildup

The best way to keep dirt and grime from building up on your outdoor surfaces is to clean them often.

Every week, sweep your deck or porch to keep things from piling up.

Use a broom to get rid of dirt that has built up, and scrub in the direction of the wood’s grain.

Use a long-handled brush to scrub your deck when you need to.

At least twice a year, you should clean your outdoor surfaces to get rid of pollen, plant matter, dirt, and spots.

Use a mix of mild soap and water to clean the outside of your home.

You can use a deck cleaner made for your type of deck to get rid of tougher spots.

Pressure Washing

It might seem like pressure washing is a quick and easy way to clean your outdoor areas, but it can actually damage the surface.

If your deck is made of wood, the pressure from the power washer can cause the wood to split and damage the fibers.

Even wood that has been treated with pressure doesn’t do well when it is pressure washed.

Too much pressure from a power washer can also hurt composite decking.

Pressure washing a deck can cause damage and can also be bad for your health.

When you pressure wash an old wooden deck, it can create a cancer-causing danger that could hurt you, your kids, and your pets.

Safer Alternatives

There are better ways to clean your outdoor surfaces than using pressure.

You don’t need a power washer to clean your deck.

Just sweep it often and use a light soap and water solution to get rid of dirt and grime.

Think about using oxygen bleach if you need something thorough.

The best way to keep the deck clean is to keep the gap clean.

If debris gets stuck in the gapping, you can clear it out with a yard hose, a spatula, a putty knife, or another tool.

Precautions

Before you clean your outdoor surfaces, take out all of your chairs and other items.

Check the weather before you start cleaning so you don’t have to do it in bad weather.

If your deck is wet, don’t use a cleaner or cleaning product on it.

The top of your deck should be dry.

Use a stain or finish to keep your deck from looking dirty.

If you use too much color on the wood, it can be hard to clean.

Professional Deck Cleaning Services

How to keep your outdoor space clean and safe with the help of a professional deck cleaning service

Decks are a great feature to any outdoor area.

They give you a place to unwind, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors.

But they are also open to the weather and can get dirty, get moldy, and get mildewed over time.

Regular cleaning and care can help keep your deck in good shape and make it last longer.

Here are some tips on how to clean your deck the right way and when you might want to hire a professional.

Preparing Your Deck for Cleaning

To get a deck ready to be cleaned, there are a few steps to take:

  • Remove any furniture or grills from the deck.
  • Sweep the deck to remove any debris.
  • For stubborn bits between the boards, use a putty knife or screwdriver to remove them.
  • Pre-rinse the deck with a garden hose to disperse the cleaner more easily.
  • Use a deck cleaner to remove stains. Follow the directions on the cleaner, as some cleaners require the deck to be wet before application.
  • For wood decks, use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the deck with the cleaner. For composite decks, use a brush with an extension pole.
  • Rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose to avoid leaving a layer of film. Hold the hose about 6-12 inches above the surface of the deck and spray a few feet in front of you.
  • Let the deck dry completely before applying any stain or sealer.

It’s important to remember that the best way to clean a wood or composite deck relies on what kind of deck you have.

On wood decks, you can also put baking soda on any wood that has mildewed and scrub all the boards with vinegar and warm water.

Borate can also be used to clean wood decks naturally.

When to Consider Professional Deck Cleaning Services

Even though normal cleaning and maintenance can help keep your deck in good shape and make it last longer, there are some signs that your deck may need to be cleaned by a professional.

Some of these signs are:

  • Stains, mold, or mildew covering the deck
  • Lack of equipment to safely clean your deck, such as safety ladders, harnesses, high-end pressure washers, and industrial cleaning solvents
  • Lack of experience pressure washing that might allow toxins and polluted water to seep into other sources or damage nearby landscaping

If your deck has spots, mold, or mildew, it could mean that you have a problem with standing water or that you need to hire a professional cleaning service.

If you don’t have the right tools to clean your deck safely, it’s best to hire a skilled exterior cleaning company.

Deck cleaning can have less of an effect on the environment if you hire a company that cares about the environment to do the pressure washing.

Closing remarks and recommendations

In the end, cleaning your deck isn’t just about getting rid of dirt and grime from its surfaces. It’s about taking care of a place that brings you happiness and peace. It’s about making a place where you can connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. But the most important thing is to take care of your investment and make sure it will last for many years.

So, the next time you’re on your deck, stop and think about all it has to offer. Think about the memories you’ve already made and the ones you’re going to make in the future. Also, keep in mind that a clean deck is a happy deck. So, get your cleaning tools and start working. Your deck will thank you, and so will your soul.

Looking for a new Pressure washer?

Choosing a gadget can be very difficult if you know nothing about the technology.

Some will pay for features they do not need while others may not consider what they really want.

So I created this quick, newbie guide to help you focus on what is really important to you:

The Best Pressure Washer (For You!)

What are some ways you can keep the outside of a house clean?

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Links and references

  1. “2300 PSI Brushless Electric Pressure Washer” manual
  2. Manual available on pdf.lowes.com for cleaning a mower deck
  3. Greenworks Surface Cleaner Universal Pressure Washer Attachment
  4. Kärcher G 3200 OC Owner’s Manual
  5. lowes.com
  6. decks.com
  7. architecturaldigest.com
  8. hgtv.com

Related articles:

Mildew Prevention: Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces

Deck Maintenance 101: Cleaning & Care Tips

Surface Prep for Clean Outdoors

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