Recommendations on cleaning this deck

[Roishe Cheng]

This deck was coated in BEHR "Redwood" acrylic stain by the previous owner. Since the base coating is in relatively good condition, I am looking for recommendations on what chemicals to use for cleaning this surface dirt away. I've spent countless hours here reading tons of threads and from what a lot of people are saying, bleach should *not* be used on wood?

What is your recommended recipe to clean up this deck along with the recommended dwell time?

I have access to an X-JET, DS tips along with all of the chemicals that PressureTek carries:

F8, F13, F18, F10 and simple cherry. The reason I have an X-Jet and all these chemicals is because I am working on some other cleaning jobs around the house this week. I also have my pool supplier dropping off a few bottles of 12.5% bleach this week. So I'm covered on chems.

Pics inline:







Many thanks in advance!

[newlook]

Do you want to clean it or strip it? If you are cleaning it...the deck does not look all that dirty. I would think a mild soap and wash would do the trick.

[PressurePros]

You must be a new homeowner as evidenced by your four projects.

You have some great projects that are going to make you appreciate hiring a professional as a viable alternative. None of what you mentioned will remove that Behr.

[Roishe Cheng]

HI Newlook, thanks for the response. I am just looking to clean it. So when you say mild soap, you are referring to just Dawn?

[Roishe Cheng]

You must be a new homeowner as evidenced by your four projects.

You have some great projects that are going to make you appreciate hiring a professional as a viable alternative. None of what you mentioned will remove that Behr.

Thanks, bought the house 2 years ago, I am pretty handy, used do GC and build houses in Florida with my uncle so I can figure this stuff out. I am pretty handy with a PW as I've used them plenty of times for detailing autos and doing some simple house cleaning chores/driveways etc.

I am definitely *not* looking to strip the Behr. Just want to clean the deck and get all the dirt out. Just looking for recommendation on chems to use.

[John Orr]

Downstream 12.5% and rinse with the black tip. The chlorine won't damage the wood, since the Behr cr*p won't allow it to penetrate. This method won't harm the finish.

[Roishe Cheng]

Downstream 12.5% and rinse with the black tip. The chlorine won't damage the wood, since the Behr cr*p won't allow it to penetrate. This method won't harm the finish.

John, thanks for the response. You're right about it being "Behr Crap", their interior paint isn't much better either, I use BM or Pratt & Lambert for all the painting jobs I've done. BEHR is like water, very poor hiding qualities.

I am going to try ds'ing 12.5 on a small section and will post up the after pics. Thanks again!

[newlook]

Downstream 12.5% and rinse with the black tip. The chlorine won't damage the wood, since the Behr cr*p won't allow it to penetrate. This method won't harm the finish.

Thanks John....I am a day late and dollar short!!

[extreme]

Wat chlorine?
Please stop the chlorine talk,following the EPA advise chlorine is only to be used on hard and non porus surfaces and does not kill mold and mildew dead!
Looking at this deck it's a easy one,Oxione will clean this in a jiffy,without harming any surface GUARANTEED!

[Adrian]

Wat chlorine?
Please stop the chlorine talk,following the EPA advise chlorine is only to be used on hard and non porus surfaces and does not kill mold and mildew dead!
Looking at this deck it's a easy one,Oxione will clean this in a jiffy,without harming any surface GUARANTEED!

Please go to "my controls" and complete your signature line. House Rules.

[Adrian]

John, thanks for the response. You're right about it being "Behr Crap", their interior paint isn't much better either, I use BM or Pratt & Lambert for all the painting jobs I've done. BEHR is like water, very poor hiding qualities.

I am going to try ds'ing 12.5 on a small section and will post up the after pics. Thanks again!

Please go to your "my controls" and complete your signature line. House rules.

[HighTide]

If the bleach doesn't work, put down some house wash (Simple Cherry) and use a soft deck brush.

[The Adams Approach]

There is some other cleaning solutions from askthebuilder.com. He usually gives good advice, too. I would lean to an oxygen bleach called Stain Solver, completely bio-degradable and will not damage the wood.

[big mike]

askthebuilder.com. He usually gives good advice, too

You're joking, right????

[Beth n Rod]

Please edit your post and remove the copy pasted photos. Use the image attachment feature at the bottom of where you compose the message to attach them so it doesn't throw the forums out of whack. Thank you!

Beth