How to Clean & Waterproof a Deck

Clean your deck and add a waterproof finish.

Without care, your deck becomes dirty and worn from the weather over time. Giving your deck a little attention now and then can help it last. Give your deck a good cleaning, then refinish your wooden deck with a waterproof sealant that will protect the wood from future weather damage.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Garden hose
• Putty knife
• Bucket
• Water
• Laundry soap
• Soft bristle deck brush
• Stained finish that is waterproof
• Roller

Instructions

1. Take everything off of your deck. Remove all deck furniture, toys, plants and barbecue grills. You can't clean the deck if anything is in the way.

2. Sweep any leaves or debris off of your deck with a broom. Then use a garden hose with the spray set on high to wash away smaller grains of dirt.

3. Stick a putty knife in the crevices of your deck to remove anything that may be stuck between the deck planks--dirt, leaves, small rocks.

4. Mix one cap full of laundry detergent with one gallon of warm water. Dip your soft bristle brush in this mixture and begin scrubbing your deck from one end to the other. This will get your deck nice and clean.

5. Wait three to four days for your deck to completely dry before using the refinishing product.

6. Apply your waterproof finish to your deck with a roller. Choose a warm, sunny day with no rain forecast for two to three days. Start at the furthest spot from your deck's entrance, and work your way back to the entrance. Once you have completely coated the deck, stay off of it until it drys.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any mildew on the deck, you can scrub it off with a non-chlorinated bleach.

• Do not to power wash your deck as this can damage the finish.

References

• Don Vandervort's Home Tips: Refinishing a Wood Deck