If you don’t have access to a power washer, you can still clean your deck with a few simple cleaning products. Among them are TSP, household cleaners, Oxygen bleach, and concrete sealer. You can also borrow a pressure washer to do the cleaning work. However, you must be sure of the safety measures to avoid any accident while cleaning your deck. Read on to know more about these cleaning products.
TSP
If you don’t want to use a power washer to clean your deck, try a TSP deck cleaning substitute. TSP is a chemical often used to clean exterior paint. While it can clean stains, it can also damage wood. To get rid of the stain, mix equal parts of salt and water in a spray bottle. Add oxygen bleach to the solution, if needed. Once the mixture is applied to the deck, it should be allowed to sit for a few minutes before rinsing it with water.
Before applying any additional treatments to the deck, you should allow the TSP cleaner to dry completely. Wait at least 48 hours before performing any repairs to prevent the bleach ingredients from reacting with other chemicals on the deck. Similarly, if you need to apply additional stain, delay any repairs until the entire deck has dried. By following these steps, you will be able to achieve a beautiful and long-lasting deck.
There are many ways to mix TSP with bleach. For a cost of less than $20, you can purchase a pressure operated sprayer. This equipment will be useful if you plan to clean your deck without a power washer. It will also last much longer than a concentrate of 30 Second Cleaner. When you’re finished, you’ll be able to apply the cleaner to your deck without using a power washer.
While a power washer will help you with the cleaning process, you can also try a homemade solution. A few teaspoons of TSP will do the trick. For best results, you should mix the solution in small batches, and then apply the cleaning solution. It is important to use rubber gloves and rinse thoroughly to prevent splashes from affecting your skin. Do not mix bleach and ammonia together. The mixture will create toxic chloramine gas, which can be harmful to your eyes, mouth, and skin.
Another inexpensive but effective way to clean your deck is by making your own homemade deck cleaning solution using white vinegar and apple juice. You should mix 2 cups of white vinegar with warm water and use a stiff brush to scrub the surface. Once the solution has dried, rinse the deck thoroughly with cold water. This method is not intended for heavy-duty cleaning, but it can still work wonders if you’re looking to keep your deck looking beautiful.
Household cleaners
Pressure washers are a powerful tool, but they should be used only every few years to prevent staining or mold growth. Instead, use household cleaning solutions and elbow grease to clean your deck. If the grime and dirt is only mild, you can use a cleaning solution to remove the grime. If the dirt and grime is more extensive, you might want to use a power washer.
While cleaning your deck is a great way to get rid of standard debris, you should also pay special attention to the condition of your wood. Most wood is prone to fungal growth, and even a simple manual cleaning will not completely remove all traces. Pressure washing will get rid of all traces of fungi, protecting your deck from serious problems like rot. Using household cleaning products is a quick, effective way to get a clean, squeaky deck.
Before using any cleaning solution on your deck, be sure to test it in an inconspicuous area first. Some active ingredients may affect the wood and colour of your deck, so you should be sure to test it on an inconspicuous spot first. If the mixture doesn’t work, you can try making your own. Mix equal parts of salt and vinegar and then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Wait for at least 20 minutes before doing the job.
Once the cleaning solution is on your deck, make sure to thoroughly rinse it. If you’re using a tarp to protect the deck, make sure it’s dry before you move onto it. If you’re cleaning the wood directly, avoid using heavy furniture, grills, or outdoor rugs because they can gouge the wet wood. This can lead to mold if not removed.
A general cleaning solution is the easiest way to clean mildly dirty decking. Combine four litres of water with 250ml of laundry detergent. Then, use a broom to work the cleaning solution into the surface. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for 10 minutes and then rinse it off with the garden hose. And finally, don’t forget to clean the deck with a garden hose.
Oxygen bleach
If you don’t want to use a power washer to clean your deck, you can make your own cleaning solution for the surface using oxygen bleach. This solution is not very environmentally friendly, but is effective at tackling mildew and mold, and will remove those stains that are impossible to remove with a power washer. To make your own cleaning solution, mix some oxygen bleach with a bucket of hot water, and then apply it to the deck using a scrub brush or a hand-pump sprayer.
Mix two parts of bleach with three parts of baking soda. This solution works well on deck stains, but be sure to dilute the mixture thoroughly before applying it. After the solution has dried, rinse it with cold water. Be careful not to spread the solution too thin, or it will cause it to run all over your deck. Don’t forget to remove the bleach residue, too! Otherwise, the deck might look worse than before.
Once you’ve removed all outdoor items, including furniture, toys, and pots, you can start cleaning the deck. Before you begin, remove outdoor flowers and plants from the deck. The chemicals that you use to clean decking can kill them. Pour the oxygen bleach into a bucket and add enough warm water to cover the entire surface. Let it sit for 15 minutes before you scrub the surface. Then, rinse it with cold water to remove any residue.
Another alternative to a power washer is to make your own cleaning solution. Oxiclean is a dry powder that works by attacking dirt and stain molecules. Once mixed with water, the powder will work on tough stains and ground-in dirt. It’s environmentally friendly, too, and won’t damage your wood deck stain. You can also mix the oxygen bleach with some rubbing alcohol.
The first step in using oxygen bleach to clean a deck without a pressure washer is mixing a solution of oxygen bleach and liquid dishwashing soap. Then, you should use a broom to scrub the deck using the solution. Make sure that you use a bit more pressure where it’s necessary, and then rinse the deck thoroughly with clean water. Afterward, you can apply the same solution to plastic outdoor furniture.
Borrowing a pressure washer
Whether you’re cleaning your deck or walkways, you’ll need a pressure washer at some point. A pressure washer rental is a great tool for removing stubborn stains and dirt, and you can use it to clean your patio furniture, too. If you’re not sure whether to buy a pressure washer or rent one, Consumer Reports has some helpful advice. While buying a pressure washer is the more convenient option, renting one might not be the most cost-effective option.
Before you use a pressure washer, you should thoroughly clean your deck. Clean it by first applying a cleaning solution. Make sure you use a specialized cleaner made for decks. This product will brighten the wood and will remove dirt. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s directions. If you’re cleaning a wood deck, choose a deck cleaner that contains sodium hydroxide. It will also be easier to remove than a garden hose, since the pressure washer will force the cleaner out of the wood.
After the first application, be sure to let the stain dry for 48 hours before you walk on it. If it’s already stained, use 500-600 pounds of pressure for soft woods. Harder woods may tolerate a higher pressure, but it should not exceed 1,200 pounds per square inch. To prevent any injuries or damage to the deck, wear protective gear including rubber gloves and boots to protect your skin. Make sure to wear safety goggles and a disposable respirator to prevent chemical splashes from getting into your eyes. If you’re new to pressure washing, practice using the power settings until you get the hang of the spraying water. Remember not to point the wand at anything you don’t want to spray, as you may scratch or damage the wood.
It’s possible to buy a pressure washer for your deck and save money by renting. The cost of renting a pressure washer can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the style and model. Home Depot also rents pressure washers of different styles, so you can choose a style that best suits your needs. If you decide to purchase a pressure washer, it will probably be cheaper in the long run than buying it. If you want to save money, though, purchasing one is a better option.
