How To Clean Your Garden Decking

Well maintained gardens can easily be our sanctuary where we can escape from the day to day rat race of life. Having spent time and resources decking your garden the next step is to maintain and clean it so you can enjoy it for many years to come. There is also a safety aspect to keeping your decking clean as it will prevent it from becoming a slippery surface over time. Garden timber decks are constructed using a wide range of materials and some like Iroko (also used in the boat making industry) and Ipe (three times harder than oak) can last for many years provided the right care is implemented.

How To Clean Your Garden Decking:

1. Clear the decked area - Make sure the decking surface is free of any obstacles so you can concentrate on cleaning rather than moving chairs and tables around. Do not drag any piece of furniture around therefore you should consider getting a helping hand for this step.

2. Brush thoroughly twice a year - Using a stiff broom give the deck a thorough brush twice a year followed by jet wash using a pressure washer if you have one. Do not use an industrial grade pressure washer as it might damage the wood, those used as multi-purpose home jet cleaners will work just fine.

3. Use warm water and soda crystals - To clean the decked surface on a budget and to minimise wastage, use warm water and soda crystals. Spray warm water over the decked surface and sprinkle soda crystals. Leave for a few hours and once dry brush using a stiff broom.

4. Use dedicated cleaners - There are a number of chemical cleaners which will both clean and rejuvenate the timber. Look out for a chemical specifically designed for your type of timber and purchase it from a reputable source. Normally those chemicals are highly concentrated therefore one to two liters will do.

Safety and Best Practice Information:

1. When working with chemicals always read the health and safety information included with the product and wear protective gear.

2. Before cleaning your decked area contact the store from which you bought the timber decks from to ensure you will not damage it.

3. Always test your application on a small area before appealing it across the rest of the surface.

Wood and Beyond offers a wide range of decking boards from Ipe to Teak and Iroko decking.

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