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
• Plastic Bucket
• Water

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.

[CASKY]

on 3/12/2009 thanks for the tips

[sherapower99]

on 10/22/2008 I have found a safe product to use. It doesn't smell bad like the other products so I don't feel like I am doing any damage. My porch comes out nice and clean after using. One small jar was enough for the front and back. Took the green stuff off with out having to use a pressure washer and saved me a lot of money because I didn't have to hire someone. http://sunbrite.stores.yahoo.net/safewashtm.html

on 11/22/2005 I tried simple green on deck to remove mildew. workek well

on 11/22/2005 I've had good success with deck stripper/cleaners that contain sodium hydroxide. It disolves stains, mildew and won't lighten wood. Follow product cautions esp. eye and skin protection. Follow with oxylic acid-based cleaner. Let chemicals do most of work.

on 6/7/2007 Plain bleach (the kind used for laundry) is just as affective as the $10 cleaners at hardware stores.