Removing stains from the wood as soon as they are noticed is necessary to prevent permanent staining or damage. Though many things may cause deck stains, the bottom line is that these stains can be removed and prevented with the use of a deck cleaning solution–to remove dirt, dust, and old stain–and new stain application every to two years.

What might leave stains on your deck?

• Algae or moss. These types of stains are more common on shaded decks. With the right amount of moisture, algae, and moss can dig their roots into your wood and make for a slippery, stained deck.
• Leaves. When leaves begin to pile up on a deck, they can start decomposing and leave behind stains. To avoid these stains, regularly sweep leaves from your deck.
• Mildew or mold. If your deck wasn’t cleaned properly before staining, there may be grime stuck under the stain in the pores of the wood. If you are experiencing persistent dark stains, or mildew, this is likely the source of the issue. If you notice mildew, decay has likely already started–mildew will trap moisture in your wood. To prevent further damage, remove the wood stain as soon as possible and thoroughly clean the mildew off.
• Rust. If you keep outdoor furniture on your deck, chances are you’ve noticed some orange-brown spots underneath. A chemical deck cleaning solution should be used to fully remove rust stains.
• Tannins. Tannins are present in most trees and can seep out of wood when the wood gets wet. Though they can sometimes fade over time, they can be removed quickly while doing your regular deck cleaning.
• Tree sap. If you notice tree sap on your deck, remove it promptly. The more time sap has to dry to your deck, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Stain Removal and Prevention

To restore a stained, dirty deck, all you need to do is clean it with a deck-safe cleaner or stain stripper, let it dry for several days, and restain. This process should be done every one or two years, depending on the environment you live in–dark, damp places that get more rain will be more susceptible to unwanted guests like mold or mildew, so cleaning may need to happen more often.

To prevent frequent deck damage, make sure you use a high-quality stain or finish on your wood. Low-quality stains can cause mildew in certain environments, and mold can occur on top of them because they don’t have the mold inhibitors that a high-quality seal would have.

Need to Remove Some Deck Stains?

If your deck requires a good cleaning and restoration, contact us here to talk to our team of experts about purchasing the appropriate chemicals for your needs!