If you’re lucky enough to have a lovely wood deck, you’ll need to know how to clean a wood deck.
After all, you want to keep it in great condition to enjoy those lovely Summer evenings outside!
One option is to get your deck professionally cleaned, but there are also a number of ways to maintain your deck yourself.
You just need the right products, and a bit of expert knowledge…
How to Clean a Wood Deck Without a Pressure Washer
You might have seen videos of people cleaning their wood deck with a pressure washer – and they can be so satisfying and fun to watch! Wood can be a tricky material to clean. That is why it is important to learn the proper method of wood floors cleaning.
But pressure washers can also be expensive and inconvenient to rent or buy. That’s why it’s important to know how to clean a wood deck without a pressure washer.
Step-By-Step Guide to Cleaning a Wood Deck Without a Pressure Washer
- Clear the deck of all furniture, plants, and other objects that might get in the way during cleaning.
- Sweep the deck using a broom or leaf blower to get rid of dirt, leaves, twigs, or others build up.
- Choose a cleaning solution that fits your needs. They are readily available at homewares stores and online, and there are many varieties tailored for different timbers, outdoor conditions, and other needs.
- Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire deck, test it on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn’t discolour or damage the wood.
- If you’re happy with the cleaning solution, use a long handled scrub brush or stiff broom to apply the product all over the deck.
- Start scrubbing to lift dirt, grime, and stains from the deck. Give high-traffic and particularly dirty areas a bit of extra care.
- Some products may need to sit and be activated over time.
- Rinse with a garden hose or buckets of water to clean off the product and any loose dirt. It’s important to rinse very thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue.
- Stubborn stains might need to be treated several times, so be patient and repeat where necessary.
- Let your deck completely air dry before moving furniture or objects back onto it.
Tackling a Slippery Wood Deck Safely 150 words
You might have noticed that your wood deck can become a bit slick and slippery over time.
This can be a trip hazard, especially if you have little kids running around or elderly family who risk falling.
So, here’s how to clean a slippery deck to keep the whole family safe.
Why Do Wood Decks Get Slippery?
First of all, let’s understand why wood decks become slippery. It’s actually due to a build up of moss, mildew, mould, or algae.
It might sound gross, but it’s actually very common!
Even if you can’t see visible mould or moss, the spores can be very small and create a sort of film over the wood.
Not only is it slippery, uncomfortable and dangerous, it can also damage the wood and require expensive repairs over time.
Cleaning and Preventing A Slippery Deck
When cleaning a slippery wood deck, it’s best to be on the safe side and use gloves, goggles, and maybe a face mask.
You’re going to be scrubbing and don’t want to inhale any spores or cleaning product.
Look for a cleaning product that specialises in cleaning moss, mildew, mould, or algae, or says that it will treat a slippery deck.
Sunshine and keeping the deck dry are important in preventing mould and moss from building up in the first place. It might be hard, but try letting your deck dry out between cleaning and getting wet.
A good tip is to also make sure you’re regularly sweeping leaves and debris off the deck. They can trap moisture underneath which is where moss and mildew thrive.
PS: Make sure you are also doing pool cleaning and maintenance during summer. You can keep your deck and pool clean all season. Take the time to skim the surface of your pool, and make sure you’re emptying out the filter baskets regularly. The cleaner you keep your pool, the less chance there is for mould and moss to appear in it.
Prolonging the Life of Your Wood Deck
A wood deck is an investment, so it’s important to make sure it’s well maintained and taken care of.
Regular cleaning is key to keeping your deck in good condition, but there are a few other things to consider…
Make sure you check for wood rot, termites, and cracks to the wood throughout the year. It’s far better to catch these culprits early before much damage occurs!
Be sure to sand, re-paint, re-stain, and re-seal your deck where necessary. This can go a long way in prolonging the life of the wood and keep it looking good as new.
Finally, keep an eye out for plants, vines, and roots that might start to grow into the deck. They can cause mould, moss, and algae to grow into the wood, and weaken the foundations of the deck.
So, now you have everything you need to know about how to clean a wood deck, check out how to clean wood furniture for more!
If you want to give your deck an expert touch, don’t hesitate to book a professional cleaner through Wecasa.
