Decking and Fence Cleaning

Slippery green decks and grubby fence panels cleaned, with the method chosen to suit the timber.

Timber that is safe to walk on again

Decking is lovely in summer and treacherous in winter. Timber holds moisture, and once algae and moss take hold the boards turn green and slippery, particularly in shaded corners and along the grooves. Fence panels suffer in the same way, going green at the base and grey across the face.

Decking and fencing are both part of our pressure jet washing service, which removes dirt, algae, grime and debris. Wood decks are also on the list of surfaces suited to soft washing, which uses a low pressure water system and a dilute solution to remove moss, lichen, mould and algae more gently.

Which method we use depends on the condition of the timber. Sound, hard wearing boards can take a pressure wash, while older or softer wood is better treated with a soft wash so the surface is not roughened.

Older fence panels and softer decking boards are exactly where a heavy jet can do more harm than good, raising the grain and leaving the surface furry once it dries. That is the reason we do not treat every job the same way. If you are not sure what your timber is, a couple of photos of the boards and panels, taken close up and from a distance, help us suggest the right approach before we arrive. Decking and fencing can also be cleaned on the same visit as a patio or driveway at the same property.

Pressure jet washing

Clears dirt, algae and grime from sound decking boards and fence panels.

Soft wash for timber

Wood decks can be soft washed to remove moss, lichen and mould gently.

Treatment available

Treatment and re-sealing are available if required after cleaning.

Grooves and edges

Attention to the board grooves and fence bases where growth collects.

Why timber goes green

Damp wood and the slippery season

Timber soaks up water and dries slowly, especially where it gets little sun. That lingering damp is ideal for algae and moss, which is why decks under trees or beside walls go green first.

The grooves in decking boards collect soil and leaf litter, which holds even more moisture. Cleaning them out removes the growth and the material it feeds on.

A clean deck is safer underfoot, and a clean fence makes the whole garden look brighter. Treatment afterwards is available if you would like it.

What decking and fence cleaning covers

  • Decking boards, grooves and steps
  • Fence panels and posts
  • Removal of green algae and moss
  • Lichen, mould and grime removed
  • Pressure or soft wash chosen for the timber
  • Treatment and re-sealing if required

Signs your deck or fence needs cleaning

  • Boards that are slippery when wet
  • Green growth along the grooves
  • Fence panels green at the base
  • Grey, dull looking timber
  • Moss in shaded corners
  • Soil and leaves packed between boards

How we clean decking and fences

  1. 1

    Assess the timber

    We check the condition of the wood to decide between pressure and soft washing.

  2. 2

    Clear debris

    Leaves and soil are removed from the grooves and fence bases.

  3. 3

    Clean

    The deck and panels are pressure washed or soft washed as agreed.

  4. 4

    Rinse and check

    Any stubborn growth is given further attention.

  5. 5

    Treat if chosen

    Treatment or sealing is applied if you have asked for it.

Decking and fence questions

See patio cleaning

Where we work

We travel up to 45 miles from our NE37 base in Washington, seven days a week, which takes in Sunderland, Newcastle, Gateshead, Durham and the towns listed on our areas page.

See the towns we cover