The Best Way to Clean a Hardwood Deck Step by Step

A clean deck is a happy deck. Hardwood decking species like Ipe, Jatoba, Garapa, and Machiche are high-density hardwoods. They last a long time, naturally, without the use of any chemical treatments. But they look much better and last longer if you keep them clean.

You've probably heard a lot of misinformation about the best way to clean a hardwood deck. So, before you get started, here are some things you want to avoid:

• Stay away from pressure washing. Unless you are an experienced professional, you can damage your deck boards easily. Even hardwood decking can be damaged. Pressure washing will clean the deck boards, but it won’t kill mold spores. If you want to stop the mold, you'll still need to use a solution to kill the spores.
• Do not use bleach. Bleach will kill most common molds but does little to clean the wood. It can also lighten up the boards for a very unnatural look.
• Do not sand the deck. Unless your decking is scratched, gouged, or cracked, there is no need to sand a hardwood deck. Let a good cleaning do the work for you instead of sanding.

For a good cleaning of wood decking, here are the tools and items you’ll need to get started:

1. Leaf Blower (optional): If you have one, this will save you time before sweeping
2. Broom: Use a stiff-bristle street broom to remove loose debris and dirt.
3. Brush: Use a stiff bristle brush to get at any hard-to-reach areas.
4. Garden hose with a spray nozzle: A hose with a high-pressure nozzle can be a big help rinsing the deck.
5. Pump Sprayer: Mix your deck cleaner in this and use it to spray the cleaner on your deck boards.
6. Deck cleaner: Choose a deck cleaner that is specifically designed for hardwood surfaces. Avoid harsh chemicals or products that contain bleach, as they can damage wood. We have tested many deck cleaning products and have found that Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner works best.
7. Safety gear: Wear gloves and eye protection when working with cleaning solutions.

Cleaning a hardwood deck is essential to maintain its appearance and longevity. Here's the best way to clean  hardwood decking:

Steps to clean a hardwood deck:

1. Clear the deck: Remove all furniture, planters, and other items. You’ll be happy you did this first.
2. Use a leaf blower: This saves you time removing all the leaves, twigs, branches, and debris before sweeping off the remaining dirt.
3. Sweep the deck: Remove loose dirt and debris. Be thorough to ensure the surface is as clean as possible.
4. Mix the deck cleaner: Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the deck cleaner for the appropriate dilution ratio. If you are using Penofin Protech Cleaner, add a cup of crystals per gallon of water and put them in your pump sprayer.
5. Rinse the Deck: Use your hose to rinse off any remaining dirt. This will save you time in the cleaning step.
6. Apply the cleaner: Make sure the deck is still wet. Then apply the deck cleaner to the hardwood surface with your pump sprayer for application. Work in smaller areas at a time, especially if it’s hot and sunny outside.
7. Let it sit: Allow the cleaner to sit on the deck for the recommended amount of time (usually 5-10 minutes). This will help break down dirt, mildew, and stains. With Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner, you can watch the dirt and grime bubble out of the pores of the wood.
8. Scrub the deck: Now, use your stiff bristle broom back and forth to scrub the surface. Pay extra attention to any areas with stains or heavy grime. Avoid using abrasive brushes that can damage the wood. If there are any hard-to-reach areas, you may have to use a scrub brush in those spots.
9. Rinse thoroughly: Use a garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle to thoroughly rinse the deck. Start from one end and work your way to the other, making sure you remove all the cleaning solution, muck, and debris.
10. Inspect and repeat: After rinsing, check the deck to ensure it's clean. If needed, you can repeat the cleaning process to tackle any remaining stains, spots, or grime.
11. Allow to dry: Let the deck air dry completely before returning furniture and other items to the deck.
12. Seal or stain (optional): If your hardwood deck is due for maintenance, consider applying a wood sealer or stain to protect it and enhance its appearance. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the chosen product.

Maintaining your hardwood deck

Now that your hardwood deck is clean, you have options. If you want to maintain the ‘like new” wood deck look, putting on a coat of penetrating wood oil is a great idea. If you'd like your deck to weather to a silvery gray color, that's OK too. This is a great low-maintenance option for hardwood decking.

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Regular maintenance and cleaning can help preserve the beauty and longevity of your hardwood deck. How often you need to clean your deck will depend on factors like weather conditions, usage, and the type of wood your deck is made from.

Interested in more information about hardwood decking?

Check out our Wood Decking Material Options here

Visit our Wood Decking Care and Maintenance page here