To remove deck stains, you will need to give the area a thorough cleaning first. This is a good spring project, since there will be dirt and debris left over after the snow melts away in your yard. The first thing you will need to do is clear off the deck area so that you can see the entire surface that you want to clean.
Take a broom and sweep the deck thoroughly. Sweeping will loosen the dirt from the surface of the deck. Some things that you may think are deck stains can be removed using this method.
Once the deck has been swept thoroughly, the next step in removing deck stains is to clean the surface. If you have a wooden deck, you can use a mild detergent-and-water solution for this purpose. Some people have decks made from other materials, and you should always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning them. If you aren't sure what type of cleaner to use, contact a home improvement store to ask what they would recommend.
Some people recommend using chlorine bleach or trisodium phosphate (TSP) to clean deck stains. Both of these products are very powerful cleansers, but they do present a problem when it comes to the environment. If a mild cleanser, such as a "green" laundry soap will take care of deck stains, then it is a better choice than a harsh cleaner. Take a long-handled broom and use some elbow grease to remove deck stains. It may take a little longer than if you used a harsh cleanser, but it is the more responsible choice.
You can use a hose with a nozzle attached to it to rinse off the deck once you are done scrubbing it thoroughly. The force of a power sprayer may be too strong if you are trying to clean off a wooden deck, since it may remove the top layer of the deck surface along with the dirt. Once you have rinsed off the deck surface thoroughly, you will need to let it dry.
Examine your deck in a day or two, once it has had a chance to dry, to see if there are any deck stains that need further attention. If there are, you can clean these areas again with a brush to try to loosen the stain. Remember to rinse thoroughly afterward and let the deck dry before re-inspecting the area. Applying a wood preservative to the deck will help to protect against deck stains and keep it looking good for years to come.
