How Do I Care for My New CrossTimbers Deck?

To clean Use

Mud, Dirt, General Cleaning

Any general purpose deck cleaner or washing detergent (Behr #63, Olympic Deck Wash)

Mold and Mildew
(Black or brown spotted stains)

Any Bleach Based Deck Cleaner
(Active ingredient:  Sodium Hypochlorite)
(Clorox Outdoors, Olympic #74)

Metal or Rust
(Black or purple stains)

Any Phosphoric Acid Based Cleaner
(Aqua Mix Phosphoric Acid Cleaner, ZEP)

Tannin Staining

Oxalic-acid Based Cleaner
(Behr # 63-N)

Cooking Grease

Professional Strength Degreaser on Contact

To Clean Mold, Mildew, and Water Stains:

  • Use a bleach based cleaner (see recommended products above) Be careful to read all Cleaner Manufacturer Instructions before beginning the cleaning process as instructions may vary from one brand to the next.
     
  • Bleach based cleaners may lighten the color of the boards. It is recommended to clean the entire deck surface.
     
  • Sweep the deck off using a stiff bristle broom to remove all debris from the surface.
     
  • Fill a pump sprayer with the cleaning solution. For light stains a 50/50 mix of water and cleaner could be used. For severe stains full strength may be necessary.
     
  • Apply the solution evenly across the deck surface. Use a mop or rag to get in difficult areas.
     
  • Use a stiff bristle broom to work the cleaner into the surface of the deck; you may notice a slight foaming of the cleaning solution.
     
  • Allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse the deck off with a hose (do not use a power washer).  
     
  • More than one application may be necessary if stains have set for an extended time.

To Clean Metal or Rust:

  • Use a phosphoric acid based cleaner (see recommended products above). Be careful to read all Cleaner Manufacturer Instructions before beginning the cleaning process as instructions may vary from one brand to the next.
     
  • Sweep the deck off to remove all debris from the surface.
     
  • For small areas fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of water and cleaning solution.
     
  • Spray the solution on the affected area and let sit for 15 minutes.
     
  • Rinse the cleaner off using a hose.
     
  • For large areas fill a pump sprayer with a 50/50 mix of water and cleaning solution. For severe stains full strength may be needed.
     
  • Apply the solution evenly across the deck surface. Use a mop or rag to get in difficult areas.
     
  • Let the cleaner sit for 30 minutes.
     
  • Rinse the cleaner off using a hose.
     
  • More than one application may be necessary if stains have set for an extended time

To Clean Tannin Stains:

            See above instructions for Metal/Rust, but use an Oxalic-Acid Based Cleaner


To Clean Grease:

  • Soak up excess grease immediately.
     
  • Apply degreaser over residual stain.
     
  • Clean off degreaser with light bleach and soapy water solution.
     
  • Repeat steps above as necessary.