Five questions and answers about cleaning a deck with soap

 

 

How should I clean the deck?

For the deck to last a long time, it is important to keep it free from dirt and fallen leaves, especially during autumn when the leaves are often wet and can easily provide a foothold for algae and other growth. Therefore, regularly brush away leaves and dirt.

For effective and gentle cleaning, it is a good idea to use a superfatted soap, such as Västerbottenssåpa, which cleans while caring for the wood and helping to prevent growth!

 

 

How should the deck be treated?

 

No deck is completely maintenance-free, but some types of wood can be left untreated if you want the deck to develop a natural gray patina. If, on the other hand, you want to preserve the deck’s natural color and luster, you should treat it regularly.

Traditionally, oil is used to add color and protection, but a superfatted soap such as Västerbottenssåpa is an excellent alternative if you want a lighter and more natural finish, while also giving the wood extra protection and making it easier to clean.

 

 

Five questions and answers about soaping the deck

Soaping the deck is a good alternative to oiling it or treating it in another way. Below, I answer five of the most common questions we receive.

1. Can I soap my deck made of pressure-treated timber?

Yes, absolutely. Your deck will become pleasant to walk on; the surface will be silky smooth and slightly waxed, making it easy to keep clean. Pollen and dust will not stick to it as they can when the surface is slightly “oily”.


2. Does the soap affect the durability of my pressure-treated deck?

Not really. Pressure-treated timber today is generally of very good quality, and what determines how long “treated” timber lasts is the pressure treatment itself, not the surface treatment. However, you can of course affect how the surface feels and looks: if you choose soap, the surface will be matte and smooth. If you choose oil, it will be shinier. 

 

 

3. Should I use cold or hot water when scrubbing?

You cannot treat a dirty surface, so you first need to clean it. Use hot water and superfatted soap. With a stiff brush and soap, you can remove much more dirt than you might think. You can “save” surfaces that initially look somewhat hopeless. Give it a try before replacing the deck—it might work! Of course, it all depends on the initial condition and the material, but people are often pleasantly surprised by what a stiff deck brush and soap can do.

Once the surface is clean, use cold water and soap. Use a soft brush and/or a cloth. Mix approximately 1 l of soap with 9 l of water to fill a scrubbing bucket. The water should feel greasy from the soap. Go over the deck and let the soap soak in. You will notice when the material stops absorbing the excess fat in the soap. A new deck or a deck made of a harder type of wood will absorb less than a soft, porous deck.

4. How much soap is needed?

It depends on the condition and type of wood. A porous, dried-out pine plank absorbs more soap than a new pressure-treated plank. But a rule of thumb is approximately 1 l of soap per 30 m². Dilute 1 l of soap with 9 l of water to make a scrubbing bucket, making the solution easy to handle. 

5. Can I change my mind and oil the deck after soaping it?

Yes, of course. Soap is a type of soap, not a type of oil, impregnation, or paint. If you find that there is too much soap on or in the deck, simply scrub it again using only hot water and a brush.