7 Ways You Keep Your Garden Decking Clean

As beautiful as a garden deck is, it needs the care to maintain its allure. Although certain garden decking board options like composite decking require little maintenance work, you still need to clean it at some point to ensure they retain their shiny details and curb appeal.

Thankfully, keeping your garden decking clean and in stellar shape is not a time-consuming task, nor does it require you to spend too much money.

Whether your deck is in bad shape or you simply want to make it more attractive, this handy guide will show you 7 ways to keep your garden decking clean.

When Should You Clean Your Garden Deck?

There is no special time to clean your deck because regular upkeep is important. It is also necessary to clean your deck when it gets grease and other types of stains like mould, rust, and the likes.

Ideally, you should scrub your garden deck at least once in six months.

How To Clean Your Garden Decking In 7 Easy Steps

Step 1: When you want to clean your garden deck, the first step is to clear the area. Ensure you remove anything that could be in your way, like furniture, potted plants, and so on.

Step 2: Get a broom and sweep the deck thoroughly. Make sure to sweep in-between the boards to reach particles and food residue that may have been stuck there.

Step 3: Create a solution of warm water and a liquid dishwasher. Ensure the dishwasher is ammonia-free. If you are washing a stubborn oil stain, you may need an undiluted dishwasher.

Step 4: Saturate the garden deck’s surface with the solution and scrub with a bristle brush or sponge until it starts to lather. Leave the soapy water on the surface for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Grab a garden hose to rinse any debris or grime from the deck’s surface. Although a pressure washer will do fine, it may damage the wood’s surface if used too closely. Aim the hose at the right spots, especially stained areas, to remove as much dirt as possible.

Step 6: Rinse with clean water and leave the garden decking to dry.

Step 7: After giving your deck a thorough clean, it is always a good idea to reseal. Some sealants in the market have waterproof or mildew protection, so ensure you explore all the brands available and choose the ideal one to seal your garden deck.

To seal your deck, sweep the surface after it is dry. This is to remove dust, dirt, or particles that may have settled on the surface while drying. Next, apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Afterward, allow it to dry completely before moving the furniture back into place. You don’t have to reseal your deck all the time. However, sealing at least once a year is a good rule of thumb.

With these guidelines, you will be able to keep your deck in stellar shape, looking spotless and in great appeal for years.

Special Care For Your Garden Deck Against Mould And Mildew

The growth of mould and mildew is common to homeowners with decks, especially garden decking. If you experience mould or mildew, it is best to remove it as soon as possible.

This is because it can cause different allergies like skin or eye irritation, shortness of breath, and high fever.

Follow the steps below to remove mould and mildew from your garden decking boards: