If you have a deck over a stocked pond, you know how much fun it can be to sit and watch the fish swim by. However, if you’ve ever noticed that your deck has been getting dirty, you may have also noticed that it can be hard to clean.

That’s because decks built over ponds are generally made from wood and have less ventilation than other types of decks. This means they tend to stay wet longer and can grow mold and mildew more quickly.

The good news is you don’t have to worry about these problems anymore. Because we’re going to share some tips on how you can clean your deck easily at home!

HOW TO CLEAN A DECK

Cleaning a deck can be an overwhelming task. The good news is that deck cleaning is somewhat simpler than it seems. A little bit of elbow grease and some household products can get your deck looking like new in no time.

CLEAR THE DECK

If you have a wood deck, then you should start by clearing the deck. If there are any debris or leaves that may have accumulated there. This will make it easier to clean the rest of your deck later on. You can use a broom or leaf blower to accomplish this task.

If your deck has been stained or painted recently, wait at least two weeks before you begin cleaning it. This will give the stain or paint ample time to cure fully. So that it doesn’t come off when you clean it.

But first sweep off loose debris from the surface of your deck using either a broom or leaf blower. Be sure not to use any chemicals yet!

WASH THE DECK WITH SOAPY WATER

Soap and water works well for cleaning most surfaces, including decks. The soap will remove dirt from the surface of your deck and help loosen any mildew that may be growing there. Soak a soft scrub brush in warm soapy water and scrub the surface of your deck using small circular motions. Rinse off the deck thoroughly with warm water when you’re done scrubbing.

USE A DECKING CLEANER FOR TOUGH STAINS AND MOLD

If you have tough stains or mold growing on your deck, then consider using a decking cleaner to get rid of these problems. These products usually contain chemicals that help remove stains and kill mildew, so they can be very effective at getting rid of these issues. However, they should be used with care as they might damage your wood if applied incorrectly or left on too long. We recommend reading the instructions carefully before using this type of product so that you know how much time you have before rinsing off the cleaner completely after applying it to your decking surfaces.

USE THE PRESSURE WASHER

The most effective method is to pressure wash the deck with soapy water. This will remove dirt, mold and mildew from your deck. However, not all home owners have access to a pressure washer. If you cannot use a pressure washer, or if you would like to try another method of cleaning your deck, there are several other options available.

CAN YOU CLEAN A DECK WITHOUT POWER WASHING?

Yes, you can clean a deck without power washing. This is not the safest way to clean your deck, but it is an option for those who are looking for an alternative to power washing.

A pressure washer uses high-pressure water to remove dirt and grime from surfaces. It is a highly effective method of cleaning decks, but it also exposes you to a number of health risks.

You should always wear protective gear when power washing your deck: goggles, gloves, and boots. You will also need to wear ear protectors to prevent damage to your hearing caused by the noise of the pressure washers motor or water sprayer nozzle.

The chemicals used in pressure washers are harmful to both humans and the environment if they come into contact with skin or eyes during use. These chemicals can cause irritation and burns if they come into contact with your skin or eyes while using a pressure washer on your deck.

If you have pets or children living in your home, consider that many of these chemicals can be harmful if swallowed by animals or children who play on decks after they have been cleaned with a power washing machine.


HOW TO CLEAN DECKING NATURALLY

Yes. The key to a successful deck cleaning is to use the right deck cleaner and follow the directions on the container.

Natural deck cleaners are generally made from baking soda, vinegar and water. They don’t have harsh chemicals that can damage wood and other finishes, but they take longer to work than power washers do.

To use this type of cleaner, scrub a mixture of baking soda and water into your deck with a stiff brush or sponge. Then rinse off the mixture with water.

You can also make your own deck cleaner by mixing one part white vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle. Add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap if you want it to foam up when you spray it on your deck.

Spray this mixture on your deck using a pressure washer or garden hose sprayer, then scrub with a stiff brush or broom to clean off any dirt or mildew stains left behind by the natural cleaner.

IS VINEGAR SAFE TO USE ON DECKING?

Vinegar is an inexpensive, natural product that has lots of uses around the house. It can be used as a cleaning agent for windows, floors and countertops, a deodorizer for smelly shoes and even as a weed killer.

But is it safe to use on your deck? The answer is yes — but there are some precautions you should take to ensure that the vinegar doesn’t damage the wood.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, which works as a disinfectant by killing bacteria and fungi. Vinegar is also slightly acidic, so it can help dissolve mineral deposits on your deck.

The main concern with using vinegar on outdoor wood surfaces is that it will cause discoloration or splintering over time if applied excessively or improperly.

It’s important to note that there are two types of vinegar: distilled white vinegar (often called cider vinegar) and apple cider vinegar (which has more nutrients). Both types work well as cleaning solutions but may have slightly different strengths depending on their ingredients and concentration levels.

HOW TO CLEAN COMPOSITE DECKING

Composite decking is easy to maintain, but it will require a little more work than wood or vinyl. But if you take care of your composite decking properly, it will last for years to come.

Here are some tips for cleaning and maintaining your composite decking:

Sweep it off. Before applying any other cleaning solution to your composite decking, sweep off any dirt or debris with a broom or leaf blower.

Wash it down. Use a hose with a spray nozzle to wash off any loose dirt, mud or algae from your deck. Use warm water and a mild soap if necessary to remove stubborn stains. Do not use bleach on your composite decker as it may damage the material and void your warranty.

Let it dry completely before using again. Once you’ve washed away all the dirt and grime from your deck, let it dry in the sun for at least 12 hours before using it again so that moisture doesn’t form underneath the surface which can cause mold growth.

HOW TO CLEAN PAINTED DECKING

Painting your deck is a great way to give it a new look. But, if you don’t clean it regularly, it can get very dirty and even start to peel. Here’s how to clean painted decking.

Step 1 – Wash the Deck

Wash your deck with a pressure washer or hose attachment. This will loosen dirt and grime so they can be wiped away easily. It’s much easier to use a power washer because you can get into all the corners and crevices, but if you don’t have one then use a garden hose and spray nozzle with scrubbing brush attachment.

Step 2 – Remove Mildew With Bleach

If there’s mildew on your decking, use bleach to kill it off before washing the entire surface again with water from the pressure washer or hose attachment. Let the bleach sit for five minutes before rinsing with water again to ensure all traces of mildew are gone.

Step 3 – Apply Sealer if Necessary

If you’ve painted your deck more than once in recent years then it might need another coat of sealant or paint before cleaning. Check the label on your chosen product for instructions on how often it needs reapplying (usually every two years).