{"id":21994115,"date":"2024-02-14T22:20:47","date_gmt":"2024-02-15T06:20:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/?p=21994115"},"modified":"2024-02-14T22:21:22","modified_gmt":"2024-02-15T06:21:22","slug":"clean-your-home-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/?p=21994115","title":{"rendered":"Best Tips on How to Maintain and Clean Your Home Deck"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Clean Your Home Deck<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Do you want your deck to last for many years? If so, then you should maintain and clean your home deck.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Annual\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/decks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">deck maintenance\u00a0<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">will keep it looking great and protected from the elements for as long as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">But as you look for information on maintaining or cleaning your home deck, you will need help finding one way. The \u201cright\u201d way depends on the material your deck is made of.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Composite deck maintenance is easier to maintain compared to wooden deck maintenance. Here\u2019s why:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When you have a wood deck, you must use a sealer or a stain to seal and prevent swelling caused by dew and rain. Sealing also protects a wooden deck from the sun (which can dry and shrink the wood) and other weather conditions that can make the wood gray, warp, crack, and cup.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">In contrast, you don\u2019t have to worry about deck cleaning and sealing when you have a composite deck (especially one from TimberTech). But even though you don\u2019t have to paint, seal, or stain a composite deck, you still must clean your home deck every year and repair damaged or loose parts.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Are you wondering how to maintain a wood or composite deck? Here is a guide for cleaning and maintaining both types of decks!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to clean a composite deck\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">TimberTech Composite and Advanced PVC decks are straightforward to clean. All you need is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Water for rinsing (it can be a power washer or a hose)<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A recommended brush for your deck with an extension handle<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">TimberTech DeckCleaner<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Apply TimberTech DeckCleaner on a small and manageable area, brush with the recommended brush, and rinse. Repeat the process until you have cleaned the entire deck.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Here are some tips to keep in mind:<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>Tip #1:<\/strong> Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.timbertech.com\/product\/timbertech-deckcleaner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TimberTech DeckCleaner<\/a>. It is field-tested, formulated, and approved for seasonal cleanup, stubborn spots, and everyday spills.\u00a0<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">TimberTech Deck Cleaner is the best choice for TimberTech\u2019s Composite Decking and Advanced PVC Decking. It\u2019s nontoxic, biodegradable, and bleach-free, making it safe for seasonal cleanups, stubborn spots, or everyday spills. On average, you will need a gallon with one part cleaner and three parts water to clean around 1,000 square feet of decking surface.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>Tip #2:<\/strong> Be careful and clean only in small, manageable areas, then thoroughly rinse every area before proceeding to the next. Letting the cleaner dry on the surface will leave a problematic white film to clean off. Also, avoid getting the cleaner on stainless steel, glass, vegetation, plants, and painted surfaces. If you do, rinse those surfaces immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>Tip #3:<\/strong> Use the recommended brush with the extension handle. This means using brushes made with medium to stiff nylon for composite decks. Use a downward pressure when scrubbing, particularly in the direction of the grain.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"><strong>Tip #4:<\/strong> Finally, be sure to rinse thoroughly. A garden hose should be enough, but if using a power washer, use the fan tip nozzle only and set the pressure to 1,500 psi. Spray in the grain pattern\u2019s direction instead of across the grain so you don\u2019t damage the product. Don\u2019t forget to take proper safety precautions while operating the power washer!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">After rinsing your deck, remove the standing water with a sponge mop or towel. Then, let the deck air dry.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Pro tip: Don\u2019t clean your home deck under direct sunlight. Heat can dry the surface quickly before you can rinse the cleaner off.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to clean a wooden deck<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Maintaining and cleaning a wooden deck takes more work compared to composite decks. Certain types of wood may also require special treatment. For instance, cedar deck maintenance is entirely different from redwood deck maintenance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This is why we recommend hiring a deck maintenance service to remove the guesswork from the task. That said, you can still do things yourself to maintain and clean your home deck between professional cleanings. Doing these will prevent it from deteriorating quickly and extend its lifespan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tip #1: Seal the deck &#8211; Wood can swell when constantly exposed to do and rain. It can also shrink, dry, warp, crack, cup, or discolor with sun exposure and wear and tear caused by changing weather. The only way to prevent those problems is by sealing with a specially formulated wood stain or sealer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tip #2: Clear out dirt, leaves, and debris &#8211; Don\u2019t forget to check the gaps between the boards every year and remove buildup to promote water drainage. This also allows garbage to go through the cracks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tip #3: Sweep at least once a year &#8211; Move your accessories, grill, and furniture out of the way before sweeping your deck to remove leaves, debris, and dirt.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tip #4: Power wash &#8211; Use a low setting with a wide fine or sprayer when washing your deck. Alternatively, you can use a long-handled scrub brush. Just don\u2019t forget to pre-rinse the deck with a meeting before cleaning it.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tip #5: Inspect your deck &#8211; Check for loose deck boards, split wood, weak handrails, unsafe areas, and rot at least once a year. Replace, fortify, and repair parts that require them, including nails or screws.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Switch to a composite deck.<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Is a wood deck too much trouble for you? Let our experts at\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Outdoor Cedar Structures<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0help you switch to a composite deck using TimberTech products.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Schedule a\u00a0<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">free consultation in Spokane<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u00a0by calling (509) 329-6054. We will work with you to design and install your new composite deck.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to Clean Your Home Deck Do you want your deck to last for many years? If so, then you should maintain and clean your home deck. Annual\u00a0deck maintenance\u00a0will keep it looking great and protected from the elements for as long as possible. But as you look for information on maintaining or cleaning your home [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":21993935,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"coauthors":[34],"class_list":["post-21994115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blogs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21994115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21994115"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21994115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21994117,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21994115\/revisions\/21994117"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21993935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21994115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21994115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21994115"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/outdoorcedarstructures.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcoauthors&post=21994115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}