How To Clean Wood Decks And Fences

Posted On Monday, 03 January 2022 20:37

Making your yard feel clean and brand new doesn’t have to mean budgeting for an expensive remodeling project. Hiring power washing services or owning a power washer yourself may be all it needs to achieve a brand-new look. Additionally, seeing years’ worth of grime and dirt removed in an instant can be a shocking but cathartic moment for any homeowner.

Performing routine cleanups on your wood decks and fences can prove beneficial to you in the long run. Some of the things that these checkups can do include ensuring structural integrity and increasing your home’s value. Moreover, you end up saving money by preventing any signs of damage from spreading further. 

Continue reading to discover the deep clean a good power washing can bring to your wood decks and fences.

  1. 1. Inspect The Area Thoroughly

Before putting out the power washer, it’s best to first get a good lay of the land. Understanding the different factors of power washing concerning your structures’ locations can help you achieve a cleaner finish.

An inspection of the wood deck and fences must be the first course of action. Unlike concrete or stone, wood is a biodegradable material. While its lifespan can be extended with the use of coatings like paint and varnish, moisture can still seep in and breed decay and mold. Moreover, constant exposure to the elements can also slowly wear down the material.

Taking time to properly inspect these structures can help you spot and address any areas of concern. Immediate action will keep your family safe from boards that may be ready to cave in. Additionally, you can save money by minimizing the area of damage before it worsens and spreads.

The next area of concern will be ensuring proper drainage for the water used by the power washer. Moisture can be a wooden structure’s greatest enemy when it comes to longevity. Water that pools underneath the boards or seeps into hard-to-reach places can eventually damage your decks and fences. Draining and drying these structures will inevitably go with the final process.

  1. 2. Scrub And Rinse The Surfaces

After inspecting your decks and fences, the next step is to give them a quick scrub. This can help ensure the power washing phase performs an even deeper clean on their surfaces.

Food bits from parties or barbecues, fallen leaves, and mud are common culprits to wood deck and fence stains. Aside from the unsightly discoloration, the stained area becomes an ideal spot for mold and mildew to form.  

Using a hard bristled brush and water for this step will be enough. The aim, for now, is to loosen dirt and grime which may not be completely stuck to the wood just yet. A simple tip to remember is to brush towards the direction of the wood’s grain. This will allow you to reach deeper areas of the material. 

  1. 3. Mix And Apply Your Cleaning Solution

Applying cleaning solutions is necessary to achieve a deep clean of your wood decks and fences. These structures need the added help to prevent plant spores and microbes from creating a foothold and causing damage.

Homemade cleaning solutions can work well for this process. Bleach, chlorine, and other common cleaning products are excellent at removing stains while leaving the wood’s natural color unaffected. 

An example of a simple home cleaning solution includes the following:

  • Liquid dish soap
  • Water
  • Baking soda
  • Vinegar

 

Employing the use of these common household items can create an inexpensive yet highly effective solution for deck and fence cleaning. They’ll also cause little disruption in your home as they don’t emit strong or unpleasant odors. If you’re opting for power washing services, check if they utilize eco-friendly solutions as well.

Green thinking always starts at home, and cleaning outside structures presents a wonderful opportunity to do so. The combination of using household cleaning solutions in tandem with power washing can create a cleaner and greener home.

4. Power Wash The Structures

With the cleaning solution applied, it’s time to bring out the power washer. To many, this is considered the easiest and most fun part of cleaning out your yard structures.

Keeping your power washer strength at about 1800 PSI will be enough to remove the cleaning solution applied earlier and give the wood a good scrubbing down. Remember to go with the grain of the wood and always turn the washer off before allowing someone to approach you.

Conclusion

Sometimes, all your home needs is a deep clean to feel brand new again. Whether going for a DIY approach or looking for a professional’s touch, you can attest to the wonders a power washer can do. Furthermore, the feeling of watching the dirt removed may turn this into your family’s favorite household chore.

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