how to clean decking

Let mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes (or follow the instructions on the deck cleaner label). Follow the lines as this enables water and suds to get into those grooved areas and come up really clean. Finally, let’s explore the most effective and safe approach if you want to restore the shiny clean state of your composite or plastic decking and don’t own high-pressure washing equipment. Next, take a broom and give the whole area a good and thorough sweep. As long as your deck timber isn’t rotten, a pressure washer is the best way to restore your deck to its original look. A full list with tips & tricks for all seasons, Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Soluble Plant Food. In addition, due to the fact we see our fair share of rain in this country, you run the risk of battling mold, moss and slime that will build-up on the surface. When it comes to cleaning your timber decking, you have two best options: Using a bristled brush and soapy water, scrub the timber deck to remove all dirt and grime. Feeling unproductive while working from home? Clean the wood surface in small sections, always keeping the wood wet and allowing the cleaner to soak into the wood before scrubbing. This biodegradable, non-acidic, powerful concentrate does not contain bleach yet effectively eradicates moss, mould and algae. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. Decking … Never under any circumstances mix bleach with ammonia, as this results in toxic fumes. How to clean your garden decking Step 1: Clean and prepare the area. A clean, polished deck will look finished if all broken parts are replaced beforehand. "Told me exactly what I needed to know. Get expert advice. 02:22. You can purchase oxygen bleach at most specialty cleaning stores. There... © 2021 Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. However, if any stain has lingered and allowed to stand for some time, first make use of a brush and soapy water to take it off. He works with homeowners to make a wide variety of improvements to make their homes more comfortable and liveable. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. It will clean the surface more effectively than you might think without damaging the finish. Under the deck, check the joists, these are the large boards spaced every 16 in (41 cm) or 24 in (61 cm) which support the deck boards. References 1 October 2020. Be on especial lookout for safety threats, like rusty screws or bolts, uneven board edges, splintering, and protruding screws, nails, or bolts. Use a broomstick, or a small brush, and a dustpan. Check in-between plank slats for hard-to-reach debris. If any repairs need to be made, do that now, as well. Avoid using regular chlorine bleach to clean your deck. It also removes moss, mould and algae, and helps make it easier to apply deck paint, stains and oils. Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, but it needs extra care and attention to keep it looking its best. Sweep the deck once more to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated while it was drying. To clean decking, start by removing any furniture and sweeping the deck to get rid of dirt and debris. Mold and mildew aren’t just an eyesore, they can be hazards to your health and can even shorten the life span of many composite deck boards. It's amazing what you can do for a few bucks. These tips will ensure your deck is looking spotless and summer-ready in no time! Once your garden decking is clean, you can apply a clear or coloured decking oil. Choose the lowest setting and leave at least a few feet between the spray nozzle and the surface of your deck. Can I clean my decking myself? If you want to keep your decking in tip-top shape, give it a thorough cleaning at least once per year. Oxygen bleach does very little cleaner to the wood, and it's the main ingredient in most commercial deck cleaners. You may see it bubble a bit as it tackles the stains. After the deck is dry, apply a deck sealer or waterproofing wood finish to waterproof the wood. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. Resort to the same steps of decluttering, sweeping and rinsing your deck, first. Brush away dust and leaves, and pay particular attention to any nooks and crannies where debris can collect. If there is any spot stain on the decking, it is best to clean it as soon as possible. How to clean a composite or PVC/vinyl decking without a pressure washer. Although you can use the pressure washer, you should not do so until you have removed grease marks as well. Washing will remove moss, mould and algae. If you don’t clean your decking then it will attract dirt and grime. Push on the railings to check that they are strongly mounted. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle to further lessen the pressure. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. However, a hand-job and careful eye will ensure a squeaky clean finish. Then, dip a broom or scrub brush into the mixture and wash the deck in the direction of the wood grain. Enzyme cleaners must be applied directly to the stain because the cleaning agents activate immediately. Keeping your deck free from leaves and debris does more than just keep it looking great – maintaining a clean, dry surface can actually ensure that your deck boards last longer. Always wear comfortable, close-toed shoes with pressure washer. This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Working in sections, spread the cleaner on your deck and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. This way of cleaning is somewhat labour-intensive and takes some time. and are used under licence from OMS Investments, Inc. Roundup® is a registered trademark and used under license. A decking cleaner and reviver is specially formulated to restore the wood back to its natural colour, reinvigorating the appearance of your deck. Be sure to clean out the debris between your deck boards, as well. To clean deck wood, start by combining 1 cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of water in a bucket. ... Decking Garden flooring tips for every lifestyle We’re spoilt for choice with outdoor flooring. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Approved. If your decking is suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer and a wash brush, you can get straight to work. Locate the source of the mold and pay particular attention to that area during treatment to more permanently remove mold. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning. If your home’s deck is in a shady or wet area, you need to know how to tackle mold. As decking dries the wood will return to its lighter original shade. Remove anything that might get in your way or prove hazardous – anything from large patio furniture to potted plants. Clean decking with soapy water It's also possible to clean decking with a basic soap solution. After you've finished cleaning the deck, remove the plastic wrap immediately. Once you’ve addressed the most problematic areas, be sure to spray in between the decking boards to rinse away any remaining twigs, leaves or grass. For a quick and effective clean, use the Pro-Kleen 5 Litre Simply Spray & Walk Away Concentrate. How to Clean Mold and Mildew from Composite Decking. Make any deck repairs beforehand. DISCLAIMER: If you choose to use a pressure washer, it is important that you understand how to do so properly, as the incorrect technique can actually damage your wood. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Since your deck is exposed to the elements year-round, regular maintenance is key to its longevity. Our handy guide will show you how to clean garden decking effectively in a few easy steps. