Installing a deck is a beautiful addition to your home. It can be a wonderful place to relax with family or an extension of your home garden. However, decks require proper maintenance and deck cleaning services to keep them in mint condition, and one way to do this is with the best deck cleaning practices.
Decks require regular maintenance to protect their color and structure. Over time, this outdoor wooden structure does succumb to the elements and is susceptible to wear and tear. You can prevent this from happening by adopting proper deck cleaning classes.
How dirty, or damaged, your deck is will determine if you need light deck cleaning or if you have to hire professional deck cleaning services. A professional deck cleaner will get rid of tough stains on your deck and they will also fix any underlying issues affecting the structure of your deck.
Here are common elements that can negatively affect your deck;
- Mold and mildew
- Water
- Sunlight
Mold and mildew
Mold and mildew are one of the biggest deck killers. If left to grow, they will make your deck slippery and unsightly. Mold also causes wood rot and can ruin the structure of your deck over time. Fortunately, most deck cleaning products have active ingredients to kill and keep mold at bay.
Water
Water and decks do not mix. Besides water being a precursor for mold and mildew, it also causes wood rot if it sits on your deck for too long. Most professional deck cleaning companies do have waterproof deck paints, oils, and stains to keep water damage at bay.
Sunlight
UV rays from the sun can damage timber-made decks. The sun’s rays bleach the wood giving it a grayish or silverish color. Also, UV rays damage the natural fibers in wood, causing the wood to lose its firmness. Nevertheless, with the right deck cleaning products, you can clean and protect your deck from harsh sunlight.
What is the best way to clean decks?
When and how you clean your deck determines if it continues serving as your favorite chilling or barbecuing spot for years. It boils down to choosing the right deck cleaning products and employing the right cleaning techniques.
Also, the type of wood deck you have determines how it will be cleaned. Generally, decks can either be made from;
- Wood
- Composites
- Vinyl
What is the best way to clean a treated wood deck?
Wooden decks need frequent maintenance but you have to be careful about the types of cleaners you use, especially for treated wood. Regularly sweep your wooden decking to remove dirt, pollen, leaves, and other debris. Use soapy water and a soft brush to remove light stains.
Never use bleach products on treated wood. Bleach cleaners like calcium hypochlorite and sodium hypochlorite will damage the protective sealants and expose the wood. Bleach may also give treated wood an ugly washed-out appearance. You should call a professional deck cleaner if you do not know how to handle treated wood.
What is the best cleaner for a composite deck?
A composite deck is made from wood fiber remnants and recycled plastic then held together using special bonding agents. Composite decking has the advantage of being low-maintenance and has more flexibility design-wise compared to wood decks.
Cleaning a composite deck is as easy as using soapy water and soft-bristled to remove dirt and signs debris. If you use hard water to clean your deck, ensure you wipe the surface dry to prevent mineral deposits from sticking to the composite patterns once the water dries.
However, if your composite decking already has hard water stains, spray white vinegar on the surface to loosen the mineral deposits before cleaning with soap and water. Composite cleaning will require semi-annual professional deck cleaning to keep them in good shape.
How do you remove stains from PVC deck?
PVC decks are made from polyvinyl chloride hence the short name vinyl decks. PVC is a high-density plastic that is resistant to insects, rot, warping, and splitting. Even with such a tough profile, PVC decks require regular cleaning too to keep them looking pristine.
Sweep away any debris such as leaves or pollen that may settle on your vinyl deck over time. If you use the deck for entertaining guests and family. Be sure to clean up after a hang-out to get rid of oil stains and any spills that can leave behind a stain.
You will require professional deck cleaning services at least once a year for your PVC deck.
How do I clean my deck without ruining it?
At home, deck cleaning is a simple step-by-step procedure that does not require expensive cleaning tools. Here is all you need to do to clean your deck without destroying its structure or aesthetic look.
- Start by removing any furniture and small items, like potted plants, from your deck. Having to drag or lift and drop items around while cleaning can damage the deck’s surface.
- Use soapy water and a soft brush to gently remove dirt and debris on your deck. You can use a hose to loosen mud or wash away grime after scrubbing.
- Only use a pressure washer if you have experience using one. If used incorrectly, a high-power pressure washer can damage your deck.
- Use approved deck cleaning products to treat mold and algae that may have formed on your deck. For wooden decks, use a suitable sealant to waterproof the surface and protect it from mold and rot.
Why you need our professional deck cleaning services
We offer professional deck cleaning services to homes and businesses. Our professional deck cleaners can visit your home or property once a year for a thorough deep cleaning to exfoliate the deck’s surface and reapply protective sealers.
We use the best cleaning products to kill mold and bacteria and restore color to your deck. We save time and energy by using high-power pressure washers to get dirt, debris, and residue off your deck. Call us today if you want your deck to look sparkling new and be the envy of your neighbors!