How to clean and recondition your deck – step by step
The complete guide to deck care – clean, recondition and preserve your deck
A properly maintained deck stays beautiful for many years. It develops a softer feel, a cleaner tone and significantly better resistance to weather, pollen and everyday wear. In this guide, we walk you through how to clean, care for and recondition your deck from start to finish – with a focus on gentle cleaning and the superior effect of overfatted deck soap.
The method is simple, requires no special machines and is based on a fundamental principle: wood performs best when cleaned gently and allowed to retain its natural richness.
1. Equipment – the foundation of a good result
With the right tools, the process becomes smoother and the wood receives an even, consistent treatment.
Recommended tools:
- A stiff deck brush with a long handle
- A sturdy bucket
- A garden hose
- A small hand brush for corners and tight spaces
- A soft deck brush or an application cloth for the final treatment
Preparation:
- Sweep the deck thoroughly to remove loose debris.
- Rinse the surface generously with water – saturated wood absorbs the soap more evenly.
- Avoid pressure washing, as it raises the wood grain and shortens the lifespan of the deck.
- Choose a cloudy day or work in shade so the soap does not dry too quickly.
Many people think deck care is time-consuming, but in practice it is often much simpler than expected. For most decks, the work takes between one and two hours.
2. Mix the soap – adjust the strength as needed
Overfatted deck soap is mild yet effective. By adjusting the concentration, you get exactly the level of cleaning required.
- Standard cleaning: approx. 100 ml soap per 10 liters of warm water
- Deep cleaning: approx. 200 ml soap per 10 liters of warm water
- Light maintenance wash: approx. 50 ml soap per 10 liters of water
Warm water lifts dirt more efficiently, so use a comfortably warm mixture. Stir until the soap has fully dissolved.
3. Cleaning – a clean deck without damaging the wood
Work in smaller sections, about 2–3 square meters at a time. This keeps the process controlled and ensures an even result.
How to proceed:
- Dip the brush directly into the bucket of soap solution.
- Scrub along the length of the wood grain while the brush is fully saturated.
- Let the solution work for a few minutes, but do not allow it to dry.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water until it runs clear.
Once a section is finished, move on to the next. Slow, methodical and without stress.
4. When your deck needs extra care
Some areas may require more attention than others, especially where the deck has been exposed to moisture, plant pots or long-term pressure. This usually concerns specific spots rather than the entire surface.
- Marks from pots or darker areas: Use a slightly stronger solution and scrub longer in those areas. Dirt and moisture often bind deeper under furniture and need more time to release.
- Algae growth: Clean in two rounds if necessary. Algae often release gradually rather than all at once. Allow the soap to work briefly between applications without letting it dry.
- Greyed wood: An even grey tone is a natural and often beautiful result of long-term soaping. It indicates that the wood has aged calmly and evenly. If the greying is uneven or recent, a few early treatments can help create a more unified appearance. The goal is not to remove the color, but to even out the overall impression.
5. The main treatment – restoring the wood’s natural richness
Once the deck is clean and fully dry, it is time for the most important step. This stage reconditions the wood with a rich mixture that provides both protection and depth.
Mix the main treatment as follows:
1 liter of overfatted soap to 10 liters of cold water
Cold water creates a more stable mixture and allows for even application.
- Use a soft brush or an application cloth.
- Work along the wood grain in steady strokes.
- Apply generously – allow the wood to absorb the solution.
- Do not rinse off.
As the surface dries, a thin natural soap layer forms. It gives the wood a soft, muted sheen and helps protect against cracking, discoloration and dirt. This protective layer makes the deck much easier to maintain throughout the season.
Allow the surface to dry completely before placing furniture back.
6. A simple yearly plan that makes a real difference
- Spring: thorough cleaning and main treatment
- Summer: spot care and light maintenance washing
- Autumn: cleaning before leaves and debris settle for winter
- Winter: remove snow with a soft brush – avoid metal or hard tools
This rhythm keeps your deck one step ahead of weather and wear.
7. What to avoid
- Pressure washing that damages the wood grain
- Dish soap or standard cleaners that dry out the wood
- Allowing soapy water to dry in direct sunlight
- Harsh chemicals that disturb the natural color and structure
8. Your deck is the outdoor floor of your home – treat it accordingly
With regular cleaning and reconditioning, your deck not only stays cleaner – it matures beautifully. The surface becomes smoother, more harmonious and significantly more durable over time.
Through consistent soaping, the wood ages calmly and evenly. The color gradually develops into a natural grey tone that many consider timeless and refined. This is not a sign of wear, but of wood allowed to age on its own terms.
A properly soaped deck feels comfortable underfoot, collects less dirt and requires less effort each season. It is the difference between constantly restoring a surface and allowing it to develop with dignity.
KLARA has launched its own Swedish-made, overfatted linseed oil deck soap. It is developed for Nordic climates and designed to deliver the long-term results this guide is built upon.