One thing you don't want to neglect is deck cleaning, no matter what time of year or the thing just won't last. But there are right ways and wrong ways to clean a deck. Here are a few tips from our Murrysville pressure washing company about deck cleaning and maintenance for spring.

Most people wait until winter has passed and summer is in full swing to get their decks professionally cleaned. Somehow, they think that once a year is enough, but in a place where snow is plentiful, once a year won't cut it. After winter snow and ice have melted, deck cleaning should be done.

Never use a stiff wire or bristled brush to clean your deck. This can remove paint or sealant from the wood, making it vulnerable to the weather. Bleach or other chemicals are also a hard stop for taking care of your wooden deck. Your deck is one of the delicate building materials that need gentler cleaning methods. It's also important to note that renting a pressure washer to DIY the task isn't suggested, nor is hiring a professional who uses high-power pressure washing techniques for deck cleaning.

Now that you know how you shouldn't clean your deck, we want you to know how you should! Hiring a pressure washing company like Awesome Exteriors Pressure Washing that uses soft washing methods is a good idea. Soft washing won't damage the wood of your deck and removes algae as well as prevents it from growing back later.

In between the bi-yearly deck cleaning service by a professional, use a broom and your garden hose to remove debris and dirt. Be sure to keep leaves and lawn debris off the surface and get your seasonal deck cleaning professional to do the hard work for you.

There are a few other ways you can keep your deck clean, healthy, and lasting for years to come. If you have a wooden deck, the entire structure should be sealed and resealed about every five to seven years. If you have a composite deck, even the pressure-treated lumber that supports the top structure will need to be sealed to protect from moisture and prevent rotting.

When it comes to snow and ice removal during winter, don't use salt unless you rinse it off right away or a metal shovel to remove ice and salt on your deck. Use a plastic snow shovel or keep up with the light snow by using a broom. Check ice melting products to be sure they're right for the material of your deck.