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.

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.

Comments

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Anonymous

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.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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

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eHow Article:  How to Clean a Deck

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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