I ignored my deck for four years. Not proud of it. By year four, it had gone from “warm cedar” to “gray zombie wood.” Splinters everywhere. One board was soft underfoot in a way that made me genuinely nervous.

Replacing a deck costs thousands. Cleaning and sealing costs about $80 and a Saturday. Here is the complete workflow — including the mistake I made the first time that cost me an extra weekend.

What You Need

• Deck cleaner (oxygen bleach, not chlorine — chlorine kills plants)
• Pump sprayer or stiff-bristle push broom
• Pressure washer (rental is fine — $40 for the day)
• Deck sealer or stain (water-based is easier to work with)
• Paint roller with extension pole
• Safety glasses (pressure washers kick back debris at high speed)

Step 1: Clear and Sweep

Move everything off. Furniture, planters, grill. Sweep hard. Get leaves and dirt out of the gaps between boards — this is where moisture sits and rots the wood from the inside.

Step 2: Apply Cleaner

Follow the dilution on the bottle. Spray it on, let it sit 10-15 minutes, but do not let it dry — dried cleaner leaves chemical residue that messes with sealer adhesion. I learned this one by doing exactly that.

Step 3: Pressure Wash (Carefully)

Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches from the wood. Move with the grain. If you see wood fibers lifting, you are too close — back off. You are cleaning, not eroding.

Step 4: Wait 48 Hours

The wood must be completely dry before sealing. Not damp. Dry. If you seal wet wood, the sealer traps moisture inside and the deck rots faster than if you had done nothing.

Step 5: Seal

Roll on thin coats. Two thin coats are better than one thick one. Work from the far end toward the exit so you do not paint yourself into a corner. Let each coat dry per the label instructions.