How To Clean Your Deck
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Spray deck with water first before applying wash recipe, this helps prepare the surface so a cleaner can work its magic.
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For water temperature, use quite warm but not so hot that you can’t rest your hand in it.
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Use a stiff brush or broom to scrub the surface.
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Rinse surface well with clear water when removing cleaner.
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Remove cleaner before it dries (or lightly spray with water during waiting period if it’s drying too quickly).
General Cleaner:
1 gallon water
1 cup powdered laundry detergent (no bleach)
3/4 cup oxygen bleach (optional but good to use if mildew stains are present)
- Directions: Mix well then pour over deck area. Scrub lightly with a broom or brush. Leave for 5 to 10 minutes then scrub again. Rinse with water. Repeat if needed.
Maintenance Wash:
Use this mix for a light cleaning where no real problems or staining exists (basically just removing surface dirt and freshening up the deck).
- 2 cups white household vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of water. Pour over surface, leave for 10 to 15 minutes then brush with a stiff broom. Rinse well.
- Another recipe to try: 3/4 cup oxygen bleach and 1 gallon water.
- Or Try: 1 cup powdered laundry detergent with 1 gallon water.
Heavy Duty Cleaner:
- 3 quarts of water, 1 cup oxygen bleach and 1 cup of TSP. Mix well and apply to surface, scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom. Leave for about 10 minutes before scrubbing again. Rinse well.
Fighting Mildew:
- Try a mix of 3 quarts water, 1 cup oxygen bleach and 3/4 cup of liquid dishwasher detergent. Apply to surface, brush with a stiff broom and leave for 10 to 15 minutes. Scrub then rinse.
Stain Remover (such as Mold and Rust):
- Mix 1 tablespoon of oxalic acid crystals (wood bleach) with 1 gallon of water. Apply to stains with a brush and leave alone until stains have faded then rinse well with clear water.
- Grease stains can be conquered by applying powdered laundry detergent directly to stain (use a brush or broom), let it set for a few minutes then rinse.