With the arrival of fall comes the need for a little extra care for your outdoor deck or patio. As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, you’ll need to do a bit of maintenance to keep your outdoor space looking great. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to take the necessary steps to protect and care for your deck or patio throughout the fall season. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Powerwash Your Deck to Remove Grease and Grime
Power washing not only helps to restore the natural beauty of your deck, but it also provides a clean surface that will help prevent leaves from sticking to the wood. When leaves accumulate on a dirty deck, they can easily become trapped in the grime, causing unsightly stains on your deck. If it’s not permanently sealed, you could see problems with rot or mold, too.
When power washing your deck, it’s important to use the correct technique and the appropriate pressure. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your power washer and use a fan tip nozzle to avoid damaging the wood.
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Wash With a Mild Soap
After power washing your deck, use mild soap to give it a thorough cleaning. A mild soap will help to remove any leftover dirt or grime that the power washer might have missed. Dish soap is often a good choice as it is gentle and effective.
- Mix the soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle.
- Apply the mixture to the deck using a scrub brush or a deck cleaning tool.
- Work in small sections and rinse each section before moving on to the next to prevent the soap from drying on the deck and leaving a residue.
- Rinse it thoroughly with a hose after washing the entire deck.
- Make sure to remove all soap residue from the wood surface to prevent staining or damage to the wood over time (unless your deck is permanently sealed and you don’t have to worry about water damage).
Trim Overhead Branches After the Leaves Fall Off
Trimming low branches after the leaves fall off is an essential step in protecting your outdoor space from potential damage. As winter approaches, freezing temperatures can cause the branches to become brittle and more prone to breaking. This poses a risk of them falling onto your deck or patio, causing damage to the structure or any furniture and decorations you may have if the branches are big enough. This simple task can save you a lot of time and money in the long run while making your space safer for your friends, family, and loved ones.
Sweep Leaves Off as They Accumulate
As the leaves begin to fall, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with sweeping them off your deck or patio. This may seem like a tedious task, but it’s crucial for maintaining the health and appearance of your outdoor space. If leaves accumulate, they can create the perfect breeding ground for bugs, mold, and mildew to take hold. This not only looks unsightly but can also lead to damage to the structure of your deck or patio. And it could start to smell awful.
When it comes to sweeping, use a broom instead of a rake. Rakes can scratch the surface of your deck or patio, which can lead to more serious issues down the line. Instead, use a soft-bristled broom to gently sweep away the leaves to avoid any damage to the wood while still keeping your outdoor space clean and tidy.
Remove Any Debris From Summertime Activities
During the summer, our decks and patios can become a hub of activity for barbecues, parties, and outdoor gatherings. But with all that fun comes debris. It’s important to take some time this fall to clean up any leftover mess from summertime activities. Look under furniture and in any corners for any items that may have been overlooked during your regular cleaning routine.
If you had a lot of barbecues or cooked outside frequently this summer, you’ll want to pay special attention to your grill area. Grease and food bits can easily accumulate on and around your grill. Take the time to give your grill a deep clean to remove any leftover grease or buildup.
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The Best Way to Seal a Deck With Seal Smart
Permanent sealing protects your deck from moisture and mildew and lasts the life of the deck. Contact our team or call 1-877-288-3497, and we’ll be in touch.
