7 Deck Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

No matter what type of deck your home has, it's important to avoid these deck cleaning mistakes to avoid damage and disrepair.

Did you know that the deck and patio construction industry in the United States is worth more than $1 billion each year? Almost 7,000 people work to build the decks and patios that we get so much value out of. On the other hand, people might not spend as much on constructing decks if they knew more about how to maintain them.

Many people love the way that their decks look when they are new. Then, they devote themselves to consistent deck cleaning to preserve that beauty for as long as possible.

However, many people have the unfortunate experience of making mistakes while they are cleaning their decks. Often, they do not even realize that they are doing damage to their decks while cleaning them. So what are some common deck cleaning mistakes you can avoid?



Read on to learn all about the top things to keep in mind to hope you keep your deck beautiful!

1. Being Rough While Cleaning a Deck

The rougher you are during your deck cleaning routine, the more damage you will do to your deck at the same time. There are a few common ways that people end up being too rough while they are cleaning their decks.

First, they might use vigorous and aggressive motions while cleaning the deck. On the other hand, they might use tools that are too rough for the deck no matter how gently you use them.

For example, using a scouring pad on a deck will tend to damage it no matter how careful you try to be. The same applies to blasting a deck in an attempt to deep clean it.

Some people also use harsh cleaners that damage their decks. Keep in mind that the stronger the chemicals in your cleaners, the more likely they are to damage a wood surface.

Some of the harshest cleaners tend to have ammonia in them. Many cleaners with ammonia are colored blue so that people can recognize them. Avoid these and other harsh cleaners as you clean your deck.

2. Letting Debris Build Up on a Wood Deck

Some people try to save time by only cleaning the most apparent parts of their deck. After all, if the surface is clean, what does it matter if there is dirt and other debris building up in the gaps?

However, cleaning your deck is not only about making it look good in the moment. It is about removing the kinds of contaminants that can do serious damage to your deck in the long run.

If you leave organic material to build up in the gaps of your deck, it may kick off a rotting process. Wood is a sturdy material, but if you allow rot to begin, it is almost impossible to stop.

If you do not clear out the debris in the gaps of your deck, it can also lead to standing water on your deck. That will exacerbate the rotting process while also causing your wood to change shape. This can pull the wood beams away from the rest of your deck, creating uneven surfaces.

3. Depending Only on Sealing for a Home Deck

A sealant is a great way to make your deck last longer and make it easier to clean. However, some people depend on quality sealants even more than they should.

Even with a quality seal on your deck, it is important to clean your deck when it starts to accumulate dirt and other kinds of debris. Not only that, but you will need to replace your seal every few months or years, depending on your situation. If you do not, then your deck will start to become vulnerable to the elements again.

4. Never Arranging Professional Outdoor Deck Cleaning

Doing your own cleaning is effective in most cases. However, giving your deck a deep cleaning can require special tools and a lot of knowledge about decks.

You do not need to hire professional cleaning services every time if you do not want to. However, consider mixing up your cleaning routine with a professional cleaning job now and again.

Even if you are not sure about this yet, you can schedule a single professional cleaning so that you can see what it is like for yourself. Then you can decide how often to hire professional cleaners to help your deck look beautiful.

5. Getting Wet Grass on a Pool Deck

Some kinds of damage are harder to clean up than others. For example, mowing the lawn can often cause a fair amount of grass matter to land on your deck. Sometimes people do not notice this because the cut grass is on the sides of the deck.

Regardless, if the grass on your deck gets wet, it is much more likely to cause permanent stains. Although you may be able to remove such stains, especially with the help of professional cleaners, it is far more efficient to prevent it from ever occurring in the first place.

Make sure not to mow your lawn when it is wet if the grass will get on your deck. And if you do get grass on your deck, make sure to remove it before it rains.

Avoid Common Deck Cleaning Mistakes

It surprises many people how many ways there are that they can do accidental damage while cleaning their decks. By learning more about deck cleaning mistakes, you can help keep your deck looking beautiful for as long as possible. With the help of the professionals, you can maximize the lifespan of your deck so that you do not have to pay to replace it as soon.

To learn more about how to keep your deck in the best condition possible, reach out to LayorCare Pool & Patio and get in touch with us here at any time!