How to Clean a Deck With Carbamide Peroxide
Cleaning the deck is an annual chore that helps bring new life to the weathered wood that comprises these exterior home spaces. Oxygen bleach mixed with water reacts to form hydrogen peroxide and urea, also known as carbamide peroxide. When used as directed, the shine and brightness brought back to the wood is unmatched by nearly all products on the market. Thorough cleaning to remove dirt and stains from the wood increases the longevity of the deck. This do-it-yourself project is achievable by most homeowners in the space of one afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
- Drop cloths
- Powdered oxygen bleach
- Garden hose
- Push broom
Instructions
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1
Remove all patio furniture or potted plants from the deck. Cover all surrounding vegetation with drop cloths to protect them from possible chemical burn.
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2
Mix 2 cups of powdered oxygen bleach with 5 gallons of water. Powdered oxygen bleach is available at all home improvement centers. Spray the deck and railings with clear water from a garden hose.
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3
Scrub the entire surface of the deck and railings with the oxygen bleach mixture using a push broom. The carbamide peroxide formed from this combination will foam away most of the dirt and stains.
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4
Rinse the railings and deck with a garden hose. Allow the deck three or four hours to dry before returning all plants and furniture. Uncover the vegetation once the deck is dry.
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Tips & Warnings
Use this method to clean the deck once a year to produce the best results.
Keeping the deck in good repair is an important factor in making it last, according to the experts at Reader's Digest.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when using oxygen bleach.
Do not use more than the recommended amount of powdered oxygen bleach.
