How to Clean a Deck

A clean deck - besides being a more inviting place for your barbecue - will probably last longer because cleaning helps kill fungus, which may shorten the life of your deck.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Brooms
• Garden Hoses
• Scrub Brushes
• Water
• Deck Cleaning Solution
• Plastic Bucket
• Tarps

1. Decide on type of cleaner - bleach or non-bleach base.

2. Sweep deck of all dirt, leaves and wood chips.

3. Cover plants and shrubs with plastic tarps.

4. Wet deck.

5. Mix cleaner according to manufacturer's instructions.

6. Apply cleaner with a long-handled brush or sprayer.

7. Let set for required time.

8. Rinse.

9. Let dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Lighten wood by using bleach-based cleaner.

• Remove dirt and stains without damaging or changing the wood's natural color by using non-bleach cleaners.

• Use an "environment friendly" cleaner.

• If you plan to seal your deck after cleaning it, wait until it has thoroughly dried.

• Wear eye protection.

• Wear rubber gloves when using cleaner.