Deck Cleaning and Sealing

You should clean your deck whenever dirt or mildew is visible. Generally, washing your deck once or twice a year is enough to keep it in good condition. Once your deck is clean, you can apply a deck sealer that provides ultraviolet protection. Apply one coat of sealer (more will attract dirt) every 2-3 years. You do not have to reseal the deck every time you clean it. The sealer will continue working for two years or more even after cleaning.

Deck cleaning products are designed to remove grime and loose wood fibers on the surface of the deck boards and railings. Some deck cleaners contain detergent, others may contain oxalic acid or bleach, or a combination of all these ingredients. Unless you deck has moss, berry stains, or mildew, you will want to avoid using deck cleaners with bleach (sodium hypochlorite). Overdoing your deck with bleach can damage the wood.

Replace any rotten wood before you clean the deck. Find a time of day when the deck is shaded to avoid drying out the cleaner before it has a chance to work. If you have plants around your deck, you will want to be careful. Some deck cleaners will not harm most plants, but if you have fragile plants like flowers, water them to saturate the roots and then cover them. Make sure not to get the deck wet when you’re watering if the deck cleaner you’re using needs to be applied to a dry surface.

Mix and apply the deck cleaner according to the manufacturer’s specifications. A regular cotton mop, thick-nap paint roller, or garden sprayer, along with a pair of rubber gloves and safety goggles is all the equipment you need. After the deck cleaner has soaked into the wood, scrub the surface with a brush to loosen mildew and debris. Then rinse away the residue. If you are planning on sealing the deck, wait until it is dry and then apply the sealer. Your will have gone a long way toward preserving your investment. For all deck repair or carpentry in the Milwaukee area, call Milwaukee Handyman for the best values on home improvement and repair.