It’s time for spring cleaning, and while many owners concentrate on scratched baseboards, dusty bunnies, and smudged frames around the home, it is crucial to consider the deck as well.
Your deck surface has encountered numerous difficulties during the past year, including hot dogs that fell off the grill in the summer, leaves that became small particles of filth in the spaces between deck boards, and cold weather that attacked your composite or timber decking. So, what’s the best way to clean decking naturally?
To clean your decking naturally, Baking soda is a safe and efficient way to remove oil stains from your deck, while a mixture of vinegar and water can effectively clean it. For a more thorough clean, you can make your own homemade deck cleaner using a scrub brush, 2 cups of OxyClean, a bucket, a hose, and a sprayer with a nozzle.
So, transform your dull and weathered deck into a stunning outdoor oasis just in time for summer! No need for harsh chemicals or expensive equipment. This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to clean your deck naturally, bringing it back to life with just a few simple steps.
Let’s get started!
Best Way To Clean Decking Naturally
The optimal natural cleaning approach for decking varies depending on the type of boards utilized, whether wooden or composite.
However, regardless of the decking material, there exist six fundamental steps to follow for a thorough cleaning.
- Take away all of the deck’s furniture, plants, and decorations. All of your deckings can be visually inspected while everything is taken apart to check for warping, discoloration, and squishy boards. Repair any bad wood, tighten any loose fasteners, and tap in any screw heads that have popped out.
- Sweep the deck planks clean. Your deck will eventually acquire debris, which is important to clear because it can stain and retain moisture. Putty knives or screwdrivers can be used to pry out obstinate pieces from between the boards.
- Pre-rinse. The cleaner may now be distributed more simply thanks to this procedure.
- Use cleaning tools tailored to your deck’s type (timber or composite).
- Thoroughly rinse the deck to avoid leaving a film or buildup behind. Splash a few steps in front of you while holding the hose 6 to 12 inches above the deck’s surface. Just enough water should be flowing to wipe away contaminants and dirt. Never apply high pressure since it can shatter your wood and harm you are decking.
- To stop additional damage, treat wood decking with a clear or stain-based sealer. Use a long-handled paintbrush or sponge roller for simplicity. Sanding the wood before sealing may aid in the product’s deeper penetration.
Several Useful Tips:
- Put on gloves whether you are using a commercial or homemade cleanser. Certain cleaning products might irritate the skin.
- Instead of storing leftover homemade cleaner, it is preferable to throw it away and make a new batch the next moment you need to use it.
- Keep any cleaning supplies out of the hands of children.
Several Natural Ways To Make Your Deck Appear Brand New
Notably, it is impressive how effortless it is to clean a deck naturally by utilizing environmentally-friendly products, many of which are commonly found in one’s kitchen.
You can try out these natural techniques to restore your deck’s appearance if you want to resume enjoying your calm spot:
● Use Baking Soda To Clean:
This affordable approach is also simple and safe. Just moisten your deck, then sprinkle baking soda over the damp areas. Before rinsing the deck with fresh water, thoroughly scrub it with a scrub brush. To keep the other planks and baking soda from drying out while you work, you might want to do this in portions.
● Create A Non-Toxic Liquid:
While bleach is effective at removing wood and removing stains, using it outside can damage neighboring grass, plants, and wildlife. Use the bleach sparingly and only as a last resort. Ordinary chlorine bleach can also make things worse by discoloring or weakening the wood, particularly cedar.
On the other hand, oxygen bleach is kinder and simpler to use while still aiding in the removal of mold and stains from your deck. As oxygen bleach is a dry powder that breaks up grime using oxygen ions rather than harmful or harsh chemicals, it is available at any grocery or hardware shop.
My best advice is to rinse the deck after using oxygen bleach to release the openings in the wood. Following this, the oxygen bleach powder must be dissolved in water, applied evenly to the wood, and allowed to soak for at least 10 minutes. Observe any dirt or mold eventually disappear with the water while you rinse the solution with a hose to remove it.
● Get Rid Of Deck Stains Caused By Grease:
Try this method to get the grease out of the wood if too many outdoor barbeques have left your deck appearing like a grease-spattered bib: Directly on the oily spot, sprinkle washing detergent in a powder form. After letting it hang for a short while, scrub it using a brush and then rinse it.
● Use Water And Vinegar To Clean Your Deck Naturally:
This is another incredibly powerful combination for removing stains, but it works especially well to get rid of mildew that develops from prolonged contact with moisture. The expert advises cleaning the region with a brush after the vinegar mixture has had time to absorb into the skin. To get a thorough clean, “this process may need to be performed a few times.” This approach, combined with a pressure washer, should lead to fewer applications.
● Create A Non-toxic DIY Deck Cleaner At Home:
This is a low-cost, kid- and pet-safe DIY project. Two cups of OxyClean, a scrubbing brush, a bucket, a hose, and a sprayer with a jet nozzle are all necessary. Water your deck thoroughly, then scrub it with a water/Oxyclean combination. The experts advise letting it sit for around 10 minutes before cleaning and rinsing once more.
Note: Whenever it involves homemade cleaners, vinegar, and baking soda, make a potent duo. Use 3.8 liters of water and 240 ml of vinegar to clean your deck. While cleaning the boards, use vinegar and lukewarm water and spray baking soda on any moldy wood. Borate is a natural cleanser that may be used both inside and outside. Add 240 milliliters of borax to every gallon of water.
Key Factors To Consider When Cleaning A Wooden Deck Naturally
There are several distinctions to be aware of even if the steps for composite and timber decking are identical:
- Initially, pre-rinsing your wood will assist in softening dried cellulose fibers and make it easier to spread the cleaning agent across the surface.
- Second, use a hard bristle brush to get rid of the dust, mildew, or mold if you see any stubborn spots.
- Finally, stay away from power cleaning, which can fracture wood. Fourth, wait for your deck to dry completely before sealing it since wet wood can take up to 48 hours to dry completely.
- Use the right cleaning product for composite decking. If you decide to use a power washer, make sure to use a fan tip, keep the hose at least a foot above the floorboards, and use a pressure of no more than 3100 psi.
- Natural deck cleaning products are a safer option than harsh chemicals, but they can still pose risks to your plants and soil. Avoid washing your deck too frequently and protect it with a protective layer to reduce the effects of these chemicals on your garden.
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the elements needed to prepare DIY cleaning solutions for hardwood or composite decking, you may clean decking naturally. Also, put what you have learned into practice to create brand-new, stunning decks from existing ones.
Whether you’re dealing with mold, mildew, or stubborn stains, the tips and techniques outlined in this guide can help you restore your deck’s natural beauty and extend its lifespan. So, this spring, don’t forget to include your deck in your cleaning routine. With a little bit of effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that you can enjoy all summer long.