6 Secret Deck Cleaning Hacks That You Need To Know!
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Regular deck cleaning is essential for keeping your deck in tip-top shape! It isn’t just about aesthetics (though who doesn’t love a beautiful outdoor space?). It’s also about ensuring its longevity, so you can enjoy those sunny days and starry nights for years to come.
In this guide, I’m excited to share with you some tried-and-trusted deck cleaning hacks that’ll work wonders on all sorts of decks, whether you have a classic mahogany wood deck or an exquisite travertine pool deck.
Table of Contents
Hack #1: Deck Inspection Before Deck Cleaning
Before you roll up your sleeves and pick up the broom for deck cleaning, take a a walk around to inspect and assess the state of your deck. Deck inspection lets you identify any serious problems with the deck, such as cracks, loose boards or mold growth.
So, why is this step so important? Deck cleaning could be quite a waste of time if you have more pressing issues to address. By taking the time to inspect your deck beforehand, you’ll be better equipped to tackle any issues head-on and ensure a thorough clean.
Here are some of the most common problems that you may come across during deck inspection:
| Deck Type | Common Problems |
|---|---|
| Real Wood Decks | 1. Rot and Decay 2. Warping and Splintering 3. Fading and Discoloration |
| Composite Wood Decks | 1. Mold and Mildew Growth 2. Staining and Discoloration 3. Warping and Expansion |
| Concrete Decks | 1. Cracking and Chipping 2. Staining and Discoloration 3. Settling and Unevenness |
| Natural Stone Decks | 1. Cracking and Flaking 2. Staining and Discoloration 3. Fading and Weathering |
| Paver Decks | 1. Shifting and Unevenness 2. Weed Growth between Pavers 3. Staining and Discoloration |
Needless to mention, if you do find any of the above problems you will need to take corrective action. For example, if there is mold or mildew growth you can use Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover.
Wet & Forget Concentrate Outdoor Cleaner removes green and black stains caused by moss, mold, mildew, and algae, no scrubbing, no rinsing, no pressure washing, just wet it and forget it on multiple surfaces including driveway, patio, roof, siding, deck, vinyl, wood, concrete, canvas, aluminum, and upholstery
Hack #2: Vacuum (Rather Than Sweep) Your Deck
Let’s talk about keeping things tidy with a little sweeping or vacuuming action! Both methods work but it is best to sweep or vacuum the deck when it is dry.
Now, when it comes to sweeping, it’s a classic method that gets the job done. Grab your trusty broom and give your deck a good once-over, sweeping away any debris, leaves, or dirt that may have accumulated.
It’s straightforward, it’s effective, and it’s been a go-to for deck owners for ages.
With a heavy duty specialized outdoor vacuum or a shop vac with the right attachments, you can suck up dirt and debris with ease, leaving your deck looking spick and span in no time.
Quite obviously this not only makes life easier for you but it also gives much better results!
I find that Craftsman 9 Gallon 4.25 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vac works pretty well for most decks.
The CRAFTSMAN 9 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac, featuring a 4.25 Peak HP motor, is great for home renovations or home emergencies. Equipped with one of the most powerful motors this 9-gallon shop vacuum is great for general garage cleaning, basement cleanup from flooding or seepage, as well as, pool deck cleaning!
So, why is vacuuming the superior option? Well, for starters, it’s more efficient. With a vacuum, you can tackle those hard-to-reach corners and crevices that a broom might miss.
Plus, it’s gentler on your deck surface, reducing the risk of scratches or damage. And let’s not forget the convenience factor – no more bending over and sweeping for hours on end!
Another important factor to consider is that sweeping moves dirt and if you are not careful, some sections may just get a new deposit of dust. Vacuuming on the other hand sucks the dust.
Now, for some best practices to ensure your sweeping or vacuuming session goes off without a hitch:
- Start from the farthest point of your deck and work your way towards the exit to avoid tracking dirt back onto clean areas.
- Use a soft-bristled broom or a vacuum with adjustable suction to prevent scratching or damaging your deck surface.
- For vacuuming, empty the canister or bag regularly to maintain optimal suction power and efficiency.
- Don’t forget to clean under furniture and in between deck boards to ensure a thorough clean.
Hack #3: Avoid Using Harsh Household Cleaning Chemicals
So, once you have got your deck swept, broomed or vacuumed, you have been able to get most of the dirt and loose debris such as dry leaves off it. However, there will still be some caked mud or grime adhering to the deck surface.
The only way to remove that gently is to use a mop dipped in some kind of cleaning solution and then rinsing the deck with the good old garden hose.
Now, it’s tempting to reach for those handy household cleaning chemicals or even pool chemicals. But hold your horses, as most of them are a bit too harsh for a deck.
