How to Clean a Stained Wooden Deck?

We love wooden terraces for the natural side they bring to our gardens and because they are relatively easy to build and for their durability. On the other hand, they will need regular maintenance and be cleaned to maintain their beauty and prolong their life expectancy.

Curiosity Insight presents you with some tips and tricks for cleaning a wooden and composite deck.

1. Cleaning a wooden deck with black soap

How about starting to read something natural or rather a natural product? Well, a natural and effective way to clean a wooden deck is to use black soap. Here’s how to do the cleaning:

• Start by sweeping the surface to remove all the debris then,
• mix 4 tablespoons in 10 liters of lukewarm water.
• Using a brush, scrub well, respect the direction of the wood’s grooves, and rinse thoroughly with clear water.

2. Cleaners for exterior wood

You will find detergents on the market specifically designed for cleaning wooden decks. These products can be used with a high-pressure device or simply by pouring the indicated amount into a water bucket and being applied with a sponge.

Of course, for stubborn stains or simply for wooden decks requiring deep cleaning, it will be necessary and much easier to clean everything with a high-pressure cleaner.

These products are particularly useful for removing oily residues and algae from your patio or porch wood.

3. A waterproofer for composite wood

Does your patio consist of composite wood? To facilitate the maintenance of the composite wood terrace and ensure its longevity, it is strongly recommended to apply a waterproofing product.

Easy to use; apply it on a clean, dust-free surface. Make sure you choose a product that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, for the well-being of all! 

4. The high-pressure cleaner

To clean a heavily soiled wooden deck, it may be worth using a pressure washer. On the other hand, it will be necessary to respect a certain distance and choose the right angle not to lift the wooden ribs.

Because these devices are compelling and can cause damage, limiting its use to once a year or every two years is recommended.

5. Clean a wooden deck with powdered dish soap

To remove stains from your wooden deck, a mixture of hot water and powdered soap is effective. Here’s how to do it:

• Dilute powdered dish soap in a bucket of hot water.
• Scrub the entire surface of the patio with a broom.
• Then rinse the wooden deck with plenty of water.

6. Vinegar to remove lime stains

If you grow plants on your patio, you may see lime stains forming under the pots. So to clean them easily,

• Heat some white vinegar in a saucepan.
• Then spray the vinegar on the lime stains and leave to act overnight.
• The next day, scrub the stain with a brush and rinse the wood surface.

7. Eliminate odors from your wooden deck

If the wood on your deck smells bad, start by cleaning it well using one of the methods presented in this article.

Once dry, sprinkle baking soda on your wooden deck and let sit for a few hours before sweeping and rinsing.

8. What to do when the wood of the terrace turns gray?

Several types of wood will take on a grayish tint over time. If some appreciate this coloring, others will rather want to give a youthful air to their wooden terrace.

Although there are chemicals to accomplish this task, instead, we offer you a natural recipe without harmful effects on the environment: sodium percarbonate, which combines soda crystals and hydrogen peroxide.

Here’s how to use it to wash your wooden deck:

• Clean and dust well the surface to be “de-grayed.”
• Combine one part percarbonate to 10 parts water
• Apply this mixture over the entire surface using a brush or broom
• Leave on for about twenty minutes, then rinse well with clear water

9. How to clean a wooden deck invaded by algae?

It often happens that the wooden terrace becomes covered with moss and algae following a wet season. When wet, these greens make the surface slippery, which increases the risk of falling.

Fortunately, there are tips for cleaning and removing moss from a wooden deck:

• Citric acid: Combine 600 g of citric acid, 150 g of baking soda, 20 ml of castor oil, and 8 liters of lukewarm water. Apply to the affected area and leave to act for 2 or 3 days when no rain is expected. Then brush well and rinse with plenty of water.
• Coarse salt: Add coarse salt to hot water and spray it on the mosses and seaweed. Rinse immediately.
• White vinegar: Take advantage of a sunny day to apply undiluted white vinegar to the mosses that have invaded your patio.

10. Maintenance of a wooden deck

A well-maintained wooden deck requires less cleaning and will be more durable. Here are some tips for maintaining a wooden deck:

• The broom: before any treatment, and to keep the beautiful appearance of the wood of your terrace, be sure to sweep it regularly to remove dust and dirt. Always sweep in the direction of the grain of the wood to loosen it properly.
• Protective Oils: Linseed oil like teak oil can be applied to a clean, dry surface and slow down the wood’s graying. It is suggested to oil the wooden terrace at the beginning and the end of the season.
• Saturators: often used following a sobering treatment, the saturator penetrates the wood deeply to protect it from wear and weather to preserve the natural appearance of the terrace’s natural appearance race. Also, it protects the wood of the terrace against UV rays, humidity, and mold.
• Clean between the boards: various debris accumulates between the wooden boards of the deck. Remember to clean them regularly with a spatula or knife; otherwise, the combination of debris and moisture will lead to mold.