To remove mildew, mold and stains from wood decks, use a deck cleaner. For best results, apply the cleaning solution in the direction of the wood grain.
Prior to cleaning, clear the deck of furniture and plants. Trim back overhanging vegetation to prevent damage from cleaning solutions or debris that may fall during the cleaning process.
Clearing the Deck
To “clear the decks” refers to removing anything nonessential before an undertaking. This phrase originated in naval warfare, where crew members would clear the decks of their ships before battle to prepare for action by putting away items that might get in the way or be lost in the commotion. Today, clearing the decks is a metaphor for getting prepared for any significant task by dealing with any obstacles that might hinder progress.
To begin the process of deck cleaning, sweep away any loose debris from the surface with a standard outdoor broom. This step is particularly important if your deck has mild stains caused by food, wine or other substances that can stain the wood. Find out more at deck cleaning near me.
Next, wet down the entire surface of your deck with a garden hose or power washer (at a low pressure setting to avoid damaging the wood fibers). This helps loosen any dirt and grime that may have settled on the surfaces of your deck.
Targeted Cleaning Solutions
Cleaning your deck requires a few special cleaning products in addition to the usual household detergent and garden hose. To prepare for the process, remove outdoor furniture and any toys or grills that could be damaged by soap. Cover any plants that might be hurt by the bleach used in the cleaning solutions.
If your ipe or composite deck has dirt build-up, use a scrub brush and warm soapy water to loosen and wash away the debris. Scrub lightly, focusing on trouble spots. Rinse the deck regularly with the hose to keep the boards wet and prevent them from drying and becoming dirty or stained.
If you have a pressure washer, consider the option of using an oxygen bleach cleaner like Simple Green Oxy Solve or Defy Wood Cleaner to remove stains from mold and mildew, as well as discoloration from pollen, tree sap, oxidation and weathering. Follow up with an oxalic acid deck brightener to restore the visual appeal of the wood.
Applying the Cleaning Solution
Before applying the cleaning solution, thoroughly wet the entire deck surface using a garden hose to loosen any dirt and debris. Choose a wide-angle nozzle to avoid damaging the wood. When you are ready to spray, start at one end of the deck and work across it overlapping each pass slightly to ensure that all surfaces are cleaned evenly. Be sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 2 feet away from the deck, as excessive force could damage the wood or cause discoloration.
Defy deck cleaner did lighten the coffee-colored stain but it also raised the wood grain making some boards look fuzzy-looking. For a smoother finish, homeowners may wish to sand the deck after lightening with Defy and before staining or sealing.
Be sure to clear the deck of furniture and cover nearby plants with plastic sheeting or tarps to protect them from overspray and runoff. Then, dip a long-handled brush or synthetic-bristled broom in your homemade cleaner and apply it to the deck. Allow the cleaner to set for the time recommended by the manufacturer.
Rinsing
If the deck is only moderately dirty, a broom and a garden hose can usually remove it with no need for cleaning products. If stains persist, a pressure washer may be necessary. Be sure to use a low setting, keep the nozzle a safe distance away from the wood and test the pressure on an inconspicuous spot before applying it to your deck.
Avoid cleaners containing chlorine bleach if you have a treated wood deck. Chlorine based chemicals will damage treated wood and leave an unnatural whitewashed look. Bleach’s counter part in wood cleaning, sodium per-carbonate is a safer option for most decks but can take longer to break down mold and rust stains.
If you want an eco-friendly choice, oxygen bleach can effectively tackle mildew and algae while remaining safe for most decks. It is available as a spray-on product or in a powder that can be mixed with water. This treatment is less effective against food stains, but a baking soda paste can be used for this purpose.