They may clean but chances are they will cause irreparable damage to the deck surface, as well. Here is how:
| Deck Type | Bleach | Vinegar | Baking Soda | Ammonia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Wood Decks | Strips natural oils, causes discoloration | Etches wood fibers, leads to deterioration | Abrasive, scratches surface | Breaks down wood structure |
| Composite Wood Decks | Causes discoloration, fades material | May react with synthetic components | Abrades surface, compromises durability | Degrades bonding agents, causes issues |
| Concrete Decks | Corrodes surface, causes pitting | Etches concrete, reduces lifespan | Abrades surface, creates rough patches | Breaks down cementitious matrix |
| Natural Stone Decks | Discolors, damages porous stones | Etches, dulls surface, ruins luster | Scratches, wears down stone | Causes discoloration, degradation |
| Paver Decks | Fades, discolors pavers | Etches, damages surface | Scratches, compromises texture | Leads to discoloration, weakens material |
Stick with gentle, deck-friendly pH neutral cleaners to ensure your deck stays in top-notch condition!
Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner is safe for all types of decks and can be used with or without a pressure washer.
- Cleans decks, Fences and other outdoor structures such as pergolas, gazebos and carports
- Lifts away tough grime, oils and grease and eliminates stains
- Uses the power of peroxide to lift grime without harsh chemicals
- Lifts off tough tree sap, grease and oils from decks and Fences
- Pressure washer concentrate cleans up to 6, 400 sq. Ft.
However, if your deck is made from natural stone such as limestone or travertine, I suggest you use Black Diamond’s Stone Wash.
Black Diamond’s Stone Wash is formulated specifically to clean porous natural stone surfaces such as limestone & travertine. Stone Wash is pH neutral and biodegradable. Stone Wash lifts dirt effortlessly from natural stone without damaging the surface or diminishing the natural stone color.
Hack #4: Tackle Stubborn Stains with Specialist Products
More often than not, the stubborn stains make their presence felt only after you have completed a general cleaning of your deck. Till then they are typically camouflaged by the usual dirt and grime.
Please understand that there is no silver bullet when it comes to stains. Different stains will need different solutions. Moreover, these stubborn stains typically require you to do some manual scrubbing!
When it comes to manual scrubbing, a trusty deck brush or scrubbing pad is your best friend. These tools are perfect for targeting specific areas and getting deep into the nooks and crannies of your deck surface.
Here is my list of recommended products for tackling some of the common stains:
| Stain Type | Recommended Stain Remover |
| Oil & Grease from BBQ | CLR PRO Heavy Duty Multi Surface Cleaner and Degreaser |
| Moss & Mildew | Wet & Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover |
| Wine, Beverage, Food | Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover |
| Tannin Stains | WOCA Denmark Tannin Spot Remover |
| Rust from Planters | Outdoor Rust Stain Remover |
Hack #5: Pressure Wash with Extreme Care!
The power of pressure washing and how it can give your deck a deep clean like never before is compelling! Many homeowners will pressure wash their deck at the drop of a hat.
But hang on! Pressure washing decks is not to be taken lightly. If you pressure wash once or twice a year and take the precautions I recommend below, you and your deck will be fine.
You certainly should not be pressure washing your deck every week or even every month!
First off, what exactly is pressure washing? Well, it’s a highly efficient method that uses pressurized water to blast away dirt, grime, and other gunk from your deck’s surface.
Different deck materials require different pressure settings to avoid damage. For example, softer woods like cedar or pine are more susceptible to damage, so you’ll want to use a lower pressure setting to avoid splintering or gouging.
On the other hand, tougher materials like composite decking can handle higher pressure settings for a deeper clean.
Always keep the wand tip at a safe distance and gradually move closer to the surface to avoid causing damage. Be sure to use sweeping motions and keep the nozzle at an angle and moving to prevent streaking or uneven cleaning.
My advice is to always use a pressure washer surface cleaner such as, EVEAGE 16.5” Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner.
EVEAGE “Classic Jazz” surface cleaner for pressure washer gives a commercial grade cleaning area of 16.5” wide, compatible with pressure washers up to 2000-4000 PSI. Ideal for cleaning stubborn stains on large flat surfaces such as patios, driveways, decks, sidewalks. Flow rate 4.5 GPM.
Hack #6: Seal After Pressure Washing
The main reason I do not recommend frequent pressure washing is that it removes most, if not all of the sealer coat on your deck. As you know, deck sealer or stain is critical for protecting your deck.
Whether it’s moisture from rain, harsh UV rays from the sun, or just everyday wear and tear, a good sealant or stain can help keep your deck looking like new.
Of course, selecting the right sealant or stain is dependent on the deck material and desired finish. Here are some good options:
| Deck Material | Recommended Sealer |
| Real Wood | Thompson’s Water Seal |
| Concrete | Armor AR350 Low Gloss Wet Look Sealer |
| Natural Stone | Miracle Sealants 511 Impregnator Sealer |
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
