After the cold, wet winter days Spring is arriving with warmer temperatures. The sun peeks out behind the gray clouds and draws us outside. Do you also long for warm sunny afternoons relaxing on your patio with a book in your hands?

But before you can enjoy it, many people first have to clean their terrace. After all, wood decking is not only dirty after a long winter, but also prone to mold growth.

Well-maintained wood decks requires regular cleaning and care. Once or twice a year is advisable to keep the wood in good condition over the long term.

Why is cleaning and care important?

Wood is a natural material that ages quickly. The weather-- whether rain, snow or sun-- affects the natural material, these influences impair the beauty of the raw material. In combination with moisture, wood is the perfect breeding ground for fungi and green deposits, like mold.

Without proper care, the decking boards turn gray. They no longer look attractive, and they develop a rough surface which can quickly lead to wood splinters. 

Step 1: Clean the wooden decking

Important: The wooden surface must be dry in order to better remove dirt and carry out the subsequent maintenance.

1. Before you start cleaning, check to see if the decking boards are loose or damaged. Tighten screws if necessary. Safety first!

2. Check for any damp spots. These can be the starting point of rot damage.

3. Remove superficial dirt such as dust, sand and leaves with a broom. If this is not sufficient, you can also use water. To protect the wood, it is best not to use a high-pressure cleaner. The water jet is too hard, and the wood fibers may be damaged. This can even cause the decking boards to splinter.

4. In the case of mold or mildew, treat the surface with a suitable wood cleaning agent. Let it to sit briefly, then rinse with water.

5. Remove stubborn dirt with a brush., if necessary.

6. Allow the wet wood to dry thoroughly before further treatment.

Step 2: De-greying wooden decking

Wood that is exposed to rain, wind and sun changes its appearance. UV radiation, in particular, causes the wood to turn gray.  Sooner or later, fine cracks will appear depending on the pre-treatment. 

If the graying process is not what you were going for, you can treat your decking boards with wood restorer, if necessary. Then use a wood care or coating system with UV-absorbing properties. This will restore the natural color.

Step 3: Maintaining wooden decking - what you need to know!

Oils, waxes or glazes penetrate the wood, protect it and thus extend the service life of your wooden decking. They also give it a fresh color. It is important that your wood is able to breathe. This is the only way residual moisture can escape. Therefore, do not use wood paint or sealing coats. These turn into a thick film of paint that covers the wood. Water remains in the wood, as it cannot escape, resulting in rot damage.

Proper wood care:

1. Apply the care product in the form of oil, wax or a glaze in two coats. The first coat must be dry and well absorbed before you start the second coat.

2. Spread the care product evenly over the entire surface.

3. Allow the care product to dry for at least eight hours before walking on the decking.

Did you know that you can prevent wood decay during decking construction? Apply a wood preservative containing fungicides to the wood before you install it. This will protect your decking right from the start. Or buy wood that has already been treated with a fungicide by the supplier.

A lot can still be saved afterwards. Does your wooden decking already show signs of damage? Then use a wood preservative afterwards to limit further damage.

By the way: LANXESS active ingredients are contained in many classic wood preservatives and care products.

Enjoying the sun

Once your deck has been cleaned, you can enjoy the warming rays of the sun in your favorite deck chair. We wish you a sunny spring and relaxing hours on your well-kept wooden deck.