Hi, I need to clean our wooden deck.. the problem is I need a home solution since our cats are hanging around beneath the deck all the time and bleach can be dangerous for them. I would also like to avoid a power washer.
2007-09-01 12:12:55 · 4 answers · asked by BentleighGirl 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
With all due respect a pressure wash with NO chemicals is the best. I'd suggest moving; possibly crating the cats for the process.
Anything else would have to involve chemicals of some type, as well as water, which the cats would probably not enjoy either.
Steven Wolf
AKA "The Deck Doc"
2007-09-01 12:33:22 · answer #1 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've always used power washers. If the deck is really dirty chase the cats from under it, a little squirt from a water hose should keep them away then scrub the deck with TSP and a long handle brush. Finally, pressure wash it and it'll look like a brand new deck. (TSP is a bleaching agent) It should help sanitize the area under the deck. Work during the shady part of the day if using TSP and protect any shrubs or flowers.
2007-09-01 15:28:43 · answer #2 · answered by ruffus51 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're not leaving yourself many options...wouldn't the cats get the hint once the power-washer water hits the deck? Depending on the age and condition of the deck (faded, algae, moss, splits, etc.), power washing might be enough to clean it, otherwise there are fairly mild cleaners but none are without their 'precautions.'
Pound any loose nails down, if they used nails, or consider replacing 'popped' nails with coated deck screws. There's a variety of deck screws available, made specifically for the type of wood that your deck is made of.
2007-09-01 12:36:10 · answer #3 · answered by Dept. of Redundancy Department 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Got to agree . Powerwash is the best solution .
I have used powerwasher before and tried different chemicals over the years but find that powerwashing is the best by far.
2007-09-01 12:52:57 · answer #4 · answered by dont know much 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