How to Clean a Wooden Deck: Tips & Tricks for Summer Maintenance

With summertime comes more time spent outdoors with friends and family, and one of the best places to enjoy the warmer months is on your wooden deck. For many, this means spending time enjoying barbecues, sunbathing, having leisurely dinners, and just taking in the fresh air after a long winter of being cooped up inside.

However, with increased use comes the need for increased maintenance. Wooden decks can be easily damaged by the summer elements alone, and the added wear and tear of summer activities make a regular maintenance routine even more critical in keeping your deck looking its best.

Though wooden decks require more care during the summer than at any other time of the year, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. A little preparation, the right cleaning products, and ongoing maintenance are all it takes. Keep reading for tips to help you keep your wooden deck looking great all summer long and beyond.

Remove Dust and Debris

When it comes to cleaning a wooden deck during the summer, the key is to do it regularly and thoroughly. You’ll want to start by removing any debris that’s accumulated on the deck, such as leaves, dirt, or proof that your local bird population enjoys a healthy diet. This helps ensure that your deck is as clean as possible before you apply any cleaner.

You can use a broom or a leaf blower depending on the size of the job and, if needed, for tough spots, you can use a pressure washer on its gentlest setting to get rid of any remaining dirt or grime. Once the deck is clear of debris, you can move on to the next step.

Thorough, Gentle Cleanings Are Best

The safest, most effective way to clean a wooden deck during the summer is to use a gentle cleaning solution. Exterior Wood Cleaner available from Special Hardwood is an ideal product for the task. It’s specially formulated for use on all your exterior wood surfaces like decks, fences, doors, siding, windows, and patio furniture.

It’s important to avoid using any abrasive or harsh chemicals, as these can dry and damage the wood, leaving it susceptible to splitting or cracking, especially in direct summer sun. After you’ve done a thorough cleaning, rinse the deck with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

Proper Protection is Key For Your Wooden Deck

After you’ve finished cleaning the deck, it’s important to use a quality wood protector to help protect it from the elements. Rubio Monocoat Hybrid Wood Protector is an excellent choice for protecting your wooden deck from rain, sun, and general wear and tear. It provides a tough, durable layer of protection from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, as well as any moisture and dirt that could damage your deck.

Best of all, it’s an eco-friendly product, making it safer for your family and pets and completely free of harmful volatile organic compounds or other toxic chemicals which could pose a health risk. Just as your choice of cleaner matters, choosing products with natural, nontoxic ingredients ensures you can keep your deck looking its best while keeping you and your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Regular Maintenance for Summer and Beyond

Finally, it’s important to keep up with regular maintenance during the summer and throughout the year to make the most of your deck. This means sweeping your deck regularly to remove any debris, cleaning dirt and grime as necessary, and regularly applying a protective finish every few months.

You may hear it often, and that’s because it’s true. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your wooden deck looking its best all summer and in the months to come. For more tips on indoor and outdoor wood care, green living, and thorough product information and review, check out other recent Special Hardwood blog posts.

Looking to get that deck project crossed off your list? Browse our exterior collection and  equip yourself with the tools you need to get the job done here.