Knowing how to clean a deck the right way is important to ensure that all unsightly stains are removed from them. And when equipped with the knowledge and tools, cleaning a deck can be done fairly easily, even by a novice.
Before beginning, make sure to wear the proper attire. In general, it is a good idea to have on long pants, long sleeves, and rubber gloves. This keeps the homeowner protected from the substances they will be working with.
Once properly clothed, the next step in how to clean a deck is to clear it off. This means moving the furniture and other outdoor decorations off the deck so the wood can be reached without any problem. If they can’t be moved to other areas of the yard or the house, they should at least be stacked in a corner. After the clearing is done, the deck should be swept. To get all the pine needles, loose dirt and leaves out of the way, use a shop broom suited for the outdoors.
After the deck is swept, it is important to protect any plants that were not removed during the clearing. Putting plastic sheeting over the planters on the deck can save the plants inside them from being harmed by deck cleaners, which can be very toxic. Any furniture left on the deck should be covered as well.
The next step in the deck cleaning process is to mix the cleaning solution. Most people use a commercial deck cleaner for this purpose. In general, cleaning solutions can be purchased at any home improvement or local hardware store. One important thing to remember when buying this type of cleaner is to make sure that it suits the type of wood the deck is made of, as well as the grime that one intends to remove. Nontoxic and environmentally friendly cleaners are also advisable as they are believed to be safer for kids, pets, and yards.
When the mixing is complete, then it’s time to apply the cleaning solution to the deck either by hand or using a power washer. A power washer can save a lot of time and make the application process much easier. If it is within the budget of the homeowner to either rent or purchase a power washer, this would be the preferred way to go.
During the application process, be sure to cover every part of the deck’s surface. This includes the stairs and railings. It is important to make sure everything is properly coated. For best results, the solution should be allowed to sit on the surface for at least 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes or so, use a scrub brush or power washer to clean the deck. Work in small sections to make sure that all the deck is cleaned. Although it is important to focus on heavily stained areas, one should be careful never to scrub too hard, as this will increase the risk of splintering or scratching the wood.
After the washing is complete, it’s time to rinse the deck. Rinsing can be done either by using an ordinary garden hose with a sprayer nozzle or by putting some clean and lukewarm water inside the power washer. Rinse every area of the deck as well as the plastic sheeting that was laid over the plants or furniture.
Give the deck around 24 hours depending on the weather and amount of sunlight for it to dry. Make sure it is completely dry before putting back the furniture, grill and other accessories. These are the basic steps on how to clean a deck. But before putting everything back together, this may also be a good time to stain it. Particularly if it’s been a while since the last stain and the deck is showing clear signs of wear and tear. For more information on the staining process and choosing the right kind of stain, consult a qualified deck restoration specialist.
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