Will cleaning make my deck less slippery?

Yes — the slipperiness usually comes from the algae layer, which cleaning and the anti-slip treatment remove.

Can you clean composite decking?

Yes. Composite is cleaned gently for mould and staining; it is not oiled like timber.

Should I oil the deck afterwards?

Oiling or staining is optional and is done only once the timber is fully dry. It helps timber shed water between cleans.

Will it remove old paint?

Cleaning can lift loose and flaking paint, but fully stripping painted decking is a different job. Tell us at the quote if the deck is painted.

How long before we can use the deck?

Once it is dry to the touch you can walk on it. If a top-coat is applied, allow the drying time on the product before putting furniture back.

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Service overview

Decking Cleaning
across Yorkshire

Kills the algae layer that makes decking slippery and brings the grain back without stripping the timber.

Decking cleaning removes the green algae film that makes boards slippery, lifts black weathering marks and restores the grain, using low-pressure soft-washing and brush-and-lance detailing so the timber fibres are not torn. An anti-slip biocide is applied afterwards, with an oil or stain top-coat as an option once the boards are dry.

Kills the algae layer that makes decking slippery and brings the grain back without stripping the timber.

An anti-slip cleaned and oiled deck stays sound for 12–18 months before the next re-treat.

A typical 15–25m² garden deck takes half a day including anti-slip treatment.

Methods

STEP 1

low-pressure soft-wash

STEP 2

brush-and-lance detailing

STEP 3

anti-slip biocide treatment

STEP 4

optional oil or stain top-coat

Common problems we fix

slippery green algae in shade

black weathering marks

lifted paint or old stain

rot around fixings

Softwood, hardwood and composite

Softwood decking is easily furred by high pressure, which roughens the surface and makes it hold dirt faster. Hardwood is denser but still benefits from a gentle approach. Composite boards are not timber at all, so they are cleaned for mould and surface staining rather than treated with oils. Grooved anti-slip boards need extra attention in the grooves, where algae collects first.

Checking the boards while we clean

Cleaning exposes the condition of the timber. Soft spots around fixings, lifting paint or old stain, and split boards are pointed out so you can decide whether repairs, re-treatment or replacement make more sense. Our guide on cleaning versus sanding versus replacing covers that decision.

Decking Cleaning FAQs

Will cleaning make my deck less slippery?: Yes — the slipperiness usually comes from the algae layer, which cleaning and the anti-slip treatment remove.
Can you clean composite decking?: Yes. Composite is cleaned gently for mould and staining; it is not oiled like timber.
Should I oil the deck afterwards?: Oiling or staining is optional and is done only once the timber is fully dry. It helps timber shed water between cleans.
Will it remove old paint?: Cleaning can lift loose and flaking paint, but fully stripping painted decking is a different job. Tell us at the quote if the deck is painted.
How long before we can use the deck?: Once it is dry to the touch you can walk on it. If a top-coat is applied, allow the drying time on the product before putting furniture back.