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Cleaning your prized new timber decking seems like it should be a fairly simple procedure, or perhaps your decking mostly always looks clean, so taking the time to maintain it isn’t always high on your list of priorities, and we understand this! However, it’s important to periodically clean your decking regardless of how it looks to maintain that stunning finish for a long time (and with compliments to boot!)
Today, we want to provide a simple step-by-step guide on cleaning your deck.
Why You Should Clean Your Deck
Not visible to the naked eye, dirt and debris can build up on decking and its crevices, making it harder to clean if left unattended for a long time and potentially contributing to needing to replace deck boards. Additionally, general garden matter can blow onto your deck, leading to rotting in wood if not removed regularly.
By removing green waste, which contains and holds a lot of water, you don’t run the risk of water running off, which otherwise results in water pooling on your decking boards and potentially causes them to bend and distort. Regularly sweeping your deck and getting rid of tiny dirt particles that can cause damage to timber is recommended.
How To Clean Your Wood Deck
Cleaning your wooden decking is quite simple if maintained regularly. You should start by sweeping any accumulated dirt, debris, leaves and dust particles using a soft-bristled broom. Be sure to sweep in between crevices and each wooden board in case anything is lodged between the panelling or has stuck to the sides. Read on for further instructions on how to give your wood deck a thorough clean.
Tools & Materials Required to Clean a Deck
Some tools will be required to efficiently clean a deck, of which a few might already be a part of your household cleaning assortment. But if you are yet to purchase these items, they can be easily found in the cleaning and gardening sections of your local hardware store or supermarket.
However, we advise that you research high-pressure cleaners to find one that is versatile and can be used throughout the outdoor areas of your home. To keep your deck gleaming, ensure you have the following tools ready when it’s time for your periodic cleaning.
- Assorted sized brooms
- Gloves
- Hand bucket
- High-pressure cleaner
- Mask measuring cup
- Safety glasses
Cleaning Steps
Below are the steps on how to clean your deck best.
- As mentioned above, go over your deck initially with a soft broom and sweep off any accumulated dirt, debris and garden matter, noting anything that might catch or be stuck between each board.
- Use your high-pressure cleaner to wash off any gathered dirt thoroughly. Ensure that you go over the entire deck, including its underside and in between any nooks or crannies. For safety purposes, we recommend using safety glasses when performing this action to avoid any dirt flying about and becoming a potential hazard. Be sure to activate this step in stages to avoid focusing too much on one area and placing too much pressure on one section of your deck.
- Ensure that you dilute your chosen deck cleaner with water, as the chemical fumes can be quite strong. Safeguard yourself by wearing gloves, a mask and safety glasses when pouring the deck cleaner into a measuring cup and diluting the liquid in water. Ensure all instructions are followed carefully when completing this process.
- Dip your broom into the mixture when applying to your deck, then begin scrubbing. Ensure that you have scrubbed every part of your deck to avoid spotting. Leave the mixture to sit and work its magic for the specified amount of time listed in the instructions while trying not to get any of it on your garden or deck plants.
- Once the time is up, high-pressure clean your decking, ensuring you rinse off the mixture completely and any lingering dirt or grime. Then, leave your deck to dry completely. For this purpose, we recommend aiming to clean on a sunny weather day to maximise the sun’s natural heat to dry your decking.
- Your deck is now clean and can be enjoyed! You can now apply decking oil to the timber to help further protect it from the elements.
Deck cleaning is not as daunting as it seems, nor may it take up much of your time. You need not put it off if you follow our helpful guide. Soon enough, you’ll be admiring your beautiful entertainment space as though it was brand new! If you have any questions about cleaning your deck, give us a call today for some helpful and tailored advice.
Deck Cleaning FAQs
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What is the best homemade deck cleaner?If you would rather not use chemicals when cleaning your deck, you can create a simple non-toxic solution at home. A simple vinegar and bicarbonate soda solution can provide an eco-friendly option and can usually be found in your pantry or cleaning cupboard. Simply mix equal parts warm water with white vinegar and bicarbonate soda and proceed to the above mentioned steps.
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What is the best way to clean a wooden deck?Please review our helpful step-by-step guide listed above for the best way to clean a wooden deck. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call today for more tailored advice.
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What is the easiest way to clean a deck?The easiest way to clean a deck is to clean it regularly so that dirt and debris do not build up and pose a more labour-intensive or time-consuming clean.
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Can I clean my deck without a pressure washer?Yes, you can clean your deck without a pressure cleaner; however, we suggest budgeting more time to clean your deck in this instance. A pressure cleaner is a powerful water source that helps to rid surfaces of penetrable dirt and grime quickly. Using a brush with sturdier bristles and a little elbow grease can help to achieve this same effect.
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Why does my deck look dirty?Your decking will naturally accumulate dirt if it’s outdoors and situated amongst or next to a garden or if the area it occupies is exposed to wind and rain. This is normal, and everyone’s deck gets dirty occasionally. The key to minimising dirt on your deck is to clean it regularly and apply a decking oil after cleaning to protect it from the elements.
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