How To Clean Your Deck

Your deck is the heart of your outdoor entertaining space - BBQs, family gatherings and lazy summer afternoons. But between sun, rain, muddy shoes, and everyday wear and tear, your timber deck is vulnerable to discolouration, mildew, and grime build-up, leaving it looking dull and tired.

The good news? Restoring your deck’s natural beauty is easier than you think. With the right timber cleaner and a few simple steps, you can refresh your timber.

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to clean your deck properly using Deck Doc Timber Cleaner.

Step-By-Step Guide

Before we get stuck in, clear your deck of furniture, pot plants and BBQs to make a clear space. Sweep away leaves, dirt, and loose debris so the surface is ready for cleaning.

This prep work not only gives you a clear space to work with but also allows you to spot any damage, like loose nails or warped boards, that may need attention.

STEP 1

PREP & MIX

Deck Doc Timber Cleaner is designed to clean your timber by removing sun bleached discolourations, stains, grease and dirt that makes timber appear grey and aged. It also neutralises previous cleaners and waxes to prepare the surface for oil applications.

To mix:

Fill a bucket with 5L of warm water
Add 1 cup of Deck Doc Timber Cleaner
Stir well

💡 5L of solution will clean around 20 sqm which is perfect for most decks.

STEP 2

APPLY CLEANER

Attach the Deck Doc Cleaner Pad (a course heavy-duty pad for removing built up dirt and grime) to our Deck Doc Easy Mop Head with velcro attachment.

Dip the mop head and cleaner pad into the timber cleaner solution. Then scrub the solution into your timber. Don’t scrub too hard at this stage - let the cleaner needs time to do the heavy lifting.

Leave the solution to sit for 10–15 minutes so it can break down dirt, grime, and discolouration.

STEP 3

RESTORE TIMBER

Once the cleaning solution has had time to work, it’s time to bring your timber back to life. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water from a garden hose to wash away residue and lift off dirt, mould, and built-up grime. As you rinse, you’ll notice the timber deck colour shifts from dull, grey, and weathered back to its warm, natural timber tones.

Restoring your timber deck isn’t just about looks; it also prepares the wood for oiling or staining, helping it last longer.

STEP 4

DRY & OIL

Now, here's the important bit. Let your deck dry completely, ideally 24–48 hours, before applying oil or stain. This ensures the timber is properly prepared to absorb your favourite oil or stain and giving you longer-lasting protection.

For best results, repeat this process once a year: clean with Deck Doc Timber Cleaner, then reapply timber oil to maintain both the look and the durability of your deck.

A well-maintained deck doesn’t just look great but it lasts longer. Regular cleaning and oiling are the key to preventing long-term damage from sun, rain, dirt, and mildew. By building a simple routine into your yearly home maintenance, you’ll keep your timber protected against the elements.

Using a product like Deck Doc Timber Cleaner makes the process easy and effective. It restores your deck’s natural colour, removes stubborn stains and discolouration, and prepares the surface for oiling so the finish lasts longer. With just a few hours of care each year, you can extend the life of your timber and enjoy an outdoor space that’s ready for friends, family and BBQs.

Take the time to care for your deck now, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, durable timber surface for many seasons to come.