To wash your deck, we recommend first applying a deck cleaning solution, and then power washing. A good deck cleaner will remove gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew and other impurities deep in your deck boards, that power washing alone won't be able to accomplish.
Pressure washing is recommended if you have an older deck or need a really deep clean. The downside to using pressure washers before you stain or paint is that they are extremely good at pushing moisture to the core of your boards.
A few drops of washing up liquid dissolved in water is sufficient. Simply spread generously over the wooden slats and then scrub them thoroughly with a brush or bristled broom. Finally, rinse the deck with clean water. Liquid soap also works.
A deck brush is not better or worse than a pressure washer. The scrub brush is used for scrubbing the deck with a cleaning product while the pressure washer is used for washing the cleaning product off the deck. They should be used together to clean a deck properly...
It is only when pressure-washers are used improperly that they damage wood decks. Proper pressure-washing does not harm wood decks and effectively cleans the wood; removing unwanted buildup and helping to restore the look of the deck. Myth 2: Pressure-washing is a simple task that I can easily DIY.
Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers. This is normal and does not indicate damage. These fuzzies will generally go away in 2 or 3 weeks.
Simply squeeze dish soap into a bucket and run some hot water over it. Then mop the solution on to the deck. Brush in the direction of the grain with a stiff-bristled brush (one with a long handle is easier to work with). Rinse off with a hose, allow to dry, inspect the deck and repeat if necessary.
We recommend having a long handled, stiff bristled scrubbing brush/broom in your garden deck cleaning kit. Not only will this help with the cleaning process and help prevent damage caused by the overuse of a power washer, but it's also handy to have year round to help keep your deck in tip top condition.
Pre-treatment of your wood deck, or patio, is important, as this will help to soften up thick dirt or grime before high-pressure washing. For heavily soiled decking, apply a wood-specific, Composite cleaner or detergent and allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface. The fast-acting foaming formula eliminates stains from mold and mildew, tree sap, pollen, oxidation, weathering and other grime.
Vinegar is acidic so, normally, it's actually used to remove stains. Issues can arise when vinegar is left to sit on decking for too long, as doing so can seep the color out of the wood. Using undiluted vinegar is especially harmful, as the stronger concentration results in even more acidity that can damage your deck.
Sealing a deck after pressure washing is crucial to keeping it looking great and preventing damage from the elements.
The typical cost of a rental for one day is $40 to $100. A pressure washer is a straightforward machine that can clean very well with only water. However, it can ruin your deck if it's not used properly.
To clean your deck, combine 250 ml of vinegar with 3.8 litre water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed timber and use vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards. Borate is also a natural cleaner and versatile for indoor or outdoor cleaning. Use a ratio of 240 ml of Borax to 3.8 litre of water.
30 Seconds Ready To Use Outdoor Cleaner is made from a combination of ingredients, with the active ingredient being Sodium Hypochlorite. What happens when you apply the product is that it works immediately on any organics by emulsifying the growth.
Using a pressure washer to get rid of algae, lichen and moss is the best way to clean decking, as you can avoid the hard work of using a manual scrubbing brush. Pressure washers have a powerful pump and narrow nozzle, allowing them to blast water with a forceful spray.
If you choose to use Dawn in your pressure washer, proper dilution is crucial. A general recommendation is to mix no more than a few ounces of Dawn with a gallon of water to prevent excessive foaming and reduce the risk of pump damage.
It sounds odd, but liquid dish soap is great for cleaning your lightly soiled decks. Just like it's safe to use on your delicate dishes, the dish soap will be safe on your stained deck. It's gentle on the stain and doesn't leave any residue after rinsing.
Deflection refers to how bouncy a deck feels when walked on. Excessive spans and undersized joists and beams are the primary causes of bounciness. Racking, or more commonly called swaying, refers to when a deck moves from side to side.
Start by removing any plant pots, furniture or parasols to leave you with a clear deck. Give the surface a wash down using a hose and brush away any debris. Next, we recommend you use the Osmo Decking Cleaner or Osmo Power Gel to give the wooden decking a thorough clean.