Wooden decks are a popular choice for property owners wanting to add some charm and functionality to their outdoor spaces. 

You may have already invested in a wooden deck for your home or business, and if so, you’ll know that they can quickly lose their appeal and durability due to seasonal elements. This natural wear and tear not only leads to safety hazards but also poor aesthetics.

Knowing how to clean a wooden deck properly is key to preserving its natural appearance and longevity. Along with maintaining its look, cleaning your wooden decking also prevents damage that can result from dirt and algae buildup.

In this article, we’ll guide you on how to maintain a wooden decking, using cleaning best practices.

Things You’ll Need

Before you begin cleaning your wooden decking, there are a few necessary tools and protective gear that we recommend to get the job done effectively and safely.

Here they are:

Gloves: Wearing gloves when cleaning your wooden deck protects your skin from potential irritation and ensures a good grip. They’re especially useful for removing stains, when scrubbing is necessary. Heavy-duty rubber gloves that can withstand extreme temperatures and cleaning agents are a good choice for cleaning wooden decking.

Safety Glasses: Protect your eyes from flying debris and potential splashes from the decking cleaner or pressure washer. Safety glasses will ensure you’re safe from irritants during the cleaning process.

Deck Cleaner: Use deck cleaning solutions designed specifically for wooden surfaces to effectively break down dirt, algae, and mildew. Ensure the solution you opt for is suitable for your decking type.

Hose: Once the cleaning solution has worn off and your wooden deck’s natural look is restored, use a hose to rinse off the cleaner, along with any remaining stains or residue. As an alternative, you can use a watering can. 

Optional

Pressure Washer: Although you can manually scrub to clean your wooden decks, using a pressure washer for cleaning can make the process more efficient. Just be mindful of the pressure levels to avoid damaging the wood.

When equipped with these essentials, you’re set to rid your wooden deck of any mould or dirt. So, let’s move onto the cleaning process…

How to Clean Your Wooden Deck Effectively

It’s essential to know how to clean a wooden deck effectively to avoid common mistakes and ensure the results last longer. Follow these steps to ensure your outdoor space is well-maintained for years to come.

1. Prepare & Clear the Deck Area

Before you start the cleaning process, it’s important to remove furniture, plants, debris, or other items on or nearby your decking. You don’t want these objects to get in the way while you’re cleaning!

If you’re particularly conscious of damaging surrounding plants and wildlife, you can lay some plastic tarp around the perimeter of your decking to prevent the solution from slipping into surrounding areas. 

2. Dilute Properly

Depending on how stubborn the stains on your deck are, you may want to adjust the dilution ratio accordingly. Deck cleaning solutions often come in concentrated forms, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimum cleaning.

For standard cleaning, it’s typically best to dilute the solution at a 1:1 ratio with water in a bucket or container. However, you can consider applying the solution as it is without dilution if the algae or mould buildup is overwhelming.

3. Pressure Washer vs. Manual Scrubbing

As mentioned above, you can use manually scrub your decking, or use a pressure washer. Here are the key differences between these methods:

Manual Scrubbing: Apply the diluted decking cleaner evenly to the deck using a sponge or mop. When the solution has settled in after a few minutes (as per product instructions), use a stiff wooden brush to scrub the surface. Clean in small sections to ensure you don’t miss any spots, and thoroughly scrub stains.

Pressure Washing: If you’re using a pressure washer, be mindful of the pressure setting. Set the pressure to a low setting, increasing it gradually as needed to avoid damaging the wood. Hold the nozzle about 6 inches away from the wood to clean the deck safely. Testing the pressure washer on an unnoticeable part of the deck is a good way to determine whether the pressure is appropriate or not.

4. Rinse & Reapply if Needed

When you’ve achieved the desired results after scrubbing or pressure washing your wooden deck, it’s time to rinse it. Use a hose or watering can to thoroughly wash away any remaining residue from the surface.

In cases involving black and white spot algae, you can reapply the decking cleaner a second time. They’re typically more stubborn than dirt and moss and it usually requires more than one application to fully remove.

How Often Should You Clean Your Wooden Deck?

The location of your decking significantly impacts how often you should clean your deck. The quality of a wooden surface is affected by factors such as environmental conditions, foot traffic, type of wood, tree sap, and more.

As a rule of thumb, you should aim to clean your deck at least once or twice a year. Ideally, this cleaning should take place in the spring after the harsh winter months and/or in autumn, just before the colder weather approaches.

That said, if your deck is exposed to particularly harsh weather conditions throughout the year, you may need to clean it more often. Regular cleaning helps remove algae, moss and mould, keeping your surface slip-free and ensuring your outdoor space remains safe.

What Are the Best Deck Cleaning Products?

Our deck cleaner is formulated with sodium hypochlorite, a powerful ingredient that delivers exceptional results while being safe for use on wooden surfaces. Our deck cleaning product works quickly and effectively, making them an ideal choice for fast, efficient maintenance.

At AMB Hygiene, we provide high-quality, professional-grade chemical solutions specifically designed for cleaning pavements, decking, and patios. As well as being highly effective, our solutions are affordable, giving you the best value for maintaining your outdoor spaces.

Why Choose AMB Hygiene?

Over time, dirt, algae, and other organic materials can cause your wooden deck to become slippery and lose its natural look. At AMB Hygiene, we understand the importance of cleaning your wooden deck to maintain the appearance of your outdoor space. Correct, timely cleaning is essential to retain the natural look of your deck and prevent safety hazards.

Our team is dedicated to providing you with the best services on cleaning products and solutions. If you’re a business looking to bulk buy our decking cleaner, or if you need specific advice, feel free to reach out to us through our contact form.