Keeping the spaces between deck boards free of dirt, debris, and stains is an important part of deck maintenance. A buildup of pollen, leaves, grass clippings, food spills, and other grime in the cracks of your deck can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot if left unchecked. Using the right tools and cleaning solutions can help you effectively clean between deck boards and keep your outdoor living space looking its best.
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Why it’s important to clean between deck boards
Here are some key reasons you’ll want to focus on cleaning between the boards of your deck:
- Prevent buildup of organic debris – Pollen, leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris that falls onto your deck can get lodged between the boards. If not removed, this damp debris can promote mold and mildew growth.
- Discourage insect/pest habitation – Crumbs, spills, and other food debris stuck between boards can attract unwanted insects and other pests. Keeping a clean surface deters them from living and breeding on your deck.
- Remove staining/discoloration – Spilled drinks, leaves, and dirt often leave stains on the wood that build up over time. Cleaning between the boards can remove these stains.
- Improve wood health – Grime, moisture, and lack of air circulation trapped between boards can cause wood rot, warping, and other deterioration.
- Enhance visual appeal – A deck with gunk accumlated between the boards simply doesn’t look as nice. Proper cleaning restores your deck’s aesthetic.
Taking time to clean between the deck boards ensures your deck stays sanitary, safe, structurally sound, and looking its best.
How to clean between deck boards
Cleaning between deck boards takes a little more effort than simply sweeping across the top of the deck. Here are some recommended methods and tools to get down into the gaps for a deep clean:
Use a hose/pressure washer
An ordinary garden hose with a pressurized nozzle allows you to spray and dislodge some built-up debris between deck boards. Adjust the nozzle to a more concentrated stream to penetrate deeper into the cracks.
For a more powerful cleaning, use a gas or electric pressure washer. Adjust the wand to a narrow, high-pressure stream. Work methodically across the deck surface, spraying directly into the spaces between boards.
The powerful water pressure flushes out dirt, leaves, pollen, food crumbs, and other debris.
Try a wet/dry vac
For hard-to-reach debris that doesn’t budge with just water, use a wet/dry shop vacuum. Choose a vacuum nozzle that can fit into the cracks between the boards. Work across the deck, maneuvering the hose attachment into every gap to suck up clinging debris.
The suction pulls up stubborn dirt, grime, spider webs, and compacted organic material that resists the pressure washer. A wet/dry vac also neatly collects the debris into an attached canister for easy cleanup.
Scrub with a deck brush
For the most intense cleaning, use a stiff deck brush designed to fit between boards. Look for a brush with sturdy bristles and a tapered shape to reach into cracks.
Dip the brush into a bucket of cleaning solution. Get on your hands and knees and scrub back and forth across each gap, brushing vigorously to dislodge stuck-on gunk. The bristles will remove debris the pressure washer leaves behind.
Repeat across all areas of the deck until every space between boards is clear. Use a wet/dry vac to collect dirty solution as you work. Thorough scrubbing restores a like-new appearance.
Use baking soda as a cleaner
For an effective homemade cleaning solution, mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that dissolves grease, oil, and some stains.
Spread the paste along the spaces between deck boards and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then use your deck brush to scrub the paste over the surface to scour away dirt and buildup. Rinse thoroughly with your hose.
Try vinegar for extra cleaning power
For extremely dirty spots, mix white vinegar with water at a 1:1 ratio in a spray bottle. Spritz vinegar solution generously along specific areas of grimy buildup between deck boards.
Let the vinegar sit for 10-15 minutes to help break down stubborn gunk and stains before scrubbing with your deck brush. Vinegar provides extra cleaning action.
Use oxygen bleach for discoloration
If discoloration or graying remains between deck boards after pressure washing and scrubbing, try an oxygen bleach product. Mix oxygen bleach powder with water according to package directions and apply to affected areas.
Let the solution sit on the discolored spaces between boards for up to one hour before rinsing clean. This can brighten the wood and restore a uniform appearance.
Cleaning tools and supplies
Gathering the right tools and supplies will make cleaning between deck boards much easier. Here are some recommendations:
| Tool/Supply | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Garden hose | Provides water source for rinsing debris |
| Pressure washer | Powerful spray dislodges stuck-on debris |
| Wet/dry shop vac | Sucks up dirt and debris in tight spaces |
| Stiff bristle deck brush | Scrubs surfaces and fits between boards |
| Baking soda | Mild abrasive for cleaning and brightening |
| White vinegar | Helps break down stubborn buildup |
| Oxygen bleach | Removes discoloration and graying |
| Bucket | Contains cleaning solutions |
| Scrub brush | Manual scrubbing of dirty areas |
| Protective eyewear | Protects eyes from debris when spraying |
| Rubber gloves | Keeps hands clean when scrubbing |
Having the right selection of cleaning tools on hand will make the job much smoother and allow you to tackle any type of grime buildup.
Tips for cleaning between deck boards
Follow these tips for getting your deck boards spotless:
- Working in small sections – Don’t try to clean the entire deck at once. Work in smaller, manageable sections for best results.
- Pre-wet the deck – Soak boards with water before pressure washing or scrubbing to help loosen debris.
- Brush sideways – Hold brush at an angle to reach into cracks, not straight down between boards.
- Check for splinters – Wear gloves and watch for splinters or damaged boards that may need replacement.
- Use deck brightener – Applying a deck brightener after cleaning removes additional stain and restores color.
- Rinse thoroughly – Make sure to completely rinse away all cleaning solution residue.
- Allow to dry – Let deck dry completely before applying any protective sealant or stain.
Taking your time and being thorough will give you the best cleaining results. Consistent cleaning between deck boards once or twice per year will keep your deck looking like new.
Best time to clean between deck boards
Aim to clean between your deck boards at least twice per year – once in early spring as winter debris clears, and again in late summer/early fall. Some added tips on timing:
- Spring – The spring cleaning removes debris from winter months and prepares your deck for summer entertaining season.
- After leaf drop – Clean again after all leaves have fallen to remove leaf staining before winter sets in.
- Before and after events – Clean before/after hosting summer parties or when deck use increases.
- As needed – Clean whenever substantial debris builds up between boards.
- Before restaining – Deep clean before applying fresh protective deck stain or sealant.
Swiping a broom across the top of your deck periodically can keep debris somewhat under control. But be sure to thoroughly clean between boards at least twice annually for optimal results.
Conclusion
Keeping your deck boards free of dirt, stains, and buildup not only improves appearance, but also extends the life of the wood. Set aside time twice per year to clean between deck boards using a pressure washer, wet/dry vac, stiff scrub brush, and cleaning solutions like baking soda, vinegar, or oxygen bleach.
Having the proper equipment on hand allows you to successfully spray, scrub, and suction debris from between every deck board. Consistent cleaning removes contaminants that can lead to mold, mildew, and wood rot if left to collect.
While it takes some physical effort, thoroughly cleaning between deck boards restores your deck’s look and enhances your outdoor living space. Maintaining these semi-annual deep cleanings will keep your deck boards looking pristine for many years to come.