Avoid using regular chlorine bleach to clean your deck. With the right deck cleaning products, you can completely transform the appearance of your decking - and keep it functional for years to come. Simply spray the treatment onto affected areas and let it dry. Outdoor decks can lose their luster as they get older, especially the decking and the handrails. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning. Sweep the deck once more to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated while it was drying. Last Updated: October 22, 2020 and are used under licence from OMS Investments, Inc. Roundup® is a registered trademark and used under license. How to remove green mold/ algae / mildew from wooden decking. 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. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. This biodegradable, non-acidic, powerful concentrate does not contain bleach yet effectively eradicates moss, mould and algae. If your decking is suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer and a wash brush, you can get straight to work. Hold the nozzle at a slight angle to further lessen the pressure. Use a broomstick, or a small brush, and a dustpan. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,720 times. 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. Whether your deck is looking a bit worse for wear or you simply want to spruce up your patio for summer, we’ve got you covered! The cleaning aisles in many grocery stores also sell oxygen bleach. Simply use a mix of washing-up liquid in warm water or go for half bleach and half warm water – both mixtures should be enough to deal with algae and mildew. Ready To Use Spray. It’s always a good idea to reseal the deck after you give it a deep clean. By using our site, you agree to our. 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. Decking is a fantastic addition to any garden, but it needs extra care and attention to keep it looking its best. This article has been viewed 87,720 times. Follow the lines as this enables water and suds to get into those grooved areas and come up really clean. 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. http://www.askmediy.com How to clean your deck with out using a pressure washer. 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. ... Decking Garden flooring tips for every lifestyle We’re spoilt for choice with outdoor flooring. The only way to retain the appeal and integrity of a your decking is to make sure you regularly clean them. Locate the source of the mold and pay particular attention to that area during treatment to more permanently remove mold. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. Cleaning & maintaining your timber deck. 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. Lastly, rinse with clean water and leave the deck to dry. Simply Spray & Walk Away. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Cleaning Black Mold from Your Deck. Composite decking is a great way to enjoy your garden or outdoor living space, and keeping it looking clean and inviting is straightforward and won’t take up too much time. United Kingdom. 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. Enzyme cleaners must be applied directly to the stain because the cleaning agents activate immediately. Start off by clearing everything from the surface of your deck. "Told me exactly what I needed to know. Oxygen bleach does very little cleaner to the wood, and it's the main ingredient in most commercial deck cleaners. 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. Then, mix oxygen bleach and warm water in a bucket and use a long-handled scrub brush to apply the solution all over the decking. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. There are 25 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. Debris holds water, causing the deck to rot faster. Although you can use the pressure washer, you should not do so until you have removed grease marks as well. A clean, polished deck will look finished if all broken parts are replaced beforehand. You read that correctly. Cleaning paving and patios are often thought of as a tough job. For a faster cleaning option, try using a pressure washer. Cleaning your deck was never so easy. … ", "Pressure washer tips were easy to understand.". Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. When it comes to mould and algae, the best way to clean decking is with a ready to use a concentrated disinfectant treatment like Patio Magic! Leave it to stand for up to 15 minutes to work (or follow instructions on the back of the deck cleaner box). Washing will remove moss, mould and algae. Pressure washers throw up a lot of muck, so move any garden furniture or pot plants out of harm’s way. Brush away dust and leaves, and pay particular attention to any nooks and crannies where debris can collect. 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. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Let mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes (or follow the instructions on the deck cleaner label). If any caked on dirt or debris remains, rub the area until the debris begins to lift. Add 1 cup of oxygenated bleach to 2 gallons of hot water. 1 Archipelago, Lyon Way,  Thanks. You can use a leaf blower or an air compressor to help blow off excess water and speed up drying. Clean the wood surface in small sections, always keeping the wood wet and allowing the cleaner to soak into the wood before scrubbing. Resort to the same steps of decluttering, sweeping and rinsing your deck, first. Luckily, deck maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. How to prepare and clean decking. Check your deck for insecure bannisters or split boards. How to clean a composite or PVC/vinyl decking without a pressure washer. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. 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. 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. 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. These tips will ensure your deck is looking spotless and summer-ready in no time! Frimley, Surrey GU16 7ER,  It also removes moss, mould and algae, and helps make it easier to apply deck paint, stains and oils. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather. 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. Push on the railings to check that they are strongly mounted. When you powerwash your decking use the lowest setting so you don’t damage the wood. References You may see it bubble a bit as it tackles the stains. However, a hand-job and careful eye will ensure a squeaky clean finish. Next, take a broom and give the whole area a good and thorough sweep. How to clean a greenhouse or conservatory. Rubber-soled shoes (especially boots) are ideal. Feeling unproductive while working from home? Do not put furniture back on your deck until it has dried completely. There... © 2021 Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. You can use a metal putty knife to scrape and clean the spaces in between boards. He works with homeowners to make a wide variety of improvements to make their homes more comfortable and liveable. It can also corrode metal fasteners such as screws and nails. If you choose to scrub the deck clean, choose a deck brush with natural or plastic bristles. After you've finished cleaning the deck, remove the plastic wrap immediately. Decking … 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. Clean decking with soapy water It's also possible to clean decking with a basic soap solution. Remove anything that might get in your way or prove hazardous – anything from large patio furniture to potted plants. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. How to Clean Mold and Mildew from Composite Decking. Make this DIY deck-cleaning solution. Use a putty knife or a scraper to clean between the joists. Start by clearing everything from the surface of your deck. It's amazing what you can do for a few bucks. Aim the sprayer directly at heavily soiled spots to remove as much debris as possible. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! Oils are easy to apply with no special skills required. If any repairs need to be made, do that now, as well. It will lighten the wood, making it look cleaner, but it won't actually remove much dirt. You will also need a bucket and a supply of clean water. Make any deck repairs beforehand. Remove anything that might get in your way – from large patio furniture to small potted plants and everything in between. Learn how to clean your deck with this guide from Bunnings Warehouse. Let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing off the deck with a hose. A full list with tips & tricks for all seasons, Miracle-Gro® All Purpose Soluble Plant Food. Clean out the debris between the deck boards often—debris holds moisture, which will cause the deck to rot faster. 2. How can I make sure my deck will last a long time? If debris is stuck between the decking boards, push it out with a putty knife. Wood composite decking is usually more susceptible to stains than WPC decking. This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. How to clean paving and patios: it’s a dirty job… or is it? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. For a quick and effective clean, use the Pro-Kleen 5 Litre Simply Spray & Walk Away Concentrate. Then, apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A pressure washer can quickly damage the wood if used too closely, making it even harder to clean or treat. A decking cleaner and reviver is specially formulated to restore the wood back to its natural colour, reinvigorating the appearance of your deck. First, brush decking boards down and remove any leaves, mud and debris. Whether you’re growing herbs, vegetables or flowers, greenhouses are invaluable for cultivating plants that need... As the garden is an extension of our living space it makes sense that we have dedicated areas in which we can work, rest... One of the best ways to create an amazing place to relax or entertain guests in your garden is to build a deck. This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. 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. Can I clean my decking myself? 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. {"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":"