- 1). Remove all furniture, grills and other items from the deck. Sweep all large debris from the deck with a broom.
- 2). Mix a solution of oxygen bleach and warm water into a large bucket. You can mix the solution into a garden sprayer if you would prefer to spray the deck for cleaning. The ratio of oxygen bleach to water will vary depending on the concentration of sodium percarbonate in the bleach you are using. General mixing requires between four and six ounces of oxygen bleach per gallon of water but follow specific mixing instructions on the package.
- 3). Apply the oxygen bleach solution to the deck. Work in small sections at a time. Use the garden sprayer to apply a generous coating of the solution to the deck, or just dump some onto the wood if you only have a bucket. Allow the solution to sit on the wood for about 15 minutes. For cleaning the railings, either spray on the solution with a garden sprayer or use a scrub brush to apply.
- 4). Scrub the deck with a stiff scrub brush. Using a brush with a long handle will allow you to cover more area at one time, without getting down on your hands and knees.
- 5). Rinse the deck clean with plain water from the garden hose. Allow the deck to dry completely prior to applying a sealer. A general rule of thumb is to let the deck dry for 2 days prior to applying the sealer.
- 6). Choose the appropriate sealant for the deck. The type of sealant you will need will depend on the type of wood you are working with. Oil-based sealants will generally last longer than water-based sealants. Check with your local home improvement center for assistance when picking out the proper sealant.
- 7). Apply the sealant to the deck with a paint roller attached to a long handle. Pour the deck sealant into a paint tray and dip the roller into the tray, absorbing a generous amount of sealant onto the roller. You can use a garden sprayer to apply the sealant to the deck, but it is very hard to control overspray. If you choose to spray the sealer onto the deck, be sure to cover items that may get damaged from the overspray, such as the house siding, plants and furniture.
- 8). Use a paintbrush to smooth out any drips or puddles of the sealant. The paint brush will also be necessary to seal the boards against the exterior of the house, as well as the railings and handles.
- 9). Follow the manufacturer's specific instructions for detailed application. Depending on the type of sealant you are using, two coats of sealant may be necessary.
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