How to Keep Your Deck Clean and Stain-Free

When you are done cleaning your deck, thoroughly rinse the surface, railings, and stairs with a garden hose. This will lighten the color of the wood and help remove any residual cleaning products.

Avoid using bleach (chlorine) to clean your deck. It will damage the wood and harm plant life. Instead use oxygen bleach, which can be found in many quality deck cleaners. This is a fantastic article to read.

Clean the Deck

A hose and mild soap are all you need to clean most Trex decks. For stubborn dirt stains, look for a cleaner that contains mildewcide. Mildewcide is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach and won’t harm plant life. Most good deck cleaning products contain it in a premixed formula or as a concentrated liquid. Leave it on the surface of the wood for a while to kill mildew and mold and inhibit future growth.

If you’re using a pressure washer, use the lowest possible setting to avoid damage to the wood or stain. Spray from a distance of 16-20 inches, directing the stream away from people and glass windows. Pre-wet the area with a garden hose to loosen dirt buildup and make it easier for the cleaner to penetrate the surface.

Homemade cleaning solutions like vinegar, lemon juice, and salt also safely remove stains without damaging your stained deck. You can also purchase a commercial deck cleaner that’s formulated for stained surfaces.

Remove Debris

Throughout the year, dirt from foot traffic, twigs, leaves, pollen, and other natural debris can build up on wood decks. If you want to keep your deck clean and stain-free, most experts recommend a light sweeping of the surface every week. For a deeper clean, a cleaning product that is made for outdoor spaces and an outdoor brush are needed.

Before you begin, move furniture, plants, grills, and other items off of the deck. This prevents the chemicals from damaging any nearby vegetation or staining the items you have removed.

The best way to get rid of mildew or mold growth is to use a scrub brush and a cleaning solution that is safe for the type of wood you have on your deck. This method is time-consuming and requires some physical effort, but it works well to remove dirt and mildew from wood decking without splintering or damaging the structure of the deck. Using a power washer is an alternative, but you must be careful not to damage the surface.

Stain or Seal the Deck

If your deck has a stain, strip it with a wood cleaner to get the surface ready for new sealer or stain. It’s important to do a thorough job because any contaminants left behind could interfere with adhesion and leave your deck susceptible to mildew or damage from water. Before you begin, use plastic sheeting and painter’s tape to cover plants and any areas that you don’t want to stain.

Whether you decide to apply a clear or colored stain, it’s critical to choose one with high performance and weathering ratings. A good stain will block UV rays and help your deck last longer, but you’ll need to restain it at least once every other year to keep it looking its best.

Apply Stain or Sealant

Once the deck has been cleaned and inspected for splinters, loose boards, and other problems, it can be treated with either stain or sealant. A good sealant will protect the wood from damage, such as sun and water exposure, while a stain will add color and extra protection to the surface. Both oil and water-based stains are available, each with its benefits. Oil will penetrate the wood and last longer, while a water-based stain will form a protective film on the surface of the deck.

Use a brush to apply the stain, following the wood grain. Let the stain dry for a few days before using the deck. Before applying any treatment to your deck, always read the manufacturer’s instructions and safety warnings carefully. Whenever possible, avoid bleach-based cleaners as these will deteriorate the wood and may cause toxic chemical reactions with other chemicals. Also, be sure to protect nearby plants with plastic sheeting or drop cloths to prevent over-spray from damaging or discoloring flowers and shrubs. Definitely worth checking out!