Need deck preservation advice

[FastFret]

My house deck is 3yrs old, in great shape other than the walking surface which has the paint gone in some places or simply sun-bleached in others.

My question: what's the best way to preserve it? I've never dealt with decks before hence the beginner's question.

Much appreciated.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h203/earthling2k/deck2.jpg

[hondanation09]

buy a deck cleaner (takes off dirt, hold, mildew etc). mix in spray container with water as per directions on jug (sprayer like one for spraying pesticides). Wet entire deck and plants if any around deck with water, spray deck with cleaner, let sit (read jug...sometimes 10-15 minutes) use deck brush with hard bristles to scrub and agitate deck boards, hose off thouroughly. DO NOT USE PRESSURE WASHER AT ANY STAGE OF THIS PROCESS.

You must plan to do this in the shade. let dry for 24-36 hours then apply stain of your choice...i prefer cabots australian timber oil myself (honey teak). i apply stain to spindles and rail with tiny foam pads with wood handles...stain floor boards with deck brush pole attachment...everything i use available at rona.

[Pete_Coach]

buy a deck cleaner (takes off dirt, hold, mildew etc). mix in spray container with water as per directions on jug (sprayer like one for spraying pesticides). Wet entire deck and plants if any around deck with water, spray deck with cleaner, let sit (read jug...sometimes 10-15 minutes) use deck brush with hard bristles to scrub and agitate deck boards, hose off thouroughly. DO NOT USE PRESSURE WASHER AT ANY STAGE OF THIS PROCESS.

You must plan to do this in the shade. let dry for 24-36 hours then apply stain of your choice...i prefer cabots australian timber oil myself (honey teak). i apply stain to spindles and rail with tiny foam pads with wood handles...stain floor boards with deck brush pole attachment...everything i use available at rona.
I agree that a good deck cleaner must be used. I have to say it but those "green" cleaners out there just don't seem to do a good job.
You cannot say DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER". A pressure washer can be used, if used properly, and it does a much better job than just a hose.
http://www.decks.com/deckbuilding/Using_A_Pressure_Washer_To_Clean_A_Deck
http://homerepair.about.com/od/yardandgarden/ss/power_wash.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvoaDAthSs

[hondanation09]

I agree that a good deck cleaner must be used. I have to say it but those "green" cleaners out there just don't seem to do a good job.
You cannot say DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER". A pressure washer can be used, if used properly, and it does a much better job than just a hose.
http://www.decks.com/deckbuilding/Using_A_Pressure_Washer_To_Clean_A_Deck
http://homerepair.about.com/od/yardandgarden/ss/power_wash.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zvoaDAthSs

I said "DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER" for 2 reasons:

1) He is obviously new to deck cleaning and the chances of him using a pressure washer and blowing part the wood fibres are very high due to inexperience
2) I have found the results from a good wood cleaner, deck brush and a hose to be almost as good as someone who knows what they are doing with a pressure washer

Most just do not know how to use a pressure washer when it comes to deck cleaning and although they will get the feeling they are cleaning their deck because it begins to change colour, when it dries all their boards are"fuzzy"...then happy sanding

[FastFret]

Thanks guys, no pressure washer here, just my hands supported by my knees on the deck. Gonna do the deck next week.

[Too itchy]

One of my friend mentioned that I could use dishwashing soap and water to clean my deck while using the deck brush. Is that another alternative way of cleaning the deck without buying the deck cleaner liquid? Or would that damage the deck? Sorry I'm a newb at this as well...;P

[hondanation09]

One of my friend mentioned that I could use dishwashing soap and water to clean my deck while using the deck brush. Is that another alternative way of cleaning the deck without buying the deck cleaner liquid? Or would that damage the deck? Sorry I'm a newb at this as well...;P

Have no idea about dishwasher soap. I have had great results from this cleaner available at rona and I think home depot:

http://www.kent.ca/kbs/en/product.jsp?prdId=6459240&skuId=6459240&catalogId=99

Just follow instructions for mixing with water, wait required time, do not apply in direct sun, scrub with hard deck brush.

[Fraser River Rat]

Hi,

I think dishwashing soap would be too mild. I would be more inclined to use laundry detergent.