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How-To Tips Wood and Deck Restoration Wood and Deck Cleaning

Wood and Deck Cleaning

pressure wash

New or Gray looking Decks/Wood

When cleaning Wood or Decks, use a cleaning product similar to Restore-A-Deck Cleaner or the Defy Wood Deck Cleaner. This will open the pores and remove any graying and or dirt. This is important even for new wood. New wood has a mill glaze that should be removed prior to any stain application. For removal of old coatings see Wood and Deck Stripping.
  1. Wet deck down thoroughly with water. Take extra care to pre-rinse vegetation.
  2. Apply Deck Cleaner following manufacturer's directions. Most cleaners can be applied with a pump-up sprayer. The cleaner should dwell on the wood for 5-15 minutes. Make sure that you mist the deck with water if it starts to dry. Use protective clothing, glasses,and gloves. We sell environmentally friendly products but they can still cause a reaction to skin and eyes.
  3. Pressure Wash or Hand Scrub the wood to remove dirt, graying, mold, mildew. See here for proper pressure washing instructions. If there is a previous coating and it starts to come off unevenly, then you may want to consider using a Deck Stripper. This will ensure a more even appearance when stained.
  4. When done washing take time to rinse all wood, home, vegetation, etc to remove the cleaner residue,grime, and wood fibers.
  5. Use a Wood Deck Brightener to "brighten" the wood and neutralize the cleaner back to the proper pH balance for the wood. This should dwell on the wood for 5-15 minutes. Once done make sure to rinse the wood, home, vegetation, etc.
  6. Wood should dry for 48 hours prior to a Deck Stain application.

*Make sure that you follow all manufacturers instructions

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