Any suggestions on a good formula for cleaning a deck? I once found a formula that was relatively environmentally safe and friendly, put out by the forestry service or the epa (?), but the glut of misinformation on the internet has rendered it impossible (for me) to find.
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"30 Second" is an Ed Hume endorsed product that works well and is safe for plants. It is sold a HD and Lowes for about $8.97 per gallon. One gallon makes two........
"Rather be a hammer than a nail"
Bob
Hi Graffito
You don't say what your deck material is or what your are trying to clean off of it. Moss, mould, crud? How environmentally friendly? Pressure washing uses no chemicals. I have used a formula for many years called "Painters Friend"
2/3 cup tri sodium phosphate (TSP)
1/3 cup non-ammonia detergent (Tide) IMPORTANT no ammonia
2 cups bleach
Pour hot water into a 1 gallon jug leave enough space for the above ingrediantes and mix. Sprinkle on deck with watering can let sit for five minutes or so depending on the amount of soiling and brush if necessary. Re wet let sit and hose off.
Phosphates can promote regrowth of moss so some get a non-phosphate version of TSP. Use rubber gloves as it is fairly caustic.
Mac
OK. Deck is PT pine. Typical Home Cheapo. It just hasn't been well-maintained, neither by the previous owner, who had it installed about 5-7 yrs ago -- but didn't seal it, apparently -- nor by me, who has had it for 3 yrs, the same amount of time I've had a lovely daughter.
Try Behr Product called Deck Prep. $4 a gallon. Works great on pt,etc. Sold at Home Depot.