Premiere Deck Cleaning Professionals In Northern Michigan

Maintaining the cleanliness of your deck and/or patio is essential for preserving the appearance and safety of both wood and composite surfaces. Pressure washing and soft washing are the only effective cleaning methods for removing dirt, mold, algae, and other organic contaminants.

Call Great Lakes Exterior Clean today at 989-916-4993 to set up your free estimate. Let the professionals take care of your deck cleaning needs.

Experience An Unmatched Deck Cleaning Service Like No Other

Great Lakes Exterior Clean is the premiere provider of deck cleaning services in the Northern Michigan area. We understand the utmost importance of keeping your deck clean, safe, and looking its best. Our deck cleaning service is very different from the common methods used by our competitors who use bleach, oxalic acid and high pressure.

Below are issues that can occur from using the most common products and methods when cleaning wood:

• Bleach or Sodium Hypo-Chlorite (SH) - The use of bleach will destroy the lignin in wood. When the lignin in wood becomes damaged, the cells deteriorate starting the early rotting stages. The wood becomes gray, soft, and velvety when this product is used.
• Sodium Percarbonate & Oxalic Acid - While sodium percarbonate is very effective for cleaning wood, it comes with several drawbacks. Firstly, it has a high alkaline Ph of 10.5, which clashes with wood’s naturally acidity range of 4-7%. This mismatch will cause unpredictable chemical reactions every time, causing a breakdown in the wood's molecular structure and ultimately altering the wood’s color. Darkening and lightening of the wood will occur unevenly, especially if oxalic acid, which has a Ph of 1-4, is applied afterward to counteract the effects of the sodium percarbonate. However, oxalic acid does not actually neutralize the wood’s pH; rather it only brightens the wood surface. Nonetheless, if oxalic acid is applied too strongly, or not rinsed thoroughly, it can lead to further damage to wood’s lignin. Additionally, the formation of oxalic acid crystals or sodium oxalates on the wood’s surface, caused by inadequate rinsing or overly strong acid concentration, can jeopardize the long term adhesion of paints or stains and can cause severe peeling problems in the future.
• The Use of High Pressure - The use of high pressure should never be employed to clean wood. Whether washing with the aid of cleaners or using water alone, high pressure will lead to damages everytime. The list of damages is extensive, with some common issues including:
• Risk of splintering, etching, & gouging the wood (Leads to a loss of the woods natural texture and appearance)
• Risk of damaging the wood fibers and surface
• Increased penetration of water into the wood, leading to premature rot or mold growth
• Difficulty controlling the pressure, resulting in uneven cleaning
• Risk of stripping away paint or stain

Now that you’re aware of the most common methods of cleaning decks and their drawbacks, you may be wondering “What’s the solution?” Rest assured, our team has the solution. At Great Lakes Exterior Clean, our technicians use only the only two products on the market that are 100% gentle and safe for wood and surrounding areas.

Our preferred cleaning solution for wood is a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner. This eco-friendly cleaner effectively restores and revitalizes weathered surfaces without the need for scrubbing or high pressure. Its powerful formula swiftly reacts to mold and mildew stains, eliminating them and brightening the wood. What sets this product apart from others is its ability to penetrate deep into the wood pores, continuing to clean the wood long after rinsing. The product is so effective that you can rinse away dirt and grime with just a garden hose. Additionally, this product is environmentally friendly and safe for water life, making it suitable for use on docks.

The second solution in our arsenal is a sodium metasilicate based cleaner. This solution delivers superior results while remaining gentle on wood and surrounding surfaces. Sodium metasilicate, a main component in laundry, hand, and body soaps, brightens wood similar to a bleaching agent but without any of the downside of bleach.

Both of these solutions are completely safe for your deck and ensure you can enjoy a stress-free, well-maintained deck, just as it was intended to be.

Ready to restore the natural beauty of your wood or composite deck? Don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Great Lakes Exterior Clean today for expert washing services. Let us revitalize your property back to its natural beauty. To receive your free estimate, call 989-916-4993 or complete our online request form.

Log Home & Wood Siding Cleaning Service

Do you have a log home or wood-sided house that could use a thorough cleaning? Contact the professionals at Great Lakes Exterior Clean to receive a free estimate for our premium wood washing services! We employ the same meticulous cleaning processes and high-quality chemicals that we use for our premier deck washing service.

Composite Deck Cleaning Service

Let’s face it, composite decking is the price of a luxury car nowadays. Cleaning and maintaining composite decking should be handled with extreme care. This material is soft and can easily show gouging, marks, striping, etc… We have the right low-pressure solution for all your composite deck cleaning needs. Contact Great Lakes Exterior Clean today for expert composite deck cleaning today!

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