If any boards are cracked, replace them. Clean decking with soapy water It's also possible to clean decking with a basic soap solution. Although you can use the pressure washer, you should not do so until you have removed grease marks as well. In addition, due to the fact we see our fair share of rain in this country, you run the risk of battling mold, moss and slime that will build-up on the surface. As decking dries the wood will return to its lighter original shade. Then, dip a broom or scrub brush into the mixture and wash the deck in the direction of the wood grain. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. and are used under licence from OMS Investments, Inc. Roundup® is a registered trademark and used under license. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather. Enzyme cleaners must be applied directly to the stain because the cleaning agents activate immediately. He works with homeowners to make a wide variety of improvements to make their homes more comfortable and liveable. Pressure washers throw up a lot of muck, so move any garden furniture or pot plants out of harm’s way. Dust and Debris. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. You can also go for a pole-type groove and crevice cleaner. A pressure washer can quickly damage the wood if used too closely, making it even harder to clean or treat. The cleaning aisles in many grocery stores also sell oxygen bleach. Expert Interview. Here are some tips on how to go about it: Clear your deck before the snow starts. Then, mix oxygen bleach and warm water in a bucket and use a long-handled scrub brush to apply the solution all over the decking. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. He works with homeowners to make a wide variety of improvements to make their homes more comfortable and liveable. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Cleaning & maintaining your timber deck. Otherwise you could get water pooling under your deck, which may cause additional problems. ... Decking Garden flooring tips for every lifestyle We’re spoilt for choice with outdoor flooring. Once you’ve addressed the most problematic areas, be sure to spray in between the decking boards to rinse away any remaining twigs, leaves or grass. Always wear comfortable, close-toed shoes with pressure washer. An annual wash can breathe new life into your deck, preserve the integrity of the wood, and ultimately help to prevent costly repairs. Once the area is clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all residue. These tips will ensure your deck is looking spotless and summer-ready in no time! You can use a metal putty knife to scrape and clean the spaces in between boards. Push on the railings to check that they are strongly mounted. 1. Simply use a mix of washing-up liquid in warm water or go for half bleach and half warm water – both mixtures should be enough to deal with algae and mildew. When it comes to cleaning your timber decking, you have two best options: Using a bristled brush and soapy water, scrub the timber deck to remove all dirt and grime. How to clean a greenhouse or conservatory. Outdoor decks can lose their luster as they get older, especially the decking and the handrails. How to prepare and clean decking. Let mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes (or follow the instructions on the deck cleaner label). Use a solution that dilutes in water, such as Ronseal Decking Cleaner or Liberon Tough Deck Clean and Revive, or a … Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. Do not put furniture back on your deck until it has dried completely. If your home’s deck is in a shady or wet area, you need to know how to tackle mold. Remember to wear proper protective gear including rubber gloves, eye protection, and a mask over your nose and mouth while you work with this solution. Last Updated: October 22, 2020 Use these tips to turn a scrappy garden into an asset . Check all over the decking for protruding nails, and nail them back in if you find any. If you don’t clean your decking then it will attract dirt and grime. In addition, it destroys wood fibers, damaging the wood over time. If you want to use it for general cleaning you’ll need to scrub the surface and leave it for 10-15 minutes. For a faster cleaning option, try using a pressure washer. Check your deck for insecure bannisters or split boards. If a railing moves too much, use a ratchet wrench to tighten the lag bolts or lag screws at the bottom of the posts that hold up the railing. Cleaning Black Mold from Your Deck. Avoid using regular chlorine bleach to clean your deck. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle to further lessen the pressure. To avoid damaging your decking, create a gentle cleaning solution with warm water and liquid dish soap. Once your garden decking is clean, you can apply a clear or coloured decking oil. You can purchase oxygen bleach at most specialty cleaning stores. Apply your chosen cleaner to the decking using a watering can, then scrub the deck straightaway with your broom or brush, rubbing it into the grooves. Simply spray the treatment onto affected areas and let it dry. Not only will this formula remove stubborn stains, but it also protects mould and algae re-growth from accumulating in the future. Sweep the deck once more to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated while it was drying. If there is any spot stain on the decking, it is best to clean it as soon as possible. With the right deck cleaning products, you can completely transform the appearance of your decking - and keep it functional for years to come. Debris holds water, causing the deck to rot faster. If you do routine cleaning on your deck, and repair any broken boards, your deck will be a beautiful, enjoyable, and safe place to hang out for many years. Whether you’re growing herbs, vegetables or flowers, greenhouses are invaluable for cultivating plants that need... As the garden is an extension of our living space it makes sense that we have dedicated areas in which we can work, rest... One of the best ways to create an amazing place to relax or entertain guests in your garden is to build a deck. http://www.askmediy.com How to clean your deck with out using a pressure washer. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. This article has been viewed 87,720 times. Get expert advice. How to clean paving and patios: it’s a dirty job… or is it? Registration no: 10735156, Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd,  Follow the lines as this enables water and suds to get into those grooved areas and come up really clean. You can do it with a brush on textured decks, or … Keeping your deck free from leaves and debris does more than just keep it looking great – maintaining a clean, dry surface can actually ensure that your deck boards last longer. Leave it to stand for up to 15 minutes to work (or follow instructions on the back of the deck cleaner box). United Kingdom. Since your deck is exposed to the elements year-round, regular maintenance is key to its longevity. Our handy guide will show you how to clean garden decking effectively in a few easy steps. Luckily, deck maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. Learn how to clean your deck with this guide from Bunnings Warehouse. Cleaning your deck was never so easy. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! If any are badly rotted or cracked, repair it by bolting a similar board to the side of it. Add 1 cup of oxygenated bleach to 2 gallons of hot water. Let mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes (or follow the instructions on the deck cleaner label). After you've finished cleaning the deck, remove the plastic wrap immediately. Oils are easy to apply with no special skills required. References ", "Pressure washer tips were easy to understand.". Periodically coat your deck with a wood deck sealer. Simply Spray & Walk Away. But it is much more simple than you might think and there are in fact a couple of different ways you can do it. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off the deck with a hose. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. Feeling unproductive while working from home? Use 4 in (10 cm) galvanized lag bolts. https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/deck-rescue-renew-your-deck/view-all/, http://www.improvementscatalog.com/RoomForImprovements/deck-cleaning-your-spring-cleaning-checklist/, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-clean-deck, http://www.improvenet.com/a/remove-your-deck-mold-in-3-simple-steps, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/, http://www.waterandhealth.org/safely-mix-bleach/, https://www.leaffilter.com/blog/home-exteriors/clean-deck-patio/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-and-finish-a-wood-deck/, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a9413/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pressure-washers-15826265/, https://www.consumerreports.org/pressure-washers/how-to-clean-a-deck-with-a-pressure-wash/, https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/out-of-home/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer, https://www.askmediy.com/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-your-deck/, http://www.decks.com/how-to/14/using-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-a-deck, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. However, if any stain has lingered and allowed to stand for some time, first make use of a brush and soapy water to take it off. Be sure you have adequate drainage away from your deck before you start to hose. Lastly, rinse with clean water and leave the deck to dry. It’s always a good idea to reseal the deck after you give it a deep clean. Next, grab a broom and give the entire area a thorough sweep. Can I clean my decking myself? {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1351324-v4-728px-Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"