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. In addition, it destroys wood fibers, damaging the wood over time. Use these tips to turn a scrappy garden into an asset . Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off the deck with a hose. It’s always a good idea to reseal the deck after you give it a deep clean. Cleaning paving and patios are often thought of as a tough job. Despite the wide range of products on the market, one of the best ways to clean your deck is simply with soapy water and a brush the gentle pressurised water. If you want to use it for general cleaning you’ll need to scrub the surface and leave it for 10-15 minutes. Frimley, Surrey GU16 7ER,  Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Cleaning your deck was never so easy. Rubber-soled shoes (especially boots) are ideal. 1. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. Be sure you have adequate drainage away from your deck before you start to hose. Do not use a wire brush as that will thoroughly scratch your plastic decking. Just secure the attachment and set the water pressure to a low level – take care here, as using too high a water pressure can damage the wooden surface, and decking wood that is roughened in this way can become brittle or even split. You will also need a bucket and a supply of clean water. How to remove green mold/ algae / mildew from wooden decking. As with so many other cleaning processes, the DIY approach is perfectly possible so long as you familiarise yourself with the process and with the cleaning tools needed prior to getting stuck in. It can also corrode metal fasteners such as screws and nails. If you have spindles, steps, or any fancy woodwork do that too. Suitable for a … This article has been viewed 87,720 times. Walter Brant. Aim the sprayer directly at heavily soiled spots to remove as much debris as possible. Handyman. Once you get the debris out of the crevices of the decking, you can proceed to sweep across the deck. One of the quickest ways to refresh your deck is to give it a good clean. Oils are easy to apply with no special skills required. Outdoor decks can lose their luster as they get older, especially the decking and the handrails. The only way to retain the appeal and integrity of a your decking is to make sure you regularly clean them. When you powerwash your decking use the lowest setting so you don’t damage the wood. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Lastly, rinse with clean water and leave the deck to dry. Apply your chosen cleaner to the decking using a watering can, then scrub the deck straightaway with your broom or brush, rubbing it into the grooves. But it is much more simple than you might think and there are in fact a couple of different ways you can do it. Learn how to clean your deck with this guide from Bunnings Warehouse. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. United Kingdom. Otherwise you could get water pooling under your deck, which may cause additional problems. Some sealers may include a waterproofing agent or mildew protection, so be sure to explore your options and find the best product for your deck. Check all over the decking for protruding nails, and nail them back in if you find any. An annual wash can breathe new life into your deck, preserve the integrity of the wood, and ultimately help to prevent costly repairs. Scratches will trap dirt, look bad, and are difficult to clean. Cover and saturate the intended surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution or deck cleaner starts to lather and bubble up. Then, apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remember to wear proper protective gear including rubber gloves, eye protection, and a mask over your nose and mouth while you work with this solution. Moss that starts growing in and around the garden, paving, and patio, can look unsightly but more importantly, it can be a serious hazard during autumn and winter when the moss turns into a lethal ice-rink. To use our High Performance Decking Cleaner dilute one sachet in 2.5 litres of water and spray or pour it on. How to clean decking is a question you’ll be asking yourself pretty soon and an important part of having a deck is knowing how to care for it. This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. How to prepare and clean decking. Expert Interview. Remove anything that might get in your way – from large patio furniture to small potted plants and everything in between. https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/deck-rescue-renew-your-deck/view-all/, http://www.improvementscatalog.com/RoomForImprovements/deck-cleaning-your-spring-cleaning-checklist/, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-clean-deck, http://www.improvenet.com/a/remove-your-deck-mold-in-3-simple-steps, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/, http://www.waterandhealth.org/safely-mix-bleach/, https://www.leaffilter.com/blog/home-exteriors/clean-deck-patio/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-and-finish-a-wood-deck/, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a9413/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pressure-washers-15826265/, https://www.consumerreports.org/pressure-washers/how-to-clean-a-deck-with-a-pressure-wash/, https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/out-of-home/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer, https://www.askmediy.com/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-your-deck/, http://www.decks.com/how-to/14/using-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-a-deck, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Simply spray the treatment onto affected areas and let it dry. Debris holds water, causing the deck to rot faster. Because decking comes in many different forms you might think cleaning it will be difficult especially if it is an anti-slip deck. Periodically coat your deck with a wood deck sealer. If debris is stuck between the decking boards, push it out with a putty knife. 2. Add 1 cup of oxygenated bleach to 2 gallons of hot water. With the right deck cleaning products, you can completely transform the appearance of your decking - and keep it functional for years to come. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! Cleaning & maintaining your timber deck. If a railing moves too much, use a ratchet wrench to tighten the lag bolts or lag screws at the bottom of the posts that hold up the railing. Ready To Use Spray. How can I make sure my deck will last a long time? Use a solution that dilutes in water, such as Ronseal Decking Cleaner or Liberon Tough Deck Clean and Revive, or a … Just remember: if you’re using a pressure washer, this step needs to be done with great care. Pressure washers throw up a lot of muck, so move any garden furniture or pot plants out of harm’s way. How to Clean Snow and Ice off Composite Decking Although some homeowners don’t use their decks during the winter months, those who use their decks to access the entrances to their homes will need to keep a walkway clear. http://www.askmediy.com How to clean your deck with out using a pressure washer. Start off by clearing everything from the surface of your deck. % of people told us that this article helped them. Cleaning Black Mold from Your Deck. Dust and Debris. If you do routine cleaning on your deck, and repair any broken boards, your deck will be a beautiful, enjoyable, and safe place to hang out for many years. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1351324-v4-728px-Clean-Decking-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"