Cleaning soiled and weathered decks before refinishing is probably one of the least desirable summer tasks but also very rewarding. Many people will turn to commercially available deck cleaners. These can be very expensive.
If you would like a choice of three inexpensive cleaners that effectively clean then read on.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) is well known by many pros and is the cleaner of choice when a heavy duty need arises. TSP will effectively degrease where other cleaners fail and used at a higher concentrate can also be used to remove soot.
TSP is an effective and inexpensive first line of attack when cleaning soiled and weathered decks before you refinish however, you need to know that TSP will darken some woods especially redwood. If you plan to clean a redwood deck then plan on a two-step cleaning process to brighten the wood following cleaning.
Before applying TSP, wet down your deck with your garden hose.
For most deck cleaning purposes a ½ cup of TSP in one gallon of hot water will suffice. When facing really tough cleaning challenges such as high traffic areas use 1 cup of TSP to a gallon of hot water. Using a stiff bristle brush, apply liberally then after letting it soak for a couple of minutes give it a good scrub and rinse. Working in up to 20 square foot sections at a time keeps the job more manageable.
This should remove most dirt, grime, mildew and fungus as well as most stains. For especially stubborn stains you can spot wash and scrub with a high concentrate of TSP and hot water.
If you need to or would like to brighten the wood after cleaning then there are a few of options: You can brighten wood with an expensive commercially available product specially formulated for just your task or keep the money in your pocket and use either of two inexpensive products from your local grocery store. Both oxygenated bleach such as OxiClean or Cascade Automatic Dishwasher (powdered) soap are effective household cleaners and wood brighteners.
Yep – you heard that right – OxiClean or Cascade.
Oxygenated Bleach (sodium percarbonate) is a bleaching detergent based on hydrogen peroxide and works well to remove stains from wood and brighten decks. Make a simple solution of 4 to 8 oz of oxygenated bleach to 1 gallon of hot water. Before apply the solution, wet down the deck with plain water. Apply your percarbonate solution with a broom or brush and let stand for 10 to 30 minutes. Rinse.
Cascade Automatic Dishwasher soap (powdered) will both clean and brighten the wood without raising the grain. Dissolve a cup of Cascade in one gallon of hot water and after wetting down your deck apply the Cascade with a broom or brush, let stand for 10 to 30 minutes and rinse.
In my experience Cascade has proven to be the best wood brightener.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
We have carpenter ants infesting our 30+ year old log ome. It has NEVER been treated.
I would like to know the ratio for the Penetreat ( borate powder) with water?
Also re: square feet of logs? my house is appx. 36′X30′ two stories. How many buckets of borate should I order?
thx
Hello Dale – I would start out with a 10% solution. – That should do the trick – Just one bucket of Penetreat or Timbor goes a long ways.
I WOULD LIKE TO USE THE CASCADE ON MY DECK……HOWEVER, THERE ARE BUSHES AROUND THE DECK. SHOULD I COVER THEM TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE CASCADE???…….PLEASE ADVISE….THANX
Hello Tom – I dont think the Cascade will cause you any problems with your bushes but never the less its always a smart decision to take that extra precaution – simple plastic drop cloths don’t cost much and you give yourself peace of mind that you took that extra step just in case.
When I have washed my deck with the Cascade I myself have not worried about the plantings around the deck – If the mix did get on the planting I’d simply hose them off – and no harm done.
Side note: you may earn some extra and valuable Attaboy points from your spouse if you go the extra step and protect the plantings ‘just in case’