Experiment with a small area to determine which is best.
Best way to clean deck before staining.
Preparing to wash this section looks at deck cleaning solutions that begin with an inspection and preparation for a wash.
To keep your deck looking great clean it annually ideally in spring or early summer then follow up with a sealer to.
This is the best homemade wood deck cleaner to use if your deck suffers from oily stains dirt and grime.
It is best to clean the deck on a warm day in the early morning before the sun gets hot enough to evaporate your deck cleaner.
Wet the wood with your garden hose and apply a liberal coating of the cleaner using a pump sprayer.
Before scrubbing with a stiff bristle broom.
Regularly sweep off debris.
Then rinse the entire deck and let it dry.
Cleaning the deck also gives you the opportunity to check the wood for loose nails or rough spots that could cause tripping or splinters.
Cleaning helps your stain to find a better finish and less stain encrusted crud you have to clean up later.
Then wash the deck using a power washer to scrub the surface clean.
Use the water test to check your deck every few months to ensure the sealer is still repelling water.
Left that way they can become old and weathered before their time.
When a surface is not clean stains and other finishes have trouble sticking and may end up peeling.
Let the cleaner sit for 10 to 15 min.
A new wood deck requires minimal preparation while old or damaged wood will require additional steps to ensure the best results when applying wood stain.
Protect your nearby plants when using this solution and rinse it off when done.
If you have a brand new deck made of treated lumber as opposed to cedar or redwood wait at least a few weeks before sealing it for the first time.
Thoroughly sweep the deck to remove all leaves and other debris.
Before you apply stain make sure the surface is clean no dust dirt wood fibers or grease dry and free from mildew.
The best way to stain a deck is by having a nice clean surface on which to apply the new stain.
For a more natural but less effective deck cleaning solution mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of warm water.
Allow to dry for 24 hours then sand the surface with between a 60 to 150 grit sandpaper or sanding disk.
The necessity of cleaning before staining.