Clear your Deck smoothly with help from Dye Home Improvement

The colder season has us all yearning for those dazzling backyard meeting times, eating and hours spent chasing the kids, running through the sprinkler. Before you start sending out the invitations to your first party of the year, you will want to know how to tidy your patio/deck to get it barbeque ready! Your deck or patio has been through a long winter and entertaining family and friends outside is enjoyable. Getting your deck or patio ready is is the 1^st step to enjoying your outdoor space. We at Dye Home Improvement in Monticello and Monon can guide you into getting your deck/patio ready for relaxation and fun!

 

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)

Sometimes even though a polished patio can be a rich, appealing space, it can just as easily be an ugly eyesore if the wood, isn’t protected. Some people who own a deck recognizes that it is more delightful when it’s shining and washed and cleaned. Cleaning your deck will not only provide a natural look, but also help renew the integrity of the wood, making your deck last longer. It can also polish up the pavers and/or cement of your patio, if you have one.

Watch this video for additional tips and info:

Washing Away the Grime

Step 1 – Remove the Clutter

Step 2 – GET RID OF GRIME

Clean the entire deck or patio with an outdoor garden hose that has a spray attachment and deal with any stains and oily spots with a wood deck cleaner. Using a thick broom or scrub brush, give the stains and spots a sizeable scrub and then spray or rinse away any left-over debris.

Tip – If you choose to use a pressure washer, it is important that you read how to do so accordingly, an incorrect technique can actually ruin your wood. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you might gash 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 to Get Soapy

Make up a blend of sudsy water using a laundry detergent or follow the directions on the commercial cleaner. Apply the soapy compound you are using for the cleaner to the deck or patio. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to brush. Start at one end of the deck and work your way across the full surface area. Wash the entire deck with the lawn hose to dispose of the cleaning solution. (It is not necessary to use a pressure washer at this stage.)

Step 4 – Time to Bleach (if needed)

Bleach parts of the deck or patio that could have mildew or moss growth. They need to be treated with a solution of 1 part bleach and 4 parts water. Pour the solution on the spot with growth. If the growth appears new, allow the solution 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 let the area completely dry before treating it again. In addition, scrub and wash the area for the entire time the solution is applied to the area.

As soon as you are satisfied with the look of your deck or patio, carefully rinse it and allow it to thoroughly dry before administering a sealant. This could take as long as two or three full sunny days.

Tip: Be wary not to squirt the bleach onto your clothes or on any plants. Use rubber gloves to protect your hands, especially if you have tender skin. Concentrated bleach can sometimes discolor the wood or patio area, to help that, use an oxygen bleach cleaner to make the cleaning solution.

Step 5 – Re-sealing Done Right

Re-seal for longer lasting results. Purchase a wood sealer for the untreated wood. Make sure to view all of your choices. Some sealers should include a waterproofing agent or disinfectant that offers your deck year-round protection. Not sure which brand is best? Call Dye Home Improvement in Monticello and Monon and let our associates help you find the best sealer for your wood deck or patio. Remember to apply the wood sealer to the deck according to the instructions on the label.

STEP 6 CLEAN YOUR OUTDOOR FURNITURE

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

Replace any outdoor furniture or cushions that are not getting clean, have ripped or are broken. A new look might help, refresh the look of ancient furniture with outdoor spray paint. it’s low-priced and cheap. For all your yearly season cleaning jobs visit us at Dye Home Improvement in Monticello and Monon so we can help you find the right tools for the job!