How To Clean Stains Off Of Wooden Decks

Your wooden deck is a large and functional part of your backyard space, and usually the primary hardscaping installation within your yard. Due to heavy weather exposure, however, wooden decks can quickly become marred by stains due to the variety of different materials and conditions that come into contact with it. Thankfully, there are a few things that you can do to remove stains and restore the appearance of your wooden deck without having to actually replace any of the boards or posts.

Plant Stains

Stains from fallen leaves and other plant refuse can quickly cover a large portion of your deck. Stains from stuck on leaves, as well as moss and mildew growth can be cleaned off using a mixture of half and half water and vinegar, which should kill any living spores which may remain on the surface of your deck. For tree sap, which is a particularly difficult stain to remove, you can use an oil-based soap or wood cleaner to dilute the sap before rinsing it off. If this doesn't work, try using nail polish remover in the same manner.

Wine Stains

If you've accidentally spilled some wine (or another dark beverage) on your wooden deck while entertaining guests outside, don't panic. While wine can be hard to remove, it is not impossible. For stains that have had the chance to set in, you'll want to make a mixture of one part bleach to three parts water, and scrub the stained area liberally with a brush. Be sure to rinse the area down to prevent bleach from setting into the wood and causing damage. For lighter and more recent stains, you can make a mixture of baking soda and water (combined in a one to one ratio to make a thick paste) and spread it onto the stain. Let it sit for an hour or so, and then rinse it away – keep in mind that repeat applications may be needed.

Pet Stains

Perhaps the most common type of stain that will affect a wooden deck after plant stains, stains from your pet accidentally going to the bathroom where they shouldn't can quickly discolor the surface of your deck. Thankfully, they can be relatively easily removed using a mixture of half and half vinegar and warm water, which is then scrubbed into the stain and then rinsed away using a common garden hose. The vinegar should be strong enough to remove the smell of the stain while also restoring the color of your deck.

For more tips on maintaining your deck and other hardscaping features, contact companies like Davis Landscape.