We're at the end of our first full season with a new TT deck and are starting the cleaning chore. I'm experimenting with a few products and techniques and could use all the help out there.
It appears we have 4 types of cleaning: 1) mildew (will be trying Corte Clean and Jomax as recommended by TT, along with a product from our local lumber store. Too bad we have to wait until the temp is above 65 as stated on the Corte Clean product.) 2) minor grease spots around the picnic table, BBQ, etc. 3) other types of spots, and 4) ground in dirt, pollen, etc.
We started the cleaning yesterday using the lumberyard cleaner (from Bio-Wash the product that contains phosphoric acid and lineal alkyl. We highly diluted it and applied with a garden sprayer). It required a good brushing to work and had to go over each section twice to get good enough results with the ground in dirt.)
I'm going to try the Jomax today which calls for using an EPA registered household bleach. The Jomax was recommended also by the folk that built the deck.
I'm beginning to believe that these products (not counting Corte Clean since we haven't been able to try it) are all focused on mildew and not on "deep cleaning".
What appears to be left after the cleaning are some greasy spots and the ground in dirt and pollen.
For the greasy spots I'm going to have to look for something to clean. Is dishwashing liquid or TSP a good idea? TT does have a brand recommended on their site too.
I've been reluctant to use any power washer for fear of damaging the wood, but, given TT saying on their site just to be careful and not to go above 1500psi I think I may give that a try for the dirt (and also to save my back). Other than using a wide fan nozzle, keeping the pressure down, and holding the spray away from the decking, are there any other tricks?
Should I be putting anything on the deck after the cleaning? I tend to prefer to not add stuff after I went to all the work of cleaning it, but not knowing how the TT material works I may be being naive.
Since my impression is this chore will require multiple products and approaches I sure could use some wisdom and experience on how to keep this sucker clean.
Thanks
Liv |
Member Since
04/04/2008
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1 Posts
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Moderated by Altereagle 
