When you are looking at how to clean a deck, you want to explore general deck cleaning tips and then look more closely at how to clean the specific type of deck that you have, such as composite decking, wood decking, and a pool deck.
Your deck is outdoors during all four seasons, so it takes a lot of abuse.
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- Why to learn how to clean a deck?
- General Deck Cleaning
- How to Clean Composite Decking?
- How to Clean a Wood Deck?
- Pool Deck Cleaning
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Why to Learn How to Clean a Deck?
You want to be able to enjoy your deck throughout all four seasons and the best way to ensure this is to keep your deck maintained. Cleaning your deck on a regular basis is an important step in the maintenance process.
General Deck Cleaning
When you are preparing to clean your deck, you want to collect the proper tools and materials to get the job done. Start by collecting these tools:
- Foam roller
- Broom
- Putty knife
- Flat pad roller
You also want to gather all of the following materials:
- Deck cleaning kit
- Deck sealer
- Exterior stain
- Bleach
You will also need a water hose. A power washer is also and option. If you feel that you may need a power washer, consult a professional for proper usage advice so you do not damage your deck. It is very important that you do not use a highly powerful setting.
The following steps are what you will take when you are working to clean a deck. These are general steps and you may need to adjust them to account for the specific material of your deck. These steps include:
- Clear cracks and sweep: You want to get between the boards and remove any debris using your putty knife. Once you clean between all of the boards, use a broom to sweep everything away.
- Scrub the deck: Create a cleaner that is half water and half bleach as a cleaner for your deck. You want to get down and scrub it using a scrub brush. This will help to remove things like mildew and algae from the wood.
- Once you thoroughly scrub your deck, use a water hose to completely rinse your deck and make sure to get in the cracks between boards so that no residue is left behind on the wood.
- Seal your deck: Once your now clean deck dries completely, you should reseal your deck about once a year. This prolongs the life of your deck and helps the deck to resist water. Use a foam roller to quickly apply the seal that you choose.
How to Clean Composite Decking?
If you have composite decking, you may also ask, how to clean Trex decking since it too is composite, but a brand name. Composite decking is relatively resilient and does not require extensive care.
Regular cleaning and inspection are generally adequate for keeping your deck in good cleaning.
Start by using a cleaner that is approved for composite decks so that you know that the cleaner is not too harsh.
A cleaner that is too harsh has the potential to prematurely degrade your deck.
Along with the cleaner that you choose, you want to use a gentle spray of water to preserve your deck.
To clean this type of deck, sweep it, get it wet with a water hose, scrub it with an approved cleaner and then use the water hose again to thoroughly rinse it away.
How to Clean a Wood Deck?
To clean a wood deck, you will use the general deck cleaning techniques that are discussed above. Before you start to clean your deck, make sure that you do a good visual inspection of the wood. You want to be on the lookout for weak, rotting or warped boards.
You should replace these boards before you carry out the deck cleaning process. This furthers the integrity of your deck and ensures that it is strong and solid all throughout the season.
Pool Deck Cleaning
When you have a pool deck, you want to clean it regularly and disinfect it when you clean it to prevent bacteria growth and slipperiness.
Since pool decks come in over two dozen different types of material, you will need to follow the cleaning instructions for the exact material that your deck is made out of for the best result.
When looking at how to clean a deck, make sure that you are cleaning your deck on a regular schedule. The best way to remember to clean your deck regularly is to clean it at the start of each of the four seasons.
Make sure that you are using the right techniques and cleaners to get the job done. If you use methods or cleaners that are too harsh, this can damage your deck and result in the need for making more frequent repairs or the need to replace your deck prematurely.
Always follow professional directions to increase the longevity of your deck.
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