Cleaning the deck

[domestic goddess]

I didn't really know where to put this, so if it should be somewhere else, don't hesitate to move it.
I need to know how to properly clean the deck before applying water sealer. Some products have instructions that require buying more of their product line, bu I want to know what I really have to do and what I need to do it. If I then have to buy more product, then so be it. I have heard that you should not use a pressure sprayer because it can damage the wood or raise the grain, or some such thing. Can I wash it with what I use to wash the floor? Oil soap? Some other kind of cleanser?
We are having some warm weather and I have a few days off, so I would like to get this done. I really enjoy sitting outside, watching the neighborhood kids play, and expect I'll spend some time outside with the new baby when she gets here. Sunlight is the treatment for jaundice, which most babies seem to have anymore, so we will spend a bit of time basking in the light and the warmth, and watching the flowers grow. And the butterflies flitting around. But first, I want to get the deck treated!

[cdttmm]

We use a pressure washer to wash our deck. I've never heard anything about it damaging the wood.

[Alan]

We use a pressure washer as well. You can damage the wood if you use too much pressure although it's fairly easy to avoid it by simply paying attention to how close you hold the nozzle to the wood. We do this every three or four years, first pressure washing and then applying stain. We use a regular wood stain on the horizontal surfaces and a colored stain on the verticals, such as spindles and rails. The colored stain shows age faster than I'd like so we have to refresh a little more often than others might.

[domestic goddess]

See, you can't believe everything you hear! Can't remember now where I heard that about pressure washers, but I'm glad to hear the voices of experience. Pressure washing it is, then, and that will be easier on me! Dsil did the front porch (which is made of deck material) last year, but I don't think he really cleaned it well first, as it does not look a bit good now. But the back deck has not been done for several years, and needs it. Maybe I can jsut clean in front; I'll have to see how it goes.

[fidgiegirl]

My hubby used a deck wash, which I believe had a formulation much like Oxyclean, and scrubbed it with a brush. Then he power washed to rinse. Amazing difference. He got it at the big box hardware store and it was around $5 or $10.

[Mrs-M]

My husband asked me to mention, Thompson's WaterSeal. (http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/) When it comes to the outdoors and woods, maintenance is nice, but proper protection is a must.

[clara24]

Pressure washer is really a good option for this and it will surely help you.This week i am also going to use some pressure washer for my deck and i will also clean my window because i bought new roller blind for my window at http://www.teko-kaihdin.fi/ in Finland country it was really perfect in my home but still i need to do general cleaning so that my home will look awesome.

[Tussiemussies]

My husband asked me to mention, Thompson's WaterSeal. (http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/) When it comes to the outdoors and woods, maintenance is nice, but proper protection is a must.

Mrs. m I amSO happy to see your post here. I really missed you. We've been chatting for so long you have really become a friend. Hope you are doing okay. Chris

[Tussiemussies]

My husband is getting ready to do a big haul over on our front deck. He has a lot in the works. I will ask him what he is doing and post it. :)

[Tussiemussies]

I looked over the Thompson WaterSeal website for fun and they are having a deck sweepstakes:

http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/promotions/

[Tussiemussies]

On the Thompson Water Seal website they have two brochures you can order, I believe for free, that will tell you how to clean the deck and maintain it. The thing I remember about them is that they are the product that is used on the decking of Niagra Falls where a lot of the water hits....:)

http://www.thompsonswaterseal.com/promotions/free-wood-protection-waterproofing-literature/