Clean your Deck readily with help from Euston Hardware

Spring time has some of us yearning for those marvelous patio parties times, food and time spent watching the little ones, running through the sprinkler. Before you start sending out the invitations to your first BBQ of the summer, you might want to know how to tidy your deck and/or patio to get it festivity ready! Your patio has been through a rocky winter and impressing family and friends outside is very enjoyable. Getting your patio or deck patio/deck ready is the first step to savoring your outdoor space. We at Euston Hardware in Kansas City can guide you into getting your patio ready for fun and relaxation!

 

Cleaning Things You May Need

• Broom
• Dustpan
• Trash Bags/Recycled yard bags
• Long handled scrubbing brush with stiff bristles
• Garden Hose with Sprayer
• Pressure Washer (optional)
• Bucket
• Slender stick or tool
• Commercial Deck Cleaner (optional)
• Laundry Detergent
• Liquid Bleach (optional)
• Deck Preservative (optional)

Even though a clean patio can be a elegant, engaging spot, it can just as easily be a hideous eyesore if the deck, isn’t protected. Some people who own a deck recognizes that it is more enticing when it’s bright and immaculate. Washing your deck will not only provide a different look, but also help protect the integrity of the wood, making your deck last longer. It can also lighten up the cement or pavers of your patio, if you have one.

Watch this video for additional tips and info:

Deck/Patio Cleaning

Step 1 – Remove all the Clutter

Step 2 – GET RID OF GRIME

Clean the full deck or patio with an outdoor hose that has a spray attachment and work on any stains and waxy spots with a wood deck cleaner. Using a stiff broom or scrub brush, give the stains and spots a complete scrub and then spray or rinse away any left-over debris.

Tip – If you want to use a pressure washer, it is important that you understand how to do so accordingly, an unreliable technique can actually harm your wood. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you will gouge the wood, Allow a 6-8 inch space in between the spray nozzle and the deck. Use a sprayer fan nozzle for the perfect effect. If you do not have a pressure washer, check your local hardware store to see if you can rent or buy one.

Step 3 – Prepare the Suds

Mix up a solution of sudsy water using a laundry detergent or refer to the directions on the deck cleaner. Start Applying the mix you are using for the cleaner to the deck or patio. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to scrub. Begin at one end of the deck and work your way across the entire surface area. Rinse the entire deck with the garden hose to get rid of the cleaning soapy compound. It is not totally necessary to use a pressure washer at this time.

Step 4 – Time to Bleach (if needed)

Bleach areas that might have mildew, moss, or algae growth. They could be cared for with a quick-fix of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Pour the solution on the space with spouted growth. If the growth appears new, allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes. If the growth appears to have been there for a while, allow the bleach solution to stay for an additional 15 minutes. Use a long handle brush with stiff bristles or push broom to scrub the area. Wash the area clean and allow to dry.

The process may need repeated if the spots still remain. It is best to allow the area to completely dry before treating it again. In addition, scrub and wash the area for the full time the mixture is applied to the area.

Once you are content with the cleanliness of your deck or patio, efficiently rinse it and allow it to altogether dry before applying a sealant. This may take as long as two or three full sunny days.

Tip: Be vigilant not to splatter the bleach onto your clothes or on any plants. Use garden gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have tender skin. Concentrated bleach might sometimes discolor the area, to help that, use an oxygen bleach cleaner to make the cleaning solution.

Step 5 – Resealing the Area

The deck can last longer. Purchase an exterior wood sealer for the deck. Make sure to look at all of your choices. Some sealers could include a waterproofing agent or disinfectant that offers your deck seasonal protection. Not sure which brand is best? Visit Euston Hardware in Kansas City and let our paint and staining experts help you find the right sealer for your wood deck or patio. Don’t forget to check the label for the correct instructions.

STEP 6 CLEAN THE FURNITURE

Cleaning off your outdoor furniture is an enormous deal when it comes to preparing your deck for the party season. Remove any fabrics, or cushions from the chairs and lounges and wash them according to their specific manufacturer’s directions.

Replace any furniture or cushions that are not getting clean, have ripped or are broken. A new look might help, refresh the look of aged furniture with outdoor spray paint. It’s reasonable and cheap! For all your yearly season cleaning jobs see us at Euston Hardware in Kansas City to ask the experts for help.