The Proper Way of Cleaning Wood Decks

Homeowners generally exert a lot of effort to ensure that their homes remain absolutely clean, without even a speck of dust present, by using various cleaning methods and products. Keep in mind, though, that it is important to use the right kind of materials for the right kind of furniture, particularly wooden furniture, decks and flooring, which require specific cleansing agents to keep them spic and span.

Keeping Wooden Decks Clean

Anything made of wood will require precise care and maintenance, otherwise you run the risk of degrading the wood. A wooden deck is no exception, as constant exposure to heat, moisture and other elements will cause the wood, particularly uncoated wood, to deteriorate fast. Wooden decks should be regularly cleaned with the right type of products that will maintain its beauty without harming the wood.

Cleansing Agents for Wood Decks Some wood deck cleansing agents include the following:

1) Household cleaners and bleaches can be effective in cleaning wooden decks.

2) Trisodium phosphate and some other chemicals can also be used be used to clean wooden decks.

3) Hy-Tech house wash is a powdered concentrate formulated with oxygen bleach and other agents for deep penetration and long "wet time". It is also easy to use; just simply mix it with water. It is completely environment friendly, and does not harm wood fibers, pets, grass and most plants.

4) Chlorine bleach is known to kill algae, moss and mildew. Keep in mind that extensive use of chlorine can be dangerous for the wood, surrounding greenery and the environment, so not more than one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water should be used.

5) Various acids like oxalic, citric, disodium peroxydicarbonate, and phosphoric can be used as wood-cleansers. Oxalic acid and wood bleach can lighten darkened gray weathered wood and also remove stains; a solution of oxalic acid crystals dissolved in water applied to the discolored area will remove stains after twenty minutes. Citric acid is effective, non-hazardous and is rapidly gaining popularity as a cleansing agent, while phosphoric is not recommended for use, as it can be dangerous and ecologically unsound.

6) Natural fungicides and insecticides can also be used, as they cleanse the wood and also protect it from fungus, insects and germs.

While there are other ways of cleansing wood aside from the ones mentioned, it is important to remember that care must be taken to use the right method of cleaning wooden decks that conform with the specifications and types of wood used for the decks.