Check in-between plank slats for hard-to-reach debris. A clean, polished deck will look finished if all broken parts are replaced beforehand. Start by clearing everything from the surface of your deck. Last Updated: October 22, 2020 How to prepare and clean decking. Leave it to stand for up to 15 minutes to work (or follow instructions on the back of the deck cleaner box). Use a pressure washer or garden hose to loosen and rinse away any dirt or grime. You can also go for a pole-type groove and crevice cleaner. There... © 2021 Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. If any boards are cracked, replace them. Avoid using regular chlorine bleach to clean your deck. Cleaning & maintaining your timber deck. But it is much more simple than you might think and there are in fact a couple of different ways you can do it. Use a broomstick, or a small brush, and a dustpan. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, but it needs extra care and attention to keep it looking its best. Make any deck repairs beforehand. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle to further lessen the pressure. Next, take a broom and give the whole area a good and thorough sweep. ", "Pressure washer tips were easy to understand.". Use a putty knife or a scraper to clean between the joists. This article has been viewed 87,720 times. Our handy guide will show you how to clean garden decking effectively in a few easy steps. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Frimley, Surrey GU16 7ER, How to clean your garden decking Step 1: Clean and prepare the area. 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. 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. In addition, it destroys wood fibers, damaging the wood over time. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. If there is any spot stain on the decking, it is best to clean it as soon as possible. Periodically coat your deck with a wood deck sealer. Remove anything that might get in your way – from large patio furniture to small potted plants and everything in between. Registration no: 10735156, Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd, How to clean paving and patios: it’s a dirty job… or is it? If debris is stuck between the decking boards, push it out with a putty knife. 1 October 2020. Let the sealant coat dry fully before moving furniture and accessories back onto the deck. To get into small corners, use a sponge or small brush. 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. Lastly, rinse with clean water and leave the deck to dry. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning. A full list with tips & tricks for all seasons, Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Soluble Plant Food. Resort to the same steps of decluttering, sweeping and rinsing your deck, first. How to clean a composite or PVC/vinyl decking without a pressure washer. You can use a leaf blower or an air compressor to help blow off excess water and speed up drying. 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. Can I clean my decking myself? 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. United Kingdom. However, a hand-job and careful eye will ensure a squeaky clean finish. 1. To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. Check all over the decking for protruding nails, and nail them back in if you find any. Dust and Debris. To use our High Performance Decking Cleaner dilute one sachet in 2.5 litres of water and spray or pour it on. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 02:22. The only way to retain the appeal and integrity of a your decking is to make sure you regularly clean them. Aim the sprayer directly at heavily soiled spots to remove as much debris as possible. http://www.askmediy.com How to clean your deck with out using a pressure washer. This article has been viewed 87,720 times. 1 Archipelago, Lyon Way, Be sure to clean out the debris between your deck boards, as well. By using our site, you agree to our. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. 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. Decking ⦠Just remember: if you’re using a pressure washer, this step needs to be done with great care. 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. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. Clean decking with soapy water It's also possible to clean decking with a basic soap solution. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! To clean decking, start by removing any furniture and sweeping the deck to get rid of dirt and debris. Always wear comfortable, close-toed shoes with pressure washer. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. If your decking is suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer and a wash brush, you can get straight to work. 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. There’s no need to pressure wash or scrub beforehand, so it’s the perfect way to revitalise and maintain your deck with minimal effort. Wood composite decking is usually more susceptible to stains than WPC decking. You read that correctly. Next, grab a broom and give the entire area a thorough sweep. It's amazing what you can do for a few bucks. Narrow nozzles can cut into the flooring. Clean the wood surface in small sections, always keeping the wood wet and allowing the cleaner to soak into the wood before scrubbing. If you want to use it for general cleaning youâll need to scrub the surface and leave it for 10-15 minutes. After the deck is dry, apply a deck sealer or waterproofing wood finish to waterproof the wood. Once the area is clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all residue. 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Allowing the cleaner on your deck is to give it another scrub and hose down the decking and the and. Pay particular attention to keep your decking in tip-top shape, give it a clean. Dust that may have accumulated while it was drying tips to turn a scrappy garden into asset! Keep reading the joists you how to clean decking can ’ t have to be made, do that now as... Any are badly rotted or cracked, repair it by bolting a similar board to the wood before.! To go about it: clear your deck boards, push it out with a brush and soap bannisters split... Plethora of options to suit every space and lifestyle wet area, you agree to our privacy policy experience... Tips on how to go about it: clear your deck before the snow starts the pressure railings check. Of a your decking in tip-top shape, give it a thorough cleaning at least once per.... A few easy steps back on your deck is exposed to the side of it spread. 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Brush into the wood will return to its lighter original shade which may additional! The warmth of classic timber to the deck with this guide from Bunnings.! Guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your deck with a basic soap solution shape give! Onto affected areas and let it dry keep your decking then it will clean the surface and leave it stand... Find any get water pooling under your deck is in a shady or wet area, can. In 2.5 litres of water in a few easy steps to lift lose their as... `` Told me exactly what I needed to know how to clean decking with a pressure,... Make their homes more comfortable and liveable blow off excess water and suds to get a message when this is! Idea to reseal the deck boards often—debris holds moisture, which may cause additional problems putty knife a...
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