Waterproofing can prolong the life of an old wood deck. For painted or varnished decks, then it is possible to improve moisture resistance using a new coat of varnish or paint. For organic wood decks, cleaning the planks restores the natural wood colour and permits the waterproofing to completely penetrate. On big decks, then use a power washer that you lease in home centers or tool outlets. For average-size and tiny decks, educate the wood with everyday cleaning tools. After the deck is dry, one or more coats of waterproofing are applied.
Sweep the deck off using a push broom. Sweep little sections under handrails and around balusters using a utility brush.
Attach a high-pressure nozzle on the end of a garden hose. Rinse the deck off to remove residual dust and dirt.
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with fresh water and around a half-gallon of fluid biodegradable cleaner, such as one containing citric acid. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact ratio. Fit a stiff-bristle brush to a pole or detachable broom handle. Dip the brush in the bucket and scrub a little section of this deck. Proceed to dip the brush and scrub small sections of the deck. Refill the bucket and add more cleansers, as necessary, to soften the whole deck.
Wash the deck a second time working with the garden hose and hose.