My son has a p/t deck that he wants to clean and he is asking can he use bleach instead of commercial deck cleaners . Any comments would be appreciated . Also any recommended cleaners and sealers ? Any particular recommendations on deck stains – he wants a semi-transparent stain
Thanks in advance
Edited 4/20/2009 5:49 pm ET by bob55
Edited 4/21/2009 10:04 am ET by bob55
Replies
The others that he doesn't want to use ARE bleaches of one kind or another, just not pure chlorine.
The reason is because they are easier to use and more appropriate for the job. For instance they are less likely to hurt vegetaion and metal hardware. Those that percolate bring up dirt and debris easier too.
With any of them, you need to pay attention to directions, whether prewetting or not and protecting surronding materials. For instance, you can ruin oak doors or cedar siding by splashing deck cleaners onto it.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
Bleach is a much harsher oxidant than "commercial" (as opposed to home made?) deck cleaners. Using it rather than any of the relatively inexpensive deck cleaners doesn't make much sense.
As for stains, I've had decent results with Penofin, adequate results with some Behr product (can't remember the name - but an outdoor semi-transparent) and good results with Sikkens. You pretty much get what you pay for.
-t