When it comes to maintaining a healthy deck, regular cleaning goes a long way. Keeping dirt and debris at bay not only extends the life of your deck, but also keeps things looking good. Not all soap and water is created equal however, so follow these tips for deck cleaning success. Remember that you can always contact your trusted Steele deck company for professional and friendly assistance.
Start With Sweeping
The big debris needs to go first, as rocks and twigs that are left behind can cause scratches once you start scrubbing. Grab your broom and sweep away leaves, dirt, and other large detritus. Take care not to push organic matter into cracks, as it can sit there and start to rot.
Remove Dirt From Cracks
After a thorough sweeping, it’s time to clear grime out of cracks. You can use a putty knife or similar object to remove leave and dirt from cracks. It is essential to go board by board, ensuring you have removed all lingering gunk. Anything left to fester will eventually start to rot and compromise the safety of your deck. In fact, leftover dirt and leaves are some of the biggest bringers of deck repair in Bismarck.
Use the Right Cleaner
Once you are sure all debris and grime is cleared, it’s time to get scrubbing. If you know it’s OK to use bleach on your deck, feel free to use half parts warm water and half parts bleach to clean. If you don’t know, do a test on a small area that’s out of sight. When there is no change in color after 15 minutes, you can proceed on the rest of the deck. Use a brush and gently scrub away mildew and algae.
Seal It Up
After your deck is clean and dry, protect your investment with a stain or weatherproof sealant. Don’t hesitate to contact your local deck or patio company in Wilton for further assistance.