My Cart
0
You have no items in your shopping cart.
Now that summer is in full swing and outdoor living has become a daily occurrence, our decking transforms into the congregation space for outdoor gatherings, relaxation, and family moments. However, to keep your timber decking looking its best and ensure its longevity, it’s going to need a good clean every once in a while.
A clean deck gives your garden a boost of aesthetic appeal and helps keep your deck stronger for longer. If you’re unsure what a deck cleaning schedule looks like, or you’ve gone to set up your summer furniture and have noticed it’s looking a little worse for wear, don’t worry – we’ve got the answers! So, no matter whether you’re hosting parties, enjoying quiet evenings, or simply soaking up the sun (when the weather permits), here’s how to keep your decking in pristine condition.
Here in the UK, how often you should clean your deck depends on factors like weather, how much you use it, and the type of material it’s made from, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. As a general rule of thumb, though, you want to clean your deck at least once a year. However, if your deck gets a lot of foot traffic or is exposed to lots of dirt and moisture from the garden or the rain, you might want to clean it more often.
It’s a good idea to give your deck a thorough clean twice a year: once in spring to prepare it for summer and again in autumn to clear away debris before the winter weather sets in. You’ll also want to give your deck a thorough cleaning before you apply a new coat of sealant, stain, or oil, but if you time it right, you can line your deck protection up with your spring clean if you wait for a few dry and mild days.
When it comes to cleaning your decking, everyone is going to have a different preference for the steps to carry out and for the tools to use for the jobs. It’ll also depend on what kind of decking you have, whether it’s timber or composite decking. You don’t ever want to put harsh cleaning chemicals on your composite decking because it may damage the finish of your lovely boards; a mild soap diluted with warm water will be enough to take off any dirt on your composite decking boards.
The process for timber decking can be slightly different, but again, it depends on how dirty your decking is. However, if you’re looking for a general process to follow, here’s one that will take your deck from dirty to dead gorgeous.
1. Start by using a soft-bristled sweeping brush or leaf blower, if you have one, to sweep off any leaves and dirt or other debris that has built up over the months; you don’t want any bits and pieces lying around.
2. Then, give the deck a good hose down to loosen up any remaining or stubborn dirt and prepare the surface.
3. Depending on the type of deck you have, you’ll want to choose the right cleaning solution. For wood decks, if your manufacturer recommends a wood deck cleaner, you can use that. If you’d like to keep it simple, washing up liquid diluted in warm water also works great.
4. Apply the cleaner with a sprayer, roller, or brush, and let it sit for the recommended time to lift the dirt. Then, gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush so as not to damage your board’s surface. The same goes when you’re using washing-up liquid and water; just mix up your solution and then give your decking boards a gentle scrub until they come up as good as new.
5. After you’re happy with the cleaning results, it’s essential to thoroughly rinse the deck with clean water using a garden hose. This step removes any residual dirt or residue left behind by the cleaners – you don’t want this to dry on your deck.
6. Once you’re confident that your decking is clean as a whistle, be sure to allow the deck to dry completely before returning furniture, walking on it, or applying any stains, sealants, or oils so you get your desired finish.
7. And, of course, always be safe when handling cleaning solutions—wear protective gear and follow any safety precautions.
We’ve intentionally left power washing out of this list because it’s not suitable for all deckings, and it’s generally much easier to err on the side of caution. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t use your power washer! You just always want to make sure you’re only acting according to your manufacturer’s directions, using gentle pressure, and not placing the nozzle of the power washer too close to your decking, as this can damage your boards.
That’s all you need to know in a nutshell!
Are you looking to upgrade your decking area or replace a few boards to restore your decking to its former glory? You’re in the right place at Savoy Timber! You can pop by and visit us at any of our storefronts in Blackpool, Bradford, Wigan, or Preston, and our friendly staff will be delighted to assist you. Or, if you prefer, you can give us a call on 0345 0268 799 and get some quick and helpful advice over the phone!
