Most of the time, wooden decks are exposed to many forms of elements that could cause damage from the elements. Constant exposure to the sun causes wood to crack, while cold weather promotes the growth of bacteria. Water and mist contribute to the rust of nails and screws that held the wood in place.
When these things happen, the sheen from the wood decking disappears and is only replaced by an unsightly orange rust tint, as well as molds and cracks. But there is something that can be done to restore stained wood decking. Here are simple ways you can use as a reference to clean your wooden decks.
- Sodium percarbonate
- To use, simply mix one part sodium percarbonate with one part water. For a much stronger solution, just add more sodium percarbonate.
- Dip and soak the stiff nylon brush in the solution, then use it to scrub the stained deck. Do this until all rust stains have been completely removed.
- White vinegar
- To remove the rust stain, soak a clean cloth or sponge in white vinegar and then use it to wipe the rust stains from the wooden deck.
- Wipe the area immediately with a clean, dry cloth.
- Borax and lemon
- Mix a part of Borax with a splash of lemon juice.
- Dip a stiff nylon brush or sponge into the solution and scrub the stained wooden deck with it.
- Once the rust stains are gone, rinse the treated area with water and wipe dry.
Sodium percarbonate is a colorless, hygroscopic, crystalline oxidizing agent. It is commonly used in the manufacture of environmentally friendly laundry detergents. When sodium percarbonate mixes with water, it releases sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide. These two components are cleaning agents known to be safe and effective. With all of that in mind, sodium percarbonate is a surefire way to remove rust stains from wood decking.
White vinegar is primarily preferred for removing rust stains. Apple cider vinegar can also be used for this purpose. White vinegar is most effective undiluted. But since vinegar is acidic, it is recommended not to stain the areas that are not stained with rust, ballast would bleach the unaffected wooden deck.
Borax or baking soda is a common ingredient in many household cleaning products.
If, just in case, all of these are not effective enough to remove very stubborn rust stains from your wood deck, you may consider using commercial rust removal products. But do this only when all your safe options are completely exhausted.
