How to Clean a Deck & Fence With a Water Sprinkler

Keep your deck and fence clean and attractive between pressure-washings by using a hose and sprinkler.

Clean decks and fences are attractive, and they last longer than their grimy, uncared-for counterparts. Bob Vila recommends periodically pressure washing your deck to remove stubborn grit and debris. Your sprinkler can help you keep your deck and fence clean in between the times you pressure wash it. Just apply a cleaning product to your deck or fence, and then use your ordinary lawn sprinkler to rinse off the cleaner, the dirt, organic debris, mold and pet hair.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Deck cleaner
• Brush
• Detachable sprinkler head

Instructions

1. Ask the lumber manufacturer or the deck installer what type of cleaning product they recommend for your deck and fence. You can clean most decks and fences with a mixture of bleach and detergent, but you should use oxalic acid or citrus cleaner on cedar or redwood. Always check with an expert before you use any cleaning product on your wood deck.

2. Follow precisely the directions on the package of the cleaning agent. If the manufacturer of your decking and fencing says you can use bleach, use the following recipe for cleanser: 1 quart liquid bleach, 1/3 cup powered ammonia-free laundry detergent, and 3 quarts water.

3. Cover or remove deck furniture. Cover or remove any vegetation on or surrounding your deck or fence, since the cleaning agent may kill or damage plants and flowers.

4. Apply the recommended cleaning agent to your deck or fence. Use a brush to scrub your deck if necessary, unless the directions on the cleaning product packaging instruct you otherwise.

5. Allow the cleaning product to remain on the deck and fence for the recommended amount of time according to the package directions. If you are using the bleach and detergent mixture, let it remain on your deck 10 minutes or until the mold and mildew are gone.

6. Set your sprinkler in the center of your deck. If you're using your sprinkler to rinse off your fence, set the sprinkler so that it will spray the greatest possible portion of your fence.

7. Turn your sprinkler on full-force and relax while the sprinkler rinses off your deck or fence.

8. Move your sprinkler as often as necessary until your entire deck or fence have been rinsed clean.

Tips & Warnings

• Periodically sweeping your deck will remove the organic debris upon which mold and mildew love to feast.

• Pick up leaves and twigs around your fence line so that mold and mildew will not grow along the base of your fence.

• Consider applying sealant to your deck and fence every year to protect them from the elements.

• Keep pets and children away from your deck or fence until they have dried completely.

References

• Bob Vila: Routine Deck Maintenance Eugene OR
• University of Tennessee Knoxville: Care for Wood Decks