He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. For more advice from our reviewer, like how to clean decking with a pressure washer, keep reading! How to Clean Mold and Mildew From Wood Decks | Hunker. Locate the source of the mold and pay particular attention to that area during treatment to more permanently remove mold. Outdoor decks can lose their luster as they get older, especially the decking and the handrails. Rent or purchase a pressure washer with a maximum pressure of about 1500 PSI (pounds per square inch) to avoid damaging your deck. If you don’t have a high pressure cleaner, a hose will do. The cleaning aisles in many grocery stores also sell oxygen bleach. Once you've prepared the bleach solution, scrub the deck with it using a brush or sponge and let it sit for 5 minutes. Part 1 Thanks. ", "Pressure washer tips were easy to understand.". Alternatively, mix a commercial deck cleaning product. To learn how to remove mildew and stains on a deck using bleach, scroll down! Luckily, you can use powdered oxygen bleach to scrub down and clean your deck without damaging the deck's wood or any surrounding plantlife. However, rain and the build-up of algae or moss on the timber can make your decking extremely slippery and dangerous. It can also corrode metal fasteners such as screws and nails. Under the deck, check the joists, these are the large boards spaced every 16 in (41 cm) or 24 in (61 cm) which support the deck boards. Rinse thoroughly with a hose and allow to dry. Wooden decking is an attractive addition to many homes and gardens in the UK. References Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. If any are badly rotted or cracked, repair it by bolting a similar board to the side of it. This article has been viewed 44,153 times. Do not put furniture back on your deck until it has dried completely. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Remember to wear proper protective gear including rubber gloves, eye protection, and a mask over your nose and mouth while you work with this solution. Periodically coat your deck with a wood deck sealer. Last Updated: July 28, 2020 Enzyme cleaners must be applied directly to the stain because the cleaning agents activate immediately. Check in-between plank slats for hard-to-reach debris. Before you do any DIY on your decking, you need to clean it first. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes before scrubbing the area with your stiff broom. Clean your Deck Annually. Timber decking becomes very dirty and can generally … This article has been viewed 87,733 times. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-07-21/news/0107210073_1_wood-cells-chlorine-bleach-mildew-and-algae, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-deck/#.WOZRmtIrLcc, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-clean-deck, http://www.decks.com/how-to/14/using-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-a-deck, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/#.WOZLa9IrLcc, https://www.washingtonpost.com/realestate/green-algae-reach-for-oxygen-bleach--not-chlorine-bleach--and-scrub-away/2012/05/22/gJQAiOvXpU_story.html?utm_term=.617072013a58, https://healthytraditions.com/householdtraditions/nontoxic-cleaners/oxygen-bleach.html, https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/is-borax-toxic, https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-clean-and-restain-deck, nettoyer une terrasse avec de l'eau de Javel, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Cleaning timber decking is a simple task with the right products Timber decking, whilst looking great and being very functional does have a problem in that it can become very slippery during autumn & and winter months. First, mix one cup of the powdered laundry detergent with one quart of the oxygen bleach in two to three gallons of water. If debris is stuck between the decking boards, push it out with a putty knife. Frequently sweeping your deck is one of the best ways to prevent mold growth. However, certain products may cause harm to your composite deck. Using an oil will make future maintenance easier as you do not need to remove the previous treatment just ensure the decking is clean and dry and then reapply a year or two down the line when you feel that the wood needs it. https://www.familyhandyman.com/decks/deck-rescue-renew-your-deck/view-all/, http://www.improvementscatalog.com/RoomForImprovements/deck-cleaning-your-spring-cleaning-checklist/, https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/how-clean-deck, http://www.improvenet.com/a/remove-your-deck-mold-in-3-simple-steps, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/homemade-deck-cleaner/, http://www.waterandhealth.org/safely-mix-bleach/, https://www.leaffilter.com/blog/home-exteriors/clean-deck-patio/, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/video/how-to-clean-and-finish-a-wood-deck/, http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a9413/everything-you-need-to-know-about-pressure-washers-15826265/, https://www.consumerreports.org/pressure-washers/how-to-clean-a-deck-with-a-pressure-wash/, https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/out-of-home/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer, https://www.askmediy.com/how-to-use-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-your-deck/, http://www.decks.com/how-to/14/using-a-pressure-washer-to-clean-a-deck, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. But decking is slippery even if it isn't green with algae, ... rinse.if tree,s are shading the deck you might want to consider cutting one or two down. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. This article has been viewed 87,733 times. The Dangers of Slippery Decking. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Clean-a-Deck-with-Bleach-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Clean-a-Deck-with-Bleach-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Clean-a-Deck-with-Bleach-Step-1.jpg\/aid8714120-v4-728px-Clean-a-Deck-with-Bleach-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"