| Decks are a perfect home improvement addition to | | | | any debris that could be left behind. Spraying of |
| any household. The deck provides the family with the | | | | water also helps in diluting any cleaning chemical that |
| perfect place to enjoy each other's company either | | | | could come into contact with the grass or plants |
| during the day or in the evenings. Children can also | | | | surrounding the deck. The floor of the deck should |
| use the deck as a play area. A lot of effort and | | | | be allowed to dry before applying the cleaning |
| money goes into making of the deck thus it has to | | | | products. There are various types of deck cleaning |
| be properly maintained for it to last long. Since the | | | | products available. There are other cleaning solutions |
| deck is located outside, its quality is easily affected | | | | that contain chlorine and these are used for getting |
| by the natural weather elements. Long term | | | | rid of mildew, mould and algae. Before applying the |
| exposure to sun or rain tends to damage the quality, | | | | cleaner, the person should make sure that the deck |
| especially if wood is used. To make the deck look | | | | material used is compatible with the deck cleaner |
| better and last longer it should be properly | | | | product. |
| maintained. One of the ways that can be used to | | | | Deck cleaners come with instructions and it is |
| treat the deck is performing a process known as | | | | advisable to go through the instructions before |
| weatherproofing. | | | | applying the cleaner. Using a good deck applicator, |
| Weatherproofing enables the deck to last longer | | | | make sure to apply the cleaner to all parts of the |
| since it prevents the deck from decaying or rotting | | | | deck. Once the entire area has been cleaned, allow |
| as a result of being constantly exposed to elements | | | | the cleaner to dry for about 15 to 20 minutes. After |
| such as sun or water. Before the cleaning process | | | | waiting for the cleaner to dry, the deck should be |
| starts, make sure that nothing is left on the deck, | | | | rinsed with water. Increase the pressure of the hose |
| including the furniture, plotted flowers and plants. If | | | | to make sure any remaining dirt or chemicals are |
| there are plants surrounding the deck that cannot be | | | | wiped out. |
| easily removed, make sure they are covered. This is | | | | When the deck has completely dried, it is advisable |
| done to prevent the cleaning products from affecting | | | | to apply sealers to further protect the deck from |
| the plants. Make sure that any loose debris on the | | | | the effects of water and exposure to sun. Again, |
| deck is swept off. In addition to sweeping the deck, | | | | cover any plants that may be affected by the sealer. |
| any area that has been damaged should be first | | | | The deck sealer can be applied in several ways, |
| repaired before applying the cleaning products. Check | | | | which includes spraying, using paintbrush or a roller. |
| to ensure that there are no loose nails and if there | | | | The fastest method to seal the deck is by spraying, |
| are, they should be put back in place. | | | | but to be able to seal the whole deck thoroughly use |
| Starting at any end of the deck, make use of a | | | | a roller or paintbrush. Finally, it is vital for the person |
| garden hose and spray the deck's surface thoroughly | | | | to wear protective clothing, rubber gloves as well as |
| to remove any oil, dust and dirt that may have stuck | | | | safety goggles when applying the sealer since these |
| to the deck. Spray in between the boards to remove | | | | sealers contain toxic chemicals. |