Whip Your Deck Into Shape

There probably are some unsightly stains too tough for common cleaning on your deck.

As you whip your wood deck into shape for the season, you might find a few unsightly stains too tough for common cleaning. For example, leaf stains can be removed by scrubbing with a 50-50 solution of household bleach and water. Remove black stains from tannin-rich woods using a deck brightener applied according to manufacturer's directions. Barbecue stains are easy to remove using an automotive degreaser or carburetor cleaner. Be sure to try this one ONLY in the shade. And that's the On The House tip for today.

See more tips in the Decks, Patios, Fences, and Retaining Walls category!