How to Clean Your Wood Deck

A simple cleaning will bring new life back to your dirty wood deck.

Because of the constant exposure to the elements combined with the high volume of foot traffic, it's no surprise that your wood deck will get dirty and grimy. If it's in the shade and in a moist environment, it can even be a breeding ground for mold and mildew. You should clean your deck at least annually so that this buildup doesn't destroy your investment. It does take a little time and a lot of elbow grease, but you'll certainly enjoy the rewards of a nice, clean deck.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Garden hose with nozzle
• Bucket
• Oxygen bleach
• Scrub brush
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Remove all items from the deck.

2. Sweep all of the loose debris of the deck with the broom. Spray the deck with a garden hose with a nozzle to dislodge any other debris.

3. Fill the bucket with warm water and add oxygen bleach according to the manufacturer's instructions.

4. Dip the scrub brush into the cleaning solution and brush it onto the railings first. Scrub vigorously to remove all dirt and mildew. Clean a small section at a time and rinse with water from the garden hose. As you clean the floor, run the putty knife into the cracks between planks to dislodge and remove any debris such as small twigs that have gotten stuck. Continue brushing and rinsing until all surfaces have been cleaned. Let it air dry.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a commercial deck cleaner, but these often contain toxic chemicals. Read the label carefully before applying, and protect nearby plants and landscaping.

• You also can use a pressure washer to clean your wood deck, but use extreme caution, especially if you have never used one before. If you use too much pressure or the wrong wand tip, or spray too close to the wood, you could damage the wood surface.

References

• Ask the Builder: How to Clean a Deck
• Danny Lipford: How to Clean and Finish a Wood Deck