How to Clean a Deck

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

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.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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

Step1

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

Step2

Sweep deck of all dirt, leaves and wood chips.

Step3

Cover plants and shrubs with plastic tarps.

Step4

Wet deck.

Step5

Mix cleaner according to manufacturer's instructions.

Step6

Apply cleaner with a long-handled brush or sprayer.

Step7

Let set for required time.

Step8

Rinse.

Step9

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.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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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.