It also removes moss, mould and algae, and helps make it easier to apply deck paint, stains and oils. 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! 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. If any boards are cracked, replace them. Check your deck for insecure bannisters or split boards. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. Use the garden hose to spray in between the decking boards to clean away any remaining debris. Frimley, Surrey GU16 7ER,  How to clean paving and patios: it’s a dirty job… or is it? If you do routine cleaning on your deck, and repair any broken boards, your deck will be a beautiful, enjoyable, and safe place to hang out for many years. If any repairs need to be made, do that now, as well. Once your garden decking is clean, you can apply a clear or coloured decking oil. Make this DIY deck-cleaning solution. Follow the lines as this enables water and suds to get into those grooved areas and come up really clean. 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. Pressure washers throw up a lot of muck, so move any garden furniture or pot plants out of harm’s way. 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. If any caked on dirt or debris remains, rub the area until the debris begins to lift. You can use a leaf blower or an air compressor to help blow off excess water and speed up drying. Let the sealant coat dry fully before moving furniture and accessories back onto the deck. Start by clearing everything from the surface of your deck. Use 4 in (10 cm) galvanized lag bolts. These tips will ensure your deck is looking spotless and summer-ready in no time! Cleaning paving and patios are often thought of as a tough job. First, brush decking boards down and remove any leaves, mud and debris. Also, coat the deck periodically with a wood deck sealer, but be sure to clean it first. ", "Pressure washer tips were easy to understand.". If you want to keep your decking in tip-top shape, give it a thorough cleaning at least once per year. Oils are easy to apply with no special skills required. Then, apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. 1. Use a pressure washer or garden hose to loosen and rinse away any dirt or grime. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 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. Then, dip a broom or scrub brush into the mixture and wash the deck in the direction of the wood grain. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 87,720 times. … Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather. 02:22. 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. Use a putty knife or a scraper to clean between the joists. Once the area is clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all residue. Clean out the debris between the deck boards often—debris holds moisture, which will cause the deck to rot faster. Otherwise you could get water pooling under your deck, which may cause additional problems. Washing will remove moss, mould and algae. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you will gouge the wood. United Kingdom. Decking … Just secure the attachment and set the water pressure to a low level – take care here, as using too high a water pressure can damage the wooden surface, and decking wood that is roughened in this way can become brittle or even split. Approved. Use a solution that dilutes in water, such as Ronseal Decking Cleaner or Liberon Tough Deck Clean and Revive, or a … To get into small corners, use a sponge or small brush. It can also corrode metal fasteners such as screws and nails. There... © 2021 Evergreen Garden Care (UK) Ltd. You will also need a bucket and a supply of clean water. 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. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. It will clean the surface more effectively than you might think without damaging the finish. Narrow nozzles can cut into the flooring. Let mixture stand for 5 to 10 minutes (or follow the instructions on the deck cleaner label). Enzyme cleaners must be applied directly to the stain because the cleaning agents activate immediately. Locate the source of the mold and pay particular attention to that area during treatment to more permanently remove mold. Add 1 cup of oxygenated bleach to 2 gallons of hot water. 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. Walter Brant is a wikiHow community member and contributor who has been repairing and restoring houses with over 30 years of experience. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. Next, grab a broom and give the entire area a thorough sweep. Always wear comfortable, close-toed shoes with pressure washer. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather. How can I make sure my deck will last a long time? This article was co-authored by Walter Brant. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! Rubber-soled shoes (especially boots) are ideal. You can use a metal putty knife to scrape and clean the spaces in between boards. Although you can use the pressure washer, you should not do so until you have removed grease marks as well. To clean decking, start by removing any furniture and sweeping the deck to get rid of dirt and debris. As decking dries the wood will return to its lighter original shade. If you have spindles, steps, or any fancy woodwork do that too. Clean decking with soapy water It's also possible to clean decking with a basic soap solution. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. One of the quickest ways to refresh your deck is to give it a good clean. 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. When you powerwash your decking use the lowest setting so you don’t damage the wood. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. You can also go for a pole-type groove and crevice cleaner. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning. Resort to the same steps of decluttering, sweeping and rinsing your deck, first. Cleaning Black Mold from Your Deck. 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