Are you wondering how to clean a deck? If so, you’re in the right place! Refinished deck cleaning should be on everyone’s to-do list, but quite often, it gets overlooked. Because decks endure various activities throughout the year, they can accumulate dirt, grime, stains, and old leaves. They’re also susceptible to spills, food stains, and weather elements. This DIY guide will outline steps to effectively clean both wood and composite decks, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite outdoor space for years to come.
Supplies Needed
Learning how to clean a deck likely won’t require many items you don’t already have on hand. Below are lists of materials and tools you’ll need:
Materials
- Warm water
- Baking soda (optional)
- White vinegar (optional)
- Deck cleaner (optional)
- Oxygen bleach(optional)
- Deck brightener (optional)
- Deck sealer (for wood decks)
- Wood stain (optional, for wood decks)
Tools
- Garden hose with nozzle
- Pressure washer (optional)
- Stiff bristle brush or deck brush
- Scrub brush
- Leaf blower (optional)
- Sander (optional)
- Sandpaper (optional)
How to Clean a Wood Deck
If you want to learn how to clean a wood deck, follow the steps below:
1. Sweep the Debris
Start by removing loose debris, leaves, and dirt from the deck surface using a leaf blower or a broom. Pay attention to corners and crevices where dirt tends to accumulate. Old leaves and other debris can often fall between the wood panels, depending on how close together they are.
Pro tip: If part of your home structure is built underneath the wood panels, it may be necessary every few years to remove the deck boards and clear out any blockages to your deck drainage. Failing to do so could result in water buildup, which may lead to leaks that could damage any living spaces below the deck.
2. Pre-Rinse the Wood
Attach a nozzle to your garden hose, and spray down the entire deck surface with water. This will help loosen dirt and grime, making it easier to remove with a deck brush. If you own or have rented a power washer, you can substitute it for your garden hose and really blast off any buildup! Just make sure to use a fan tip for the power washer, and hold it at least one foot above the deck at no higher than 1,500 psi.
3. Apply Cleaner
The best way to clean a deck made out of wood is to use a non-toxic, biodegradable deck cleaning solution like OxyClean. You can also consider making an eco-friendly cleaning solution out of products you already have at home.
While you’ll always want to check that your wood will be safe with any cleaning mixture, you can typically make an effective solution by mixing one gallon of water with 1 cup vinegar (250 ml). Apply this mixture to the deck, then sprinkle 4-6 boxes of baking soda (depending on your deck’s size) onto the wood panels. Then start scrubbing with your brush.
If you want to use harsher chemicals, consider mixing one gallon of warm water with:
- 1 oz (29ml) liquid dish soap (ammonia-free)
- 4 5/8 cups (1.1 liters) oxygen bleach (not chlorine bleach)
- 1 5/8 cups (473 ml) rubbing alcohol
Your wood deck will be safe with oxygen bleach, which will help kill any mold or mildew. Apply the cleaner to the deck’s wood surface, and use a stiff bristle brush or a deck brush to scrub the deck, working in sections.
4. Rinse
Thoroughly rinse your deck after scrubbing it. Use your garden hose for this step, and make sure all remnants of your wood deck cleaner are gone. Be aware that rinsing bleach off your deck can kill microorganisms in the soil below, so if you’ve used a homemade solution, be cautious if you have any plants or garden-ready soil under your deck.
4. Remove Stubborn Stains
For stubborn deck stains you find during deck cleaning, create a paste of baking soda and water. Let the paste sink into the stain for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it thoroughly and rinsing it with water. For very tough stains, you can also consider using borate (also known as Borax), which is a very powerful natural cleaner.
5. Rinse and Seal
Rinse the deck again thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaner or residue. At this point, you may want to reseal your deck to protect it from the elements or apply a deck brightener. If this is the case, allow the deck to dry completely before applying a deck sealer or brightener of your choice.
How to Clean a Composite Deck
If you’re wanting to learn how to clean a composite deck, follow the steps below:
1. Sweep the Debris
Similar to with wood decks, start by removing loose debris, leaves, and dirt from the composite deck’s surface. Use a leaf blower or a broom to efficiently remove every bit of buildup that you can.
2. Pre-Spray Your Deck
Attach a nozzle to your garden hose, and spray down the entire deck surface with water. This helps loosen dirt and grime, making them easier to remove during the cleaning phase. If you’re using a power washer, make sure to hold it at least one foot above the deck boards. Use a fan tip, and set it to a pressure no higher than 1,500 psi.
3. Apply Soap and Water
It’s always best to clean composite decks naturally if possible. Simply use a jug of white vinegar and water (one part vinegar to four parts water). Mix the ingredients together in a spray bottle or bucket. Apply the solution to your deck with a sprayer or a mop, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Finally, scrub the solution, and rinse it off with a hose.
4. Remove Stubborn Stains
If you still have stubborn stains on your composite deck and another 15-20-minute round of vinegar and water isn’t doing the trick, try using a commercial deck cleaner made for composite decks. Use elbow grease to scrub the stain, and rinse the deck thoroughly again. Hopefully, this will finish off your deck cleaning!
Deck Cleaning FAQs
Still have questions about deck cleaning? Check out answers to some common questions below!
Is it better to power wash a deck or use a deck cleaner?
Pressure washing is effective for removing tough dirt and grime, but it can also damage your wooden deck surface if it isn’t used properly. To use it properly, hold the fan sprayer at least one foot above the deck at no higher than 1,500 psi.
Deck cleaners, on the other hand, are gentler and specifically formulated for cleaning wood and composite decks without causing any damage. These are generally safe to use, but do consider the most eco-friendly option!
What is the best way to remove mold from decks?
Mix a solution of equal parts oxygen bleach and water. Apply the solution to the mold-affected areas of your deck, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Scrub the area with a stiff bristle brush, and rinse it thoroughly with water. Again, be cautious of using oxygen bleach on your deck if you have plants or garden-ready soil underneath it, as the bleach is an environmental toxin.
Can you use vinegar to clean a deck?
Yes, vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains and brighten wooden decks. It’s also one of the best ways to clean a deck. Mix one part vinegar with four parts water, and apply it to the deck surface. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing your deck thoroughly with your garden hose.
Restore Your Deck With a Tasker’s Help
If you’re short on time, expertise, or equipment, consider hiring a Tasker to clean and restore your deck or even add a shade sail. Taskers are experienced in all aspects of deck cleaning, including removing stubborn stains, refinishing, and applying protective sealants. They can also use eco-friendly cleaning products and techniques to ensure your deck is spotless and safe for your family, friends, and pets. Hire a Tasker today!
