The material for outdoor decks has become very popular.The deck is exposed to the elements on a daily basis so it needs to be cleaned.The surface should be as dry as possible and free of debris.At least once a year, you should scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer.Make sure your deck continues to have adequate drainage and address stains as soon as possible.
Step 1: Pick up debris at least once a week.
The deck should be kept clear of dirt and debris.Depending on how much traffic your deck gets and the current season, you may want to sweep once a day or every few days.It should be swept once per week.A leaf blower is ideal for a large deck.If you have a shop vacuum, you can use it to get dirt and debris from between the boards.
Step 2: Mild soap and a soft bristled brush can be used to remove dirt.
Attach a good variable fan spray nozzle to your water hose to loosen and remove surface debris on your deck.In a bucket, mix warm water and dish soap.To clean your deck, use a soft bristled brush and a cleaning solution.It is important to get down in the crevices and corners.The soap can be washed away with the water hose.It will get rid of mold on your deck.Make sure you do it at least twice a year.You can use a cleaner that is specifically designed for the deck.
Step 3: A pressure washer is used.
It is much quicker than scrubbing by hand.You may prefer this approach if you have a large deck.Make sure your pressure washer has a fan attachment and soap dispensers.Mild soap can be sprayed down your deck.To scrub the boards, use a soft bristled brush.The fan attachment can be used to spray each deck board.If you're not careful, pressure washers can damage the deck.Don't point or spray the full pressure at yourself, another person, or pets.Damage or harm can be caused by small pieces of flying debris.Stay at least 8 inches (20.32 cm) away from the deck surface at all times and spray in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damage.If you don't rinse away the soap thoroughly, it will leave a film on the deck surface.
Step 4: Hot water and dish soap can be used to clean oil stains.
Dawn is a good degreaser.The longer the oily stain sits on the deck, the harder it will be to remove.To clean the stain, use a soft bristled brush and soapy water.The soap should be washed away with hot water.If the oil based stain has set and mild dish soap isn't removing it, try an oil stain removal product.Home improvement stores can sell these products.
Step 5: The decker has oxalic acid on it.
Water spots are a normal occurrence on wood.You will likely start to notice some on your deck over time.The deck has a lot of dirt and debris.Make sure the deck is completely dry before applying a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid.For additional directions, check your particular product.Home improvement stores have deck brightener products.
Step 6: oxalic acid can be used on rust stains.
These tougher stains will be worked on by Deck Enhancer products.The product should be applied directly to the stain.Allow the area to sit on the stain for 15 minutes.Use a water hose to wash the spot.
Step 7: It's a good idea to keep the deck surface dry.
The combination of dirt and water will cause mold to grow on your deck.The surface of your deck should be clean and dry to prevent this.Make sure your deck has good drainage around its perimeter and between the deck planks.
Step 8: There are drainage issues that you should watch for.
The deck should be at least 6 inches between the wooden plank and the ground.The water can be drained off the deck and into the soil without the wooden plank being forced to sit in the soggy ground.Water should not be underneath your deck.You may need to use a different grade of soil around your deck if you notice water underneath.
Step 9: The deck boards should be kept free of debris.
Dirt, leaves, and other debris can get stuck in between the wooden planks.It is easy to overlook the debris since it is not visible from the surface.Make sure the spaces between the deck boards are free of debris and that the gaps are inspected.To sweep away debris, use a stiff bristled broom.Push it out with a knife.