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Your deck is the picture of clean perfection. Keeping it that way requires some time, energy and the right techniques.
SPRING brings the same old question: Why won't the deck stay bright and fresh-looking for more than a year at a time?
Here's our answer: Our technique for care and cleaning of wood decks is really easy and by using it you'll enjoy spring a lot more.
This is what we do:
* First, we wash our deck with good old laundry detergent and water. Experiment with the concentration to see what works best for you. We use 1/2 cup of detergent in a gallon of hot water.
* Wet the deck with plain water first.
* Then, use a garden pump sprayer to apply a plentiful amount of the soapy mixture. Use a stiff brush on a long handle to make scrubbing easier, and scrub, scrub, scrub.
* After a quick rinse with fresh water, apply an ample layer of oxalic acid (wood bleach). We sprinkle it on like applying dry rub to barbecue, the more the better.
Note: Think safety here. Use gloves and eye protection and wear a filter mask over your nose and mouth. You can get a mask for about $1.50.
* Scrub the bleach into the wood and mist it with plain water from time to time to keep it wet. After scrubbing for about five to 10 minutes, you will notice the wood is beginning to look much better.
* Repeat this process two or three times to get your deck looking brand new.
* Rinse with fresh water and let dry for 48 hours.
* Finally, apply a wood preservative. We suggest one that is pigmented
(colored), because these last longer than the clear ones. Don't over-apply the preservative. If it puddles, you've applied too much. Wipe any excess away with an old cloth.
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