Cleaning Decking

McNulty

Hi

The decking is in my garden, so I thought this was the best place for it. I want to give my decking a good clean before the summer. It's hardwood (garapa) that has been down for around 10 months. It's grimy - combination between dogs (grease from bones) and being slightly wet. I've had a couple of things recommended to me - elbow grease, a pressure washer with deckbrush attachment and prep deck - a decking cleaner/stripper. Has anyone had experience of cleaning a deck using these type of materials ansd any hints and tips?
cheers
Jim

Sonnenblumen

I would be very careful using a pressure/power washer as they can literally tear the surface. Better to use some elbow grease before and after applying a proprietary deckboard cleaner. Better to try remove in stage srather than all at once. Unfortunately decks require considerable and regular (a number of times/year) maintenance, otherwis ethey can deteriorate quick quickly and/or treacherous and very slippy.

A good yard brush with stiff nylon bristles is particularly go for removing accumulated grime from grooves. Brush along the grooves.

McNulty

thanks sonnenblumen - sorry to be "simple" but can you explain what you mean by a 'proprietary' deck cleaner?

Sonnenblumen

There are a range of specialist deck cleaning chemical/detergent based products available from your local Garden centre/DIY outlets. Some are applied neat with a paint brush and washed away, others you dilute and apply with elbow grease like scrubbing. Some can be corrosive, so select one that is safe to use with your particular wood.

BTW all purpose mild house detergent with luke warm water can sometimes be just as effective. Apply a number of times and wash down in between with a garden hose and allow to dry out before repeating process.

McNulty

Thanks, just wasn't familiar with the word proprietary - I know from reading your posts you aren't the biggest decking 'fan' in the world so I appreciate you taking time to give the advice. Thanks for your help
Jim

Fiona

I used the Aldi deck cleaner last year and it came up fantastic with a deck brush, check th Aldi specials it should be on sale soon enough.