Decks are a valuable part of your property. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure that they last longer. A clean safe deck ensures a pleasant outdoor environment, increases curb appeal, and value when you sell. A well-maintained deck can last 50 years.
Dos
1. Regular Light Cleaning
Sweep the deck regularly and spray it with the garden hose to remove leaves, twigs, dust, and dirt. Organic trash is a home for mold and grit that can scar the deck finish when walked on.
2. Yearly Thorough Cleaning
Clean the deck thoroughly once a year. Spring is a traditional time to remove winter buildup and prepare for summer use. Vinegar and baking soda or borax mixed into water and applied with a bristle brush kills mold and cleans the deck. Do not use a wire brush. It will tear fibers out of the wood.
3. Protect Plants
A pressure washer that can remove wood fibers for a deck will damage plants. Some cleaning solutions kill or retard flowers and trees. Keep plants safe by covering them during deck cleaning. Old sheets. Painter’s drop sheets. Be careful using plastic on sunny days. Plants may burn. Leave the covering loose to allow air circulation.
4. Repairs
Wood expands and contracts and cracks. It also warps. Nails and screws work their way out over time. Replace damaged boards and loose or missing nails as soon as you see them to keep the deck in good condition.
5. Reseal
Decks should be resealed every one to three years to protect them against weather damage. Once the deck is repaired and thoroughly cleaned, allow it to dry for 48 hours. Sand it lightly with about 80-grit sandpaper. Wipe it clean and apply stain and sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
DON’TS
1. High Pressure Wash
Pressure washers work great for cleaning decks but high pressure can gouge out the soft parts of wood decking. Turn the pressure down and keep the wand moving continuously while spraying. Inexperienced pressure washing can leave wood decks pitted and ugly.
2. Use Chlorine Bleach
Never use chlorine bleach to clean wood decks. It will remove all of the natural color from wood and damage the cell structure–weakening the boards and shortening their useful life.
3. Ignore Mold
Mold spores start growing in less than 48 hours. Decks often provide the perfect environment–especially when leaves and dirt are left to accumulate. Get rid of mold as soon as you spot it. Use vinegar, borax, or bleach if necessary. Bleach discolors wood; use sparingly. Clean between gaps in the boards and under the deck. If left unchecked, mold will eventually cause rot in the deck boards and framing members.
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