/ IN THIS ARTICLE
01. Declutter
02. Sweep
03. Wash Outdoor Furniture
04. Scrub
05. Rinse
06. Choose your Cleaner
07. Remove Stubborn Stains
08. Let It Dry
09. Clean the Grill Area
10. Mow the Lawn
11. FAQ
12. Conclusion
Your deck takes a lot of wear from weather and foot traffic, so it needs regular care. Cleaning it once a year helps sealants soak in better and keeps the wood protected.
The best time to clean your deck is on a cloudy day — the cleaner won’t dry too fast under the sun. Before summer starts, clear out old items, grab your gloves, and give your deck a deep clean.
Here are 10 simple ways to get your deck ready, shared by our cleaning pros from house cleaning agencies in Los Angeles.
1. Declutter
Start by decluttering, just as when cleaning any other part of the house. See if there are objects in your backyard you no longer need — especially here in Los Angeles, where some homes already have deck cleaning tools.
Remove rusted garden equipment, damaged outdoor furniture you don’t plan to replace, and scrap wood left outdoors. If your children have outgrown any old yard toys, consider donating them.
2. Sweep
The house’s outside walls where the deck is attached should be cleaned with a broom. Remove any cobwebs or other debris first by using the brush on the railing of your deck.
Next, clean the deck’s top. If the deck is on the second level and you have access to it, clean the underside to get rid of any dirt that might gather moisture.
3. Wash Outdoor Furniture
Even though your patio furniture was covered with weatherproof coverings all winter, you should still brush the cobwebs off of it.
The majority of items may be cleaned using a nylon brush soaked in warm, soapy water, then rinsed with a garden hose.
4. Scrub
Some home cleaning products might harm your deck, so avoid harsh materials like steel wool, powerful abrasives, dry cleaning fluids, or lacquer thinner.
Instead, use a biodegradable cleaner with a soft-bristled brush. Test your cleaning solution on a small area before applying it across the deck. After 15–30 minutes, it should lift mildew and dirt.
For stubborn stains from leaves, algae, moss, or mold, mix diluted ammonia or outdoor bleach and scrub gently.
5. Rinse
Once done cleaning, rinse your deck thoroughly — including the surface, steps, and railings — using a garden hose.
Don’t forget to rinse any tarps or covers so they don’t dry with a film of dirt.
6. Choose your Cleaner
If you’re using a power washer, you may not need extra cleaning products. Attach the cleaning solution tank to your machine following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many power washers can connect directly to industrial deck cleaners. You can also try natural solutions like vinegar or baking soda.
7. Remove Stubborn Stains
Some stains, like oak leaves or algae, are tough to remove. Make a paste of 2 cups of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Apply it and let it sit for five minutes.
Then pour one cup of warm white vinegar over it. The bubbling action will lift the stain. Once it stops, rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
8. Let It Dry
Since wood is brittle when damp, patio furniture might gouge the wood or raise the grain, which would cause future cracking and warping. Before putting anything back or sealing your deck, wait 24 hours or 1 day.
9. Clean the Grill Area
Over time, your grill’s grease and food may accumulate, increasing the likelihood that when you cook, they’ll fall onto your deck. Simply take out the grates and wash them with soapy water to clean your grill.
10. Mow the Lawn
Rake away any dead leaves and fallen branches that gathered during winter. This helps your grass breathe and recover as the weather warms up.
Mulching also improves the appearance of your yard. Add a new layer of mulch to flower beds or around trees for a cleaner look.
Some gardeners recommend mulching before planting to avoid disturbing new blooms later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Simply using soapy water and a brush with soft pressurized water is one of the finest methods to clean your deck. Contrary to popular belief, it will properly clean the surface without harming the finish.
When it comes to natural cleansers, vinegar and baking soda make a potent duo. In order to clean your deck, mix vinegar and water. Apply baking soda to any wood that has mildew, then clean the boards with vinegar and warm water.
Make a mild cleaning solution with warm water and liquid dish soap to prevent hurting your decking. You can also use a wood deck cleaning product. As soon as the cleaning agent begins to lather, saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge.
Scrub after combining the oil soap and water; you might need to wait a while for it to set. Baking soda will be your next best option if the stain is really difficult to remove. To make a paste-like wash, combine baking soda and water. To clean it, scrape it with a soft brush.
Conclusion
Keeping your deck in good shape saves time and effort. Even a small deck takes work to refinish, so regular maintenance is worth it.
Annual refinishing keeps it protected, but simple cleaning steps throughout the year will extend its life and keep it looking great.
