Keep reading to learn the right way to get your cedar decking cleaned.
Getting cedar decking cleaned is a fairly simple procedure. With that said, you still have to make sure that you’re cleaning your deck properly. Otherwise, you could accidentally damage your deck while you’re getting it cleaned. Keep reading to learn the right way to get your cedar decking cleaned.
Start by Removing Everything From Your Deck
Before you start cleaning your cedar decking, take some time to get everything off of the deck’s surface. This includes umbrellas, toys, and furniture, among other things. If you have heavy objects that can’t be moved easily, like a barbecue, you can leave them on your deck. Just make sure that you put a tarp or some other cover on them. This way, they’ll be protected while you wash the remainder of your deck.
Wash Your Cedar Decking
It’s important to wash your cedar decking in order to get rid of pesky dirt and grime that’s accumulated on the surface. To start, you should pre-rinse your deck. This way, whatever cleaning solution you use can get absorbed by your deck more easily.
When creating a cleaning solution, we recommend combining two gallons of water with a cup of oxygenated bleach. Refrain from using chlorine bleach because this will cause your deck to lose some of its color.
Apply this mixture to your cedar decking, and let the mixture settle for around five minutes. You’ll start seeing bubbles on your deck, which means that stains are being lifted from your deck’s surface.
Once soaking is done, take a brush and scrub your deck’s surface thoroughly. Pay extra close attention to any high-traffic areas of your deck because these areas are likely the dirtiest.
Rinse Your Deck, Then Let it Dry
Once you’re done washing your deck, take a garden hose and rinse it off. This gets rid of any remaining dirt, while also washing away your cleaning mixture. Avoid using a pressure washer because this can damage the surface of your deck.
After your deck has been rinsed, give it time to dry. Typically, one to two days should be enough time. After all, wet wood is delicate, so it needs time to dry off entirely before you start putting everything back onto your deck again. If you’re going to stain or seal your deck, let it dry for two to three days instead.
Purchase Your New Decking from Fisher Lumber
Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, and a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.