Right now, as we have all acknowledged, it is a difficult time for everyone. To add insult to injury, the weather continues to get better and many of us are forced to stay inside. Unfortunately, there is not much we can do to change it. We can only make the best of the situation.
So how do I go outside when I have been ordered to stay inside? Well as the weather gets warmer and we inch closer to summer the all too famous “grilling season” comes along with it. A time when families gather together outside, but still in the comfort of their own homes to share food, laughter, and love.
But my deck is dirty and covered in pollen. What am I supposed to do? You are in luck! Pro Painting and Remodeling has the pros and with the pros come pro tips. So, here is a way you can get that dirty deck back in shape for you and your family to spend safe quality time outside together.
WHY CLEAN YOUR DECK?
Deck cleaning is a great and necessary way to preserve your deck and keep you from spending thousands of dollars in repair costs. Having growth of algae, mold and mildew on your deck will create major irreversible damage. We recommend that you wash and clean your deck at least 2 x a year and apply stain or a sealer to further protect your deck plus it enhances the look of your deck.
You will need:
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A broom
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Tarps to cover items below the deck
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Bucket and/or pump sprayer
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Stiff scrub brush
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Garden hose
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Deck Cleaner (We recommend using; 30 Seconds Cleaners remove stains from algae, mold, and mildew or KILL lichen and moss. Available at your local supply store)
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Power washer (optional)
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Leaf blower (optional)
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Face mask
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Latex gloves
Deck Cleaning Guidelines
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Remove everything from your deck. Remove all furniture, plants, grills, toys, etc. from your deck. If you cannot remove everything, then move it all to one side of your deck.
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Inspect the structure. If you’ve inspected your deck and there’s major damage to your deck. Contact a professional contractor to further evaluate and repair your deck properly.
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Sweep. Start by grabbing your broom and sweeping off all debris, clean off cobwebs and any debris around walls, windows, and doors. Use your blower to blow off pollen from deck and debris if you have one. If not sweep as much as you can using your broom.
Begin Cleaning
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Spread Tarps. Use tarps underneath all decks to protect items underneath the deck that you want to protect.
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Mixing Cleaning Solution and Application. Mix 50/50 with water in a tank sprayer, saturate the surface, allow to sit for time listed, and rinse with a garden hose.
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Scrub. Use the scrub brush to scour visible stains then rinse the area and move onto the next. Repeat this on the rails, stairs, etc.
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Rinse Thoroughly. It’s vital to get all of the oxygen bleach off of your deck, so rinse it repeatedly. Rinse the tarps, too.
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Let it Dry. Don’t put anything back on your deck until it is thoroughly dry. Damp wood is fragile, so moving heavy furniture or grills can gouge your wood and putting things on wet wood will cause mold.
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Put Furniture Back and Enjoy. After carefully placing all furniture, grills, planters, etc. back sit back and enjoy your deck.
