Swab the Deck

Keep your deck looking its best with regular cleaning. You don’t need to be as meticulous as you are for your indoor rooms, but even decks that are made of weather-resistant or pressure-treated timber will deteriorate unless they are cared for.

Keep the Deck Clear

Sweep your deck regularly to keep it free of leaves and twigs. This is the most basic step you can take. Otherwise, the tannins from tree fallout will stain the wood surface, and the piles of decomposing organic matter will hold moisture, leading to mildew and rot. Use a heavy-duty broom to sweep your deck regularly, taking care to keep the gaps between boards clean. If leaves or twigs get stuck in the gaps, scrape them out with a putty knife . The more often you sweep, the easier it will be on you and the deck.

Dealing with Mildew

To remove dirt and mildew and brighten the colour of your deck, periodically (once a year or so) give it a more thorough cleaning, using a deck cleaner, following the product instructions for use and safety. (Note: if you have a covered or partially covered deck that is not built to withstand rain, clean it as you would an indoor hardwood floor. Do not soak it with water.)

You can also use this bleaching solution: 30–90 grams of oxygen bleach (any bleach that contains sodium percarbonate—it will have ‘oxy’ in its name) per 4 litres of warm water. Unlike chlorine bleach, which can break down the lignin that holds the wood together and harm plants, oxygen bleach is relatively gentle and non-toxic. Simply apply it with a mop or brush. Don’t scrub. Wait 15–20 minutes for it to soak in and then hose down the deck to remove the solution.

Sealing the Wood

If you use a decking oil or other timber sealer on your deck, you will need to reapply it after washing the deck with oxygen bleach or a deck cleaner. Both of these cleaners strip away any sealers that have been used along with dirt and mildew. A timber oil will nourish the scoured wood and help to preserve it against the ravages of the weather.

Avoid Pressure Washers

Don’t be tempted to use a pressure washer to clean your deck. They are expensive, dangerous and harmful to the wood you are cleaning. Besides being a waste of water, the extreme water pressure will break up the wood fibres—what you’re trying to prevent—leaving the surface fuzzy, more susceptible to the weather, and in poor condition for re-finishing with stains and sealers.

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