Get cleaning your Deck efficiently with help from Schauer's Hardware

Spring time has some of us longing for those exquisite backyard get-togethers times, food and time spent chasing the kids, skipping through the sprinkler. Before you start sending out the invitations to your first party of the summer, you will want to know how to tidy your wood deck or patio to get it festivity ready! Your deck or patio has been through a long winter season and impressing family and friends outside is a lot of fun. Getting your deck or patio ready is one of the 1^st steps to savoring your outdoor space. We at Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park can assist you in getting your deck or patio ready for food and fun!

 

Things You May Need

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Trash Bags/Recycled yard bags
• Long handled scrubbing brush with stiff bristles
• Garden Hose with Sprayer
• Pressure Washer (optional)
• Bucket
• Slender stick or tool
• Commercial Deck Cleaner (optional)
• Laundry Detergent
• Liquid Bleach (optional)
• Deck Preservative (optional)

Even though a clean patio can be a gorgeous, inviting spot, it can just as easily be a hideous eyesore if the wood, isn’t preserved. Anyone who owns a deck notices that it is more enticing when it is extra immaculate. Washing your deck will not only provide a natural look, but also help cultivate the integrity of the wood, making your deck last longer. It can also polish up the pavers/cement of your patio, if you have one.

Watch this video for additional tips and info:

Let’s Clean Your Deck or Patio

Step 1 – Remove the Clutter

Step 2 – RID THE GRIME FROM THE DECK

Clean the full deck or patio with an outdoor garden hose that has a spray attachment and deal with any discoloration and oiled spots with a wood deck cleaner. Using a thick broom or scrub brush, give the stains and spots a sizeable scrub and then rinse away any left-over debris.

Tip – If you choose to use a pressure washer, it is critical that you read how to do so accurately, an unsuitable technique can actually damage your wood. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you might gouge the wood, Allow a 6-8 inch space in between the spray nozzle and the deck. Use a sprayer fan nozzle for the finest effect. If you don’t have a pressure washer, check your local hardware store to see if you can rent or buy one.

Step 3 – Use Soap or Cleaning Detergent

Prepare a solution of soapy water using a laundry detergent or refer to the guide lines on the store bought cleaner. Spread the solution you are using for the cleaner to the deck or patio. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to scour. Start-off at one end of the deck and work your way across the full exterior area. Clean the entire deck with the garden hose to dispose of the cleaning soapy compound. It is not completely necessary to use a pressure washer at this stage, it depends on the amount of grime.

Step 4 – Time to Bleach (if needed)

Bleach areas that might have mildew or moss growth. They need to be helped with a quick-fix of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Pour the mix on the area with growth. If the growth appears fresh, allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes. If the growth appears to have been there for a while, allow the bleach solution to stay for an additional 15 minutes. Use a long handle brush with stiff bristles or push broom to scrub the area. Rinse the area clean and allow to dry.

If the stain or growth remains on the deck after the first cleaning, you will need to repeat the process. It is best to let the area fully dry before treating it again. In addition, scrub and wash the area for the entire time the solution is applied to the area.

As soon as you are satisfied with the look of your deck or patio, completely rinse it and allow it to thoroughly dry before implementing a sealant. This could take as long as two or three full sunny days.

Tip: Be wary not to splatter the bleach onto your clothes or on any plants. Use the correct gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have delicate skin. Concentrated bleach might sometimes discolor the wood or surface area, to help that, use an oxygen bleach cleaner to make the cleaning solution.

Step 5 – Resealing the Area

The deck can last longer. Buy an exterior wood sealer for the untreated wood. Be sure to view all of your choices. A few sealers could include a waterproofing agent or disinfectant that offers your deck seasonal protection. Not sure which kind is best? Call Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park and let our service associates help you find the best sealer for your wood deck or patio. Always apply the sealer per the instructions on the label.

STEP 6 CLEAN THE FURNITURE

Cleaning off your wicker and/or iron furniture is a great idea when it comes to preparing your deck or patio for the summer season. Separate any seat cushions, pillows, or fabrics from the patio furniture and wash them according to their specific manufacturer’s instructions.

Change any outdoor furniture or cushions that are not coming clean, have ripped or are broken. A new look might help, revive the appearance of aged furniture with spray paint or paint. A reasonable way to get it done cheaper. For all your yearly season cleaning jobs visit us at Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park so we can help you find the right tools for the job!