Cleaning and brightening your wooden deck are important parts of regular exterior home maintenance. However, there are a host of variables that influence the proper course of maintenance for your deck. For instance:
- Type of substrate (e.g., pressure treated wood, tropical wood such as ipe, composite)
- Presence of organics like mold, mildew and algae
- Age and condition of the deck (fading, splintering, nail pops, warping)
This article provides helpful information for cleaning and restoring a natural color to traditional or tropical wood decking.
Why Is My Wood Deck Looking Gray?
As wood is exposed to elements like the sun’s UV rays (which break down the wood’s cellulose), moisture, dirt and pollen, and general wear-and-tear, its appearance will shift to a more muted, grayish color with time. You may even notice black streaks of mold and mildew, or even a greenish buildup of algae on the deck’s surface if the deck is exposed to significant moisture.
The combination of dirt & organics (mold, mildew, algae) and graying of the wood creates the need for the homeowner to both clean AND brighten the wood to restore a more natural color. Depending on the type of wood involved, the homeowner should also strongly consider sealing the deck.
Three Step Process for Deck Cleaning and Brightening
Spotless follows a simple three-step process for deck cleaning and brightening:
Step 1: Apply oxygenated bleach soap (deck cleaner) to wood and allow chemical to dwell.
Step 2: Use light water pressure to remove dirt, organic debris, and soap.
Step 3: Apply wood brightener and neutralizer solution (oxalic acid-based) to wood and rinse away.
Our process is very straightforward and has several key benefits:
- Does not use pressure so it doesn’t risk striping or threading
- Kills mold and mildew
- Restores natural color to your wood
- Neutralizes pH of the wood after washing with oxygenated bleach detergent
- Is safe for surrounding grass and plants
- Can be used as prep for staining or sealing
Regular Maintenance is “Must”
Maintenance neglect is common with wooden decks and can lead to fading, discoloration, algae buildup, and premature surface damage over time. To help extend the life of your outdoor space and maintain its appearance, homeowners should schedule professional deck pressure washing, brightening, and sealing services every 2 to 4 years, depending on the wood type and exposure to the elements. Routine deck maintenance helps protect the integrity of the wood while keeping your deck looking clean and well maintained.
OTHER DECK CLEANING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Can the cleaning and brightening process be used on wood surfaces besides decks?
Yes. The process described above can be used to clean and restore color to other natural wood surfaces like fences and docks.
Is it safe to pressure wash my deck?
Deck pressure washing (or deck power washing) poses risk of damage to your deck, as excessive pressure can cause striping (permanent streaks due to damaged wood fiber), threading of the wood, or splintering. You should avoid using excessive pressure on all types of wood decking.
Do I need to seal my deck?
For pressure treated wood decking, it is a best practice to seal and reseal your deck every few years. Many tropical hardwood decks (like ipe) that are extremely dense and have long life expectancies do not need to be sealed to prevent moisture intrusion. We advise speaking with your general contractor about best practices for your specific type of decking.
How do I clean composite decking?
Composite deck material is made from recycled plastics and wood products. It has the appearance of traditional wood decking but is more durable and can last longer than regular wood decking and requires less maintenance. While composite decking doesn’t need to be sealed or stained, it does collect dirt, debris, and organics that need to be cleaned off regularly. Softwashing or light pressure washing are appropriate cleaning methods for composite decking.
Need help cleaning and brightening your deck? Contact Us Today at 804-231-0749!
