Cleaning Your Timber Deck

A Timber Deck is no different from a stone patio - it can get dirty and will require cleaning!

All outside structures need cleaning or some form of 'cosmetic' maintenance from time to time. Decking is no exception. Areas under planters, and the area adjacent to the BBQ grill are typical. You may also get rust stains from metal furniture legs etc. (These problems are that are also associated with paved patios.)

Timber decks are relatively maintenance free, but they do need cleaning from time to time

Deck timber naturally fades as a result of exposure to ultra violet light from the sun's rays - even here in the UK!

Planters - Tubs and Pots etc on Timber decks

When you move planters about on your deck, you are often left with areas that have not 'faded' at the same rate as the rest of the deck, or patches of algae growth under where the planters were. The damp areas under planters are ideal for algae.

One way to prevent these problems is to place the planters on metal plant stands - or even the small terra cotta 'feet' that are available.

Algae Growth

Algae growth - after a damp winter for instance - can soon be got rid of with a weak solution containing ordinary household bleach. A cupful of bleach to 2 pints of water approx, usually does the trick on decks - and patios!. Best applied with a brush, and make sure that it is all rinsed off after cleaning.

Rust Marks

Rust marks can be removed using commercial rust remover, or even a light sanding on a dry day. best paint the undersides of the metal furniture to prevent this happening.

Grease Marks

Oil cleaning fluid - such as that sold for car engine cleaning - can remove stubborn grease marks. Normal domestic washing-up liquid will also work wonders - if applied with suitable quantities of elbow grease.