Decks By Design, Inc. - Types Of Materials

Cleaning your deck

You should start out by sweeping the deck and steps clean of dirt, leaves and debris. There are many brand name cleaners on the market today. If you want to try what the pros use, you could try one of these two cleaners.

Oxalic Acid Solution: You can spray this on your deck with a garden sprayer. This product should only be left on for about 30 minuets before washing off with a 3000 lbs - high pressure washer.

Tri Sodium Phosphate ( Sophistic acid ) which you mix with water and spray onyour deck with a garden sprayer. This product should only be left on for about 20 minuets before washing off with a 3000 lbs - high pressure washer. This product works great on grease stains.

Both are acid based cleaners and you should always wear eye and hand protection. These products will not harm your plants or lawn. The 3000 lbs - high pressure washer can be rented for about $40 a day at your local rental center. Be careful not to get the nozzle of the washer too close to the deck because it could cut into the wood.

Tip: When pressure washing; lift the wand up and away when you pass back and forth over the deck . This will keep the wand from making cleaner spots in the wood. You want an even cleaning for a professional job.

Note: Do not use bleach or fungicides on your deck. They will harm the wood and inhibit a sealer from absorbing and holding to the lumber. Just keep you deck free from leaves and dirt and you will only have to clean it every two years.

Wait 48 hours of good weather before applying a stain or sealer.

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