| A well-maintained deck is a fabulous addition to any | | | | safely remove mildew stains. They also are great for |
| backyard. As long as you keep your deck in top | | | | restoring the color to a sun-damaged deck and |
| shape, you'll enjoy parties, cookouts and evenings | | | | removing dirt. Oxalic acid deck cleaners effectively |
| watching the sun set from just outside your door. To | | | | remove tannins from wood decks. Thorough deck |
| make it last, though, you'll need to have a great deck | | | | cleaning usually requires a combination of oxygen |
| cleaning routine. | | | | bleach and oxalic acid to completely remove any |
| In order to maintain a wood deck properly, you must | | | | stains from the wood. |
| annually inspect and assess its condition. Look for any | | | | Now that you've procured the proper cleaning |
| loose boards and mend them. Check the structural | | | | solutions, it's time to prepare the surrounding areas. |
| integrity of the deck. Fix what you are able to fix | | | | Cover any plants near the deck and spray the area |
| and get professional help if the repairs are beyond | | | | with water to dilute any chemical overspray. Mix the |
| your skill level. Make sure there is no rotting wood, | | | | solution according the directions, being sure to wear |
| which is often discolored and soft. Replace any | | | | your protective eyewear and gloves. Working in small |
| elements of the deck that are rotten. Look for loose | | | | sections, spray the cleaner and let it sit for the |
| nails and screws and tighten them. | | | | prescribed amount of time. Scrub with a deck brush, |
| After you have taken care of the deck structure, | | | | then rinse. Make sure that you scrub with the grain |
| you are ready to begin deck cleaning. Start by | | | | of the wood. Move to the next section of the deck |
| removing any loose paint with a scraper. Use a | | | | and repeat the steps. |
| sander on any loose paint that isn't removed by | | | | After you've cleaned your deck, let it dry for at least |
| scraping. If you need to remove paint or varnish, | | | | two days before resealing. When the deck is |
| you'll need to get the appropriate chemicals. Apply | | | | completely dry, select the finish you want. Avoid |
| them carefully and use the proper precautions. | | | | using paint. Make sure the finish you choose is |
| Protective eyewear and chemical-resistant rubber | | | | water-repellent and resistant to ultraviolet rays. Use a |
| gloves are essential at this step. | | | | roller for the large parts and a brush for the handrails. |
| Once you've removed loose paint and stripped the | | | | The wood will soak the sealer quickly, so it's likely |
| varnish, you're ready to apply the deck cleaner. | | | | that you'll need to generously apply the sealer. Once |
| There are a variety of deck cleaners to choose | | | | it dries, you're ready to get the party started. |
| from; you should use the type that your deck needs. | | | | As long as you keep a deck cleaning and resealing |
| Chlorine bleach cleaners are terrible for wood decks, | | | | routine, you'll enjoy many years of comfort in your |
| as they are harmful to the wood. They also leave an | | | | backyard. Wood is highly susceptible to the elements, |
| unnatural residue. Oxygen bleach deck cleaners can | | | | but with a little tender loving care, it will last a lifetime. |