Wooden decking enhances the charm and beauty of outdoor spaces and provides a perfect area for relaxation and entertainment. However, dirt, grime, and mildew buildup over time can ruin its beauty and longevity. Regular maintenance is vital to keep your deck looking its best and prolong its lifespan. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean wooden decking effectively.
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Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, gather all the necessary cleaning supplies. Including:
Clean the deck
You should dismantle any furniture, plants, and other decorative items on the deck to create an adequate working area and avoid damaging your belongings during the cleaning process. Large objects like branches or twigs should be removed using a broom or a leaf blower. Clear the area of all items that may interfere with the cleaning process.
Examine the Deck
Now, please focus on the wooden area again and examine it more closely, but this time, look for any damaged parts. These could be cracks, splintered edges, or boards that are not firmly fastened. If such concerns are present, it is advisable to repair them before starting any cleaning. This will help minimize the impact and will help smoother clean up.
Use a correct Solution.
Also, using a correct cleaning solution is essential when doing surface cleaning. You can care for things well with warm water and light dish soap. Some wooden features considered heavy-duty should always be wet with heavy-duty wood cleaner before use. A mixture of 1 part bleach diluted with 3 parts water is a good solution for mildew and mold. Always perform a test before using it on regular wood. Perform a test on a less visible portion of the wood to ensure that the cleaner does not leave irreparable damage on the wood.
Use the Cleaner
Using your scrub brush, apply the cleaner to the deck. When scrubbing the wood, do so in the direction of the grain to not cause damage to the finish. If you are dealing with incredibly soiled areas, apply more force or leave the cleaner on the area for several minutes before scrubbing. If using a pressure washer, use the lowest possible setting not to shred the wood fibers. Always be careful not to get too close to the surface so that you do not cause gouging.
Rinse Completely
It is important to note that all cleaning solutions must be thoroughly wiped off after scrubbing the deck's surface. Employ a hose or pressure washer and concentrate on the ironwood deck surfaces to clean them without any remnants. This point is critical in the case of using bleach because residual bleach can have a destructive effect on wood and the surrounding environment.
Let it dry
After rinsing, the deck should be left to dry very well. Depending on the weather, this process can take a couple of hours or even a whole day. Even though the slab is intact, it's advisable to wait until it is scorched before returning the furniture to its surface to prevent mold.
Add Protective Sealant
To enhance the durability of the wooden decking structure, it is advisable to use a wood sealant after drying. Sealants form a protective layer that keeps moisture, UV light, and other environmental elements and contaminants at bay, thus increasing the structure's life. Comply with the manufacturer's guidelines to achieve the best results.
