How to Clean Your Deck: Tips for Wood & Stone Terraces

It doesn’t have to be a challenge to clean your deck. With the right solution and a few expert tips, you’ll be more than ready for the summer patio season!

Summer is the time of year when most of us spend a lot more time outside. And, what better way to be prepared for barbecue season than with a clean deck? All you need is the right cleaning solution for a patio space that will look brand new in no time. Whether you have a wood deck or stone deck, there’s something that will work. Share your tips for backyard fun on your favorite family app!

There are a number of easy cleaning solutions for a clean deck. All you need is a few household items to make for a better-looking backyard!

• Baking Soda & Vinegar - This deck cleaner DIY is perfect if you’re trying to get rid of algae and mildew buildup. Mix together 1 cup of vinegar, 2 Tbsp of dishwashing soap, and a gallon of water. Sprinkle baking soda on the surface, apply the vinegar mixture, and scrub away!
• Borax - You probably already have a box of Borax sitting around your house. Luckily, all you need is 1 cup of Borax and a gallon of water to clean your deck. Simply apply it to the problematic areas and get out the scrubbing brush. Share your household remedies on FamilyApp!
• Oxygen Bleach - Bleach may not be natural, but this solution for a clean deck with bleach provides a more environmentally friendly alternative. To get the best results, be sure to use it frequently so mold doesn’t build up. Follow the directions on the bottle and be aware that bleach can stain certain types of wood.
• Pressure Wash - Good maintenance doesn’t have to require any special cleaner! To do a pressure wash, start by removing debris from its surface. Keep the setting low and ensure you’re not focusing on any one area, as this can cause damage. It can be a good idea to do it on a hot day as your deck will dry more quickly!

If you’re dealing with a wood deck, you’ll want to start by spraying it with water to remove dust and grime. Depending on what home deck cleaner solution you are using, you can prep it for application. Apply the solution to the surface using a scrub brush until you’ve worked it into a light lather. Once this is done, wait for fifteen minutes. You can then rinse it off with a garden hose or pressure washer if needed. After it dries, apply a sealer at least once a year to maintain the wood. If you’re using powerful ingredients, be sure to use gloves and eyewear to protect your skin and your eyes.

Before you get started on cleaning your natural stone patio, assess the types of stains that you’re dealing with. Sweep the patio so that the area is clear of debris and dirt. You can then spray the stone with a hose to remove dust and dirt. To remove grease stains, apply dishwashing soap and scrub it with a scrub brush. You can also try ½ a cup of ammonia with 1 gallon of water. In the case of moss and mildew stains, mix ½ a cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Scrub the stone and rinse with water. If you are using bleach or ammonia, be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear. Share easy ways to clean your deck on your favorite family app!

Getting out to do a deck clean doesn’t have to be a complicated job. All that’s required to make your patio look shiny and new is the right deck cleaner and a little elbow grease. Do you have any tips to clean your deck? Share them with other homeowners in the comments! Before getting started, be aware of how different cleaning solutions will impact your deck so you can get the best results.