DIY Network

Cleaning and Waterproofing Your Deck From "DIY Home Repair & Remodeling" episode DIR-120

If your deck is dirty, you have several options for cleaning it. You could rent a pressure washer, use a scrub brush and some detergent or try a commercially available deck cleaner.

Many over-the-counter deck cleaners are biodegradable and safe around pets and plants. They also tend to be very affordable--particularly those that you mix with water yourself.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Begin your cleaning project by removing everything from your deck. Then sweep the deck to remove dust and debris.

Prepare the cleaning solution by mixing it with water as directed on the label. Use a pump sprayer to apply the cleaning solution to the deck (figure A).

When the solution begins foaming, start scrubbing the deck with a stiff-bristle deck scrub brush. These brushes are very useful in removing stubborn stains such as grease. After you've scrubbed the deck thoroughly, rinse it off with a garden hose. Wear eye protection to prevent grit from getting into your eyes when you rinse.

When the deck is dry, apply a clear or tinted water repellent to protect the wood.

To clean brick steps, you'll probably want to rent a pressure washer. Pressure washers are available in different strengths, ranging from 1,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) to 3,000 PSI, and can be rented for about $50 a day.

A pressure washer uses a gasoline engine to pressurize water supplied from a garden hose. The pressurized water is then forced through a wand. Different tips are available for the wand, including a fan tip that covers a large area (figure B) and a sharp tip that directs a tight stream of water (figure C).

When used correctly, pressure washers up to 3,000 PSI will not damage intact paint. They will, however, remove dirt, moss, mildew and layers of dirt and grime.

Before you begin pressure washing, make several passes over an inconspicuous area to determine the proper distance to hold the wand. You may need to hold the wand closer to remove stubborn stains. Because you're dealing with high pressure, hold the wand tightly, and wear eye protection.

Be careful when spraying around plants. High-pressure water can shred leaves.

Wash the sides of your house to remove grime and prevent moss, mold and mildew from accumulating.

If you're cleaning old mortar, it will probably flake away when you use the pressure washer. Nonetheless, it's better to go ahead and remove the old mortar so you can repair it.

RESOURCES :

The Wood Finisher: How to Finish Everything, From Decks to Floors to Doors
Author: Bruce Johnson
ISBN: 0345372972
Ballantine Books