Decking Cleaning Dublin

Left untreated, the timber deteriorates faster than it should, and what was once an attractive feature becomes an eyesore and a liability.

Types of Decking We Clean

Why Decking Needs Regular Cleaning

Algae and moss don't just look bad—they make decking dangerously slippery, especially when wet. We've heard too many stories of people slipping on their own deck and getting hurt. Regular cleaning removes this hazard and makes your deck safe to use. It's not just cosmetic; it's a genuine safety issue that needs addressing.

Organic growth also holds moisture against the timber, which accelerates rot and decay. Moss growing between deck boards traps water and prevents proper drainage. This creates ideal conditions for wood-boring insects and fungal decay. Regular cleaning removes organic matter before it causes long-term damage, significantly extending your deck's lifespan.

Our Decking Cleaning Process

Deck Brightening and Restoration

After cleaning, weathered timber often looks grey and dull. This is tannin staining and UV damage that's penetrated the wood surface. We can apply deck brightener—a mild acid treatment that neutralizes the grey and brings back the timber's natural colour. It's particularly effective on softwoods like pine, which grey quickly in Irish weather.

Brightening is optional but makes a huge difference to appearance. The deck goes from grey and tired to warm and inviting. It also prepares the timber perfectly for oiling or staining if you're planning to treat it. The brightener needs to be rinsed thoroughly and the deck must dry completely before any treatment is applied—usually 2-3 days in good weather.

Oiling and Sealing

After cleaning, most customers want to protect their deck with oil or stain. We don't do the application ourselves—we're cleaners, not decorators—but we can recommend good products and local contractors who do excellent work. The deck needs to be completely dry before treatment, which usually means waiting a few days after cleaning.

Decking oil penetrates the timber and provides UV protection while allowing the wood to breathe. It needs reapplying annually or every two years depending on exposure. Deck stain provides more colour and longer-lasting protection but can peel if not maintained. Both work well—it's personal preference and how much maintenance you want to do.

Composite Decking Care

Composite decking is marketed as maintenance-free, but that's not entirely accurate. It doesn't need oiling or staining, but it still gets dirty and grows algae, particularly in shaded areas. The good news is it's easier to clean than timber because you don't have to worry about damaging the surface. We can use slightly higher pressure and stronger cleaning solutions without risk.

Some composite decking has a textured finish that traps dirt in the grooves. This needs proper cleaning to remove—a quick hose down won't do it. We use rotating surface cleaners that get into the texture and lift out embedded dirt. The result is composite that looks as good as new, with all the original colour restored.

How Often Should You Clean Your Deck?

Most decks benefit from annual cleaning, ideally in spring before you start using the space regularly. Shaded decks or those under trees might need cleaning twice a year because algae grows faster in damp, shaded conditions. If you're oiling the deck, it should be cleaned first—oil won't penetrate properly through dirt and algae.

Between professional cleans, sweep the deck regularly to remove leaves and debris. This simple maintenance prevents organic matter decomposing and staining the timber. If you spot algae starting to grow, deal with it quickly before it spreads. A stiff brush and some deck cleaner will handle small patches before they become a bigger problem.