Leaves, mildew, food, grease, debris – these are just a few staining agents that often wreak havoc on decks.
Leaves, mildew, food, grease, debris – these are just a few staining agents that often wreak havoc on decks. Decks are the launching pads for outdoor fun. They are no stranger to wayward footballs and barbeque sauce, muddy shoes and a thick layer of leaves and snow. It seems no time at all before a deck loses its new, reflective luster and stains begin to take over.
There is no real uniform answer for removing stains from decks. Household cleaners, mineral spirits, and professionally-made deck cleaners can all have a role in stain removal. But the first and most important thing to do is keep the deck as clean as possible. Sweep it regularly. Hose it off with a garden hose for starters. Try to get dirt and debris out from the gaps between deck boards to ensure that water is running off the deck. Out of standing water comes rot, mildew, and an unwanted home improvement project.
If it's too late for preventative methods and stains already abound, then the following tips should help get to the bottom of things.
- First, sweep the deck thoroughly, taking care of dirt and debris as described above.
- Again, wash down the deck – with a garden hose if possible, with a power washer (at a safe distance) if necessary to really get things moving.
- Now it is time to clean.
Read the full article in the CalFinder Remodeling and Home Solar Power Magazine
