How to Wash a Pressure-Treated Deck and DIY

Pressure-treated decks last longer.

Pressure-treated wood is different from traditional lumber because it is placed into a pressurized vacuum and injected with chemicals that help preserve it. Exterior structures that are exposed to the elements, such as decks, are often made of pressure-treated wood. Just as traditional wood decks, pressure treated decks become dirty over time, and a good cleaning will remove the grime and restore the wood to a bright appearance.

Things You'll Need

• 5-gallon bucket
• Powdered oxygen cleaner
• Broom
• Garden hose
• Long-handled scrub brush

Instructions

1. Sweep the deck with a broom to remove all straw, leaves, and dirt from it.

2. Wet the entire surface of the deck with a garden hose.

3. Fill a 5-gallon bucket with 4 gallons of hot water and a powdered oxygenated cleaner, using the amount specified by the product container.

4. Stir the solution until you no longer see any powder residue in the bottom of the bucket.

5. Pour the oxygen cleaning solution over all the boards on the deck, and allow it to sit undisturbed for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Scrub the surface of the pressure-treated deck with a long-handled scrub brush. Use gentle back-and-forth motions, and scrub with the grain of the wood.

7. Rinse the entire deck thoroughly with the garden hose until you no longer see any bubbles on the surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the back of the cleaning product carefully, and do not purchase one that contains the ingredient sodium hypochlorite.

References

• Ask the Builder; Deck Cleaning Dilemma; Tim Carter
• Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: Pressure Treated Wood: Questions and Answers