Deck Cleaning Summerville SC uses bleach, which is effective for fading mildew and mold stains but may damage painted surfaces. To prevent this, add one cup of powdered borax to your water and oxygen bleach solution.

Remove furniture, grills, and metal fixtures before cleaning to avoid scratching or gouging the surface. Avoid using a power washer unless the directions recommend keeping the nozzle at least six inches from the wood.

If you can buy non-toxic dish soap that is free of ammonia, this can make a simple but effective deck cleaner. This cleaning solution is gentle enough to clean composite decks but effective against mildew, mold, algae, fungus, and dirt build-up. This type of cleaner also works as a pre-treatment for stain removal, as it helps to break down the chemical bonds that hold inks and dyes in place. This treatment is not intended as a substitute for regular, thorough cleaning, however. Sweeping daily and regularly brushing the gaps between deck boards can help prevent mold growth.

Powdered oxygen bleach (such as OxiClean) can also work to clean and brighten a deck. This product works well against mildew, mold, and fungus but is not as effective against oil stains. It does, however, help to fade graying wood. Before applying, test the product on an inconspicuous area of the deck. It is recommended to use a specialized deck scrub brush or long-handled stiff brush broom.

Put two gallons of warm water into a plastic bucket large enough for the head of your scrub brush to fit in. Add 2 cups of powdered oxygen bleach, such as OxiClean, which can be purchased in the laundry detergent aisle at your grocery store. The product is gentler than liquid chlorine bleach and works as a cleaner, deodorizer, and stain remover. Stir gently until the bleach completely dissolves. Mix in 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and stir just enough to disperse it throughout the solution.

This cleaner is effective on most common deck materials. Still, it is not suitable for use with power washers, as it may damage the surface. It is also not a good choice for decks surrounded by bushes or plants, as it will likely harm them.

Another option is to use trisodium phosphate or TSP. This product is effective against grease stains, but it can be harsh on the deck’s surface and adjacent grass, so you’ll want to take extra care to protect the surrounding greenery. If you choose to use TSP, follow all manufacturers’ instructions.

Oxygen bleach is a natural cleaner and disinfectant that’s safe to use on wood. It’s gentle on stained decks and helps to remove dirt stains, oil stains, and mildew. It also works well to brighten and restore faded surfaces. It’s a great alternative to chlorine bleach because it doesn’t leave behind the harsh chemical fumes that can harm the environment, children, and pets. It’s available in powder form, and you can mix it with water according to the instructions on the package.

Before using any cleaning solution on a treated wood deck, it’s important to ensure the surface is dry. If you apply a cleaner to wet wood, it won’t soak in and won’t be able to do its job of deep cleaning the wood. It’s also best to wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with oxygen bleach since it is still bleach. If you have plants near your deck, water them beforehand or cover them with a tarp to protect them from the solution.

To clean your deck with oxygen bleach, sweep to loosen up dirt and debris. Then, spray the deck with a garden hose to get it wet. This will help to dislodge stuck-on dirt and allow the cleaning solution to penetrate deeper into the wood. Once the deck is wet, you can scrub it with a stiff brush. Make sure to pay special attention to areas with a lot of mildew or mold stains. After you’ve cleaned, let the deck sit for 30-60 minutes so that the oxygen bleach has time to work.

After the deck has sat for some time, you can rinse it with a garden hose to remove any remaining traces of the cleaning solution. Be careful not to splash the cleaner onto your house or nearby plants. After rinsing, you can inspect the deck for splintered boards or rough spots that need to be sanded down or patched.

While it is possible to do this project on your own, if you have a very large or very dirty deck, it’s usually best to hire a professional deck cleaning service. They will have the equipment and the knowledge to quickly and thoroughly clean your deck and leave it looking like new. They will also know which cleaning solutions are safe for your preservative-treated deck material and which ones to avoid.

Vinegar is a powerful natural cleaner used alone or as part of a larger deck cleaning solution. It is effective at removing mildew and mold, breaking down food and beverage stains, and dissolving mineral deposits and water stains. It is also safe for various deck materials, including wood and composite. It is an affordable option for homeowners looking to avoid the expense of purchasing or making their special deck cleaning solutions.

A vinegar solution is less effective at addressing oil-based stains or rust. Still, it is an excellent choice for general grime and dirt that builds up on the surface of a wooden deck. The acidity of the vinegar can help to break down stains and discoloration on the deck’s surface. In contrast, the baking soda’s mild abrasiveness helps to scrub away any remaining debris. This simple homemade deck cleaner is safe for most types of wood, including cedar, redwood, pine, and pressure-treated lumber.

Oxygen bleach is an effective alternative to chlorine bleach for cleaning wood decks and other outdoor surfaces. It is available in various forms, from powdered oxygen laundry cleaner to liquid oxygen bleach. When combined with warm water, this solution is a powerful mildew and moss killer effective at tackling ground dirt and grease stains. This solution is also safe for most types of wood and can be safely used on composite, PVC, concrete, and brick decks.

Before using a bleach-based cleaner, it is important to allow the deck to dry completely. This will prevent the bleach ingredients from reacting with other treatments, such as a stain or sealer. It is also important to ensure that any plants, grass, or foliage surrounding the deck are protected from the bleach.

Besides the cleaning, as mentioned earlier, several other DIY deck cleaners can be found at home or in stores. Trisodium phosphate is an inexpensive, heavy-duty algae killer effective on a wide range of wood and outdoor surfaces. Per WIN Home Inspection, this chemical is also effective in reviving flaky areas of treated wood. This heavy-duty product can be combined with bleach or a powdered oxygen cleaner to create a powerful and effective deck-cleaning solution.

If you’re not fond of harsh chemicals or prefer to go natural when cleaning your deck, you can still do the job with safe, homemade solutions. Several recipes, which can be used on wood and composite decks, use household ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and oxygen bleach. However, before attempting any cleaning solution, ensure the product is appropriate for your composite type and follow specific instructions to avoid damage or discoloration. Then, start by removing all furniture and planters, sweeping the area thoroughly, and addressing any visible stains or mildew growth. Finally, rinse the entire deck using a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pressure washer on a low setting.

Before you apply any cleaning solution, it’s a good idea to protect any surrounding plants and greenery with a tarp. This will help prevent any accidental chemical or water spills from harming your plants, and it also makes it easier to clean up the cleaning solution once you’re finished.

Mixing baking soda, oxalic acid, and dish soap is another common DIY deck cleaner. Mix equal parts oxalic acid powder and liquid dish soap, add water, and stir until the solution is foamy. Pour the mixture onto your deck, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse it clean. This solution is especially effective for removing stubborn mildew stains.

Vinegar is a versatile cleaning agent that not only removes stains and mildew but also helps keep ants away from your deck, and it’s a great degreaser. For a natural way to get rid of grease spots after backyard barbecues, try using powdered laundry detergent as a substitute for cleaning products. Sprinkle the detergent directly onto the spot, wait a few minutes, then scrub with a brush and rinse.

Lastly, you can also combine oxalic acid with oxygen bleach and dish soap to create an effective deck cleaner that will work on both wood and composite materials. This solution is particularly effective in removing mildew, mold, and algae. To make this solution, add a cup of oxalic acid powder to a bucket of warm water, then stir in several squirts of liquid dish soap until it’s foamy. Use a brush dipped in the mixture to scrub your deck, then rinse it thoroughly with a hose.