When the sun begins to shine and the temperature starts to become warmer, our gardens become an extension of the home – a place for relaxing, entertaining, barbecues, and nights sat under the stars. However, after a long winter of rain, winds, and neglect, your once-gleaming decking can start to look a little bit worse for wear.

Don’t despair! Garden design expert Oliver Johnson at HomeAdviceGuide.com has created this guide to provide you with everything you need to know about getting your decking back to its best. With the various cleaning solutions listed here, your garden decking will be transformed into a gleaming oasis, perfect for summer lounging and alfresco dining. Take a look at Oliver’s tips below.

How to Wash Your Garden Decking

Take the following steps to wash your garden decking:

Begin by clearing everything from the surface of your decking. Remove all of the things that may get in the way including plants and garden furniture.
Get a broom and sweep the entire area. Brush away all of the leaves and debris. Pay particular attention to smaller nooks and crannies where debris may collect.

Use your garden hose to loosen and rinse all of the dirt and grime away. Aim the hose directly at any heavily soiled areas to remove as much of the stain as possible.

Spray in between all of the decking boards to rinse away any remaining leaves, twigs, grass, or other debris.

Create a gentle cleaning solution to prevent damaging the deck. Mix warm water with some liquid dish soap. Then, saturate the surface of the deck and scrub with a sponge or stiff-bristled brush until the cleaning solution begins to lather. Allow the solution to stand for around 5 – 10 minutes.
Then, use your hose again to rinse away all of the cleaning solution.
Allow the deck to dry.

How to Get Rid of Mould and Algae

If you have mould and algae on your decking, the best way to clean it is with a concentrated disinfectant. You can get special disinfectants for decking which helps to remove stubborn stains and protects your decking against algae and mould growth.

Simply spray the disinfectant on the affected areas and allow it to dry.

How to Pressure Wash a Deck

Follow the steps below to correctly pressure wash your deck:

Choose the right setting and spray tip. Use the lowest setting possible that works. The pressure level for soft woods such as pine or cedar should be around 500 – 600 psi. Harder woods may be able to tolerate slightly higher pressures. However, you should never let it go over 1200 psi when using it on decking. Use a 40 – 50 degree fan spread where possible. You can also use a rotating tip if you're careful.

Test the pressure in an inconspicuous area before you start cleaning the whole deck. Start with a 500 – 600 psi pressure and then gradually increase it until you find the right setting for your deck which allows you to clean the deck properly.

Now, you can proceed with power washing the deck. Hold the wand steady a few feet away from the surface of the deck and then engage the trigger. Slowly lower the wand closer to the deck. Try to avoid going any closer than six inches away from the surface, as this may cause some damage to the wood. Clean in a sweeping motion and try your best to maintain a consistent distance. Feather the spray of water lengthwise, parallel with the decking boards, to work with the grain. Make sure to overlap each area slightly to maintain an even clean.

Will Pressure Washing Damage a Deck?

If you have a timber deck, pressure washing may cause some splintering or could cause some damage to the fibres. If the deck already has some splintering, you may cause further damage with a pressure washer.

If you have a composite deck, pressure washing may scar the deck boards if you set the pressure too high. It could even chip the boards if the pressure is too intense.

As long as you know what you are doing and you are careful with the pressure, power washing won't cause any damage to your decking. However, it is important that you test it in an inconspicuous area before going ahead with the work to ensure the pressure levels are appropriate for your type of deck.

How Do You Clean Weathered Decking?
 
When it comes to cleaning weathered decking, you’ll want to take a gentle approach. Use the hose method as explained above.

If your decking is badly weathered, consider staining the deck and then resealing it.

Use a brush or small roller to coat the decking in sealant. Once the sealant is dry, look for any missed gaps or cracks. Fill these areas with caulk and then reseal these sections when the caulk is dried.

How Do You Clean a Deck Without Ruining It?

Depending on the material of your decking, pressure washing it may cause splits or cracks, particularly if you misjudge the pressure.

If you want to ensure you don’t ruin your deck, use a hose to clean it. Begin by brushing all of the debris from the deck and then use a hose to clean it. For stubborn stains, use a sponge or stiff-bristled brush with a mixture of liquid dish salt and warm water. Scrub the stains with the mixture and leave it for around 5 – 10 minutes. Then, rinse away the solution with your hose.

Avoid using harsh chemicals on your decking if you want to avoid damaging it. You should only use products that are designed specifically for the type of deck boards that you have. If you are creating your own cleaning solution, always choose milder products. Liquid dish soap is an ideal cleaning supply for cleaning your decking.

Final Thoughts

With a little elbow grease and the right cleaning method, your decking can be transformed from a neglected space to the heart of your summer. So, fire up the barbecue, grab a refreshing drink, and unwind on your sparkling outdoor oasis.

Remember, a clean deck is an invitation for countless sunny afternoons, memorable evenings under the stars, and cherished gatherings with loved ones. Now that your deck is gleaming and refreshed, it's ready to be the backdrop for all those unforgettable summer moments!