Get cleaning your Deck efficiently with support from Malone Home Center

All of the spring rain has many of us longing for those beautiful patio barbeque dinners times, food and time spent chasing the little ones, running through the sprinkler. Before you start sending out the invitations to your first garden party of the year, you might want to know how to tidy your wood deck or patio to get it entertainment ready! Your deck and/or has been through a rough winter and impressing family and friends outdoors is enjoyable. Getting your patio or deck patio/deck ready is one of the 1^st steps to loving your outdoor space. We at Malone Home Center in Greenville can guide you into getting your deck ready for relaxation and fun!

 

Items You Could Need

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Trash Bags/Recycled yard bags
• Long handled scrubbing brush with stiff bristles
• Garden Hose with Sprayer
• Pressure Washer (optional)
• Bucket
• Slender stick or tool
• Commercial Deck Cleaner (optional)
• Laundry Detergent
• Liquid Bleach (optional)
• Deck Preservative (optional)

Sometimes even though a pressure washed deck/patio can be a elegant, charming spot, it can just as quickly be an unsightly eyesore if the wood, isn’t kept. Anyone who owns a deck notices that it is more charming when it is sparking clean. Washing your deck will not only provide a different look, but also help cultivate the integrity of the wood, making your deck last longer. It can also clear up the pavers/cement of your patio, if you have one.

Watch this video for additional tips and info:

Cleaning Your Deck or Patio

Step 1 – Remove Clutter

Step 2 – GET RID OF GRIME

Wash the full deck or patio with an outdoor hose that has a spray attachment and work on any stains and oiled spots with a wood deck cleaner. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, give the stains and spots a good scrub and then spray/rinse away any left-over debris.

Tip – If you choose to use a pressure washer, it is necessary that you follow how to do so accordingly, an unreliable technique can actually hurt your wood. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you might gouge the wood, Leave a 6-8 inch space in between the spray nozzle and the deck. Use a sprayer fan nozzle for the perfect effect. If you don’t have a pressure washer, research your local hardware store to see if you can rent or buy one.

Step 3 – Use Soap or Cleaning Detergent

Prepare a solution of sudsy water using a laundry detergent or refer to the guide lines on the store bought cleaner. Spread the soapy compound you are using for the cleaner to the deck or patio. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to wash. Begin at one end of the deck and work your way over the entire surface area. Rinse the entire deck with the hose to remove the cleaning solution. (It is not necessary to use a pressure washer at this stage.)

Step 4 – Time to Bleach (if needed)

Bleach areas that might have mildew, moss, or algae growth. They could be helped with a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Pour the solution on the space with growth. If the growth looks occurs to look new, allow the solution to sit for about 5 minutes. If the growth appears to have been there for a while, allow the bleach solution to stay for an additional 15 minutes. Use a long handle brush with stiff bristles or push broom to scrub the area. Wash the spots clean and allow to dry.

After finishing the process and the spots still remain, clean again. It is best to allow it to thoroughly dry before treating it again. In addition, scrub and cleanse the area for the entire time the bleachy mix is applied to the area.

Once you are happy with the cleanliness of your deck or patio, carefully rinse it and allow it to altogether dry before implementing a sealant. This might take as long as two or three full sunny days.

Tip: Be vigilant not to spill the bleach onto your grass, clothes, or skin. Use garden gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have delicate skin. Concentrated bleach might sometimes discolor the wood or surface area, to help that, use an oxygen bleach cleaner to make the cleaning solution.

Step 5 – Resealing the Area

Want longer lasting results? Buy an exterior wood sealer for the untreated wood. Make sure to view all of your options. Some sealers should include a waterproofing agent or disinfectant that offers your deck seasonal protection. Not sure which brand is best? Visit Malone Home Center in Greenville and let our pros help you find the right sealer for your wood deck or patio. Remember to apply the wood sealer to the deck according to the instructions on the label.

STEP 6 CLEAN THE FURNITURE BEFORE PUTTING it BACK ON THE PATIO

Washing off your wicker and/or iron furniture is a great idea when it comes to preparing your deck or patio for the spring and summer months. Remove any pillows, or cushions from the chairs and lounges and wash them according to their specific manufacturer’s directions.

Change any furniture or cushions that are not coming clean, have ripped or are broken. A new look might help, revive the look of aged furniture with outdoor spray paint. It’s way cheaper and easy to do. For all your yearly season cleaning activities visit us at Malone Home Center in Greenville to ask the pros for advice.