Extra Pro Tips for Virginia Homeowners
Cleaning under your deck once or twice a year is great, but there are a few extra steps and preventative measures that can make those cleanings easier and help your deck’s underside stay dry and problem-free. Consider these pro tips that especially apply to our Virginia climate and terrain:
- Ensure Proper Deck Drainage: Water pooling under your deck is a recipe for rot and mosquitoes. After a heavy rain, check if water is standing around the footings or low spots. If you see puddles that linger, take action. You can rake the soil to slope away from the deck, or install a simple French drain or gravel-filled trench to channel water elsewhere. Even adding a layer of coarse gravel under the deck can improve drainage by allowing water to percolate down and dry out faster. The goal is to have no stagnant water under or around your deck after rain.
- Add a Moisture Barrier on the Ground: If the area under your deck is just open dirt, that dirt contributes a lot of moisture to the air (damp earth = humidity) and can even sprout mold. A smart move is to lay down a vapor barrier, typically heavy plastic sheeting, on the ground under the deck. Overlap and weight it down with rocks or cover it with a layer of gravel to hold it in place. This prevents ground moisture from continuously evaporating into the deck space. It also helps stop weeds from growing. Less moisture under the deck means less chance for mold and mildew to take hold on the wood above.
- Trim Back Vegetation for Airflow: Do you have shrubs or plants growing right up against your deck’s perimeter? While greenery is pretty, it can trap moisture. Keep at least a foot or two of clearance between plant foliage and the deck. Trim back any bushes or vines that are crowding the deck sides or touching the support posts. This allows air to circulate and sun to reach the area, both of which will help keep things dry. Plus, it eliminates a convenient highway for insects to reach your deck. Good airflow under and around the deck is one of the best mold deterrents, think of it as giving the deck room to “breathe.”
- Seal or Stain the Underside of the Deck: Most people remember to seal the top of their deck boards to protect against rain and sun, but sealing the underside is just as important for longevity. The underside is not directly pummeled by UV rays, but it is exposed to ground moisture and humidity. Applying a coat of waterproof deck sealer or stain to the underside and joists can help prevent moisture intrusion, wood rot, and even deter insects. Do this when the wood is clean and dry (right after your cleaning is a great time, before you put stuff back!). It might be a bit tedious to brush sealer overhead, but you usually only need to do it every few years. Some professionals suggest whenever you reseal the top of your deck, do the bottom as well. It’s an extra step that significantly extends the life of your deck.
- Install Deck Skirting with Vents: If you want to keep the under-deck area tidier and pest-free, consider adding skirting or lattice around the deck, but do it the right way. A solid skirt can actually reduce airflow, so it’s vital to incorporate ventilation. Options include lattice panels, planks installed with gaps, or designs that have built-in vent panels. This kind of enclosure will block a lot of debris (like wind-blown leaves) from getting under the deck and discourage critters from entering, while still allowing air circulation. For example, you could install pressure-treated lattice around the deck perimeter and include small access doors or removable sections for maintenance. Not only does skirting improve the look (hides the ugly underside from view, boosting curb appeal), but if done with ventilation in mind, it helps keep that space under the deck much cleaner and drier. Just remember to periodically check behind the skirting for any issues since it does hide the view.
- Use Gravel to Deter Pests: A layer of gravel under the deck (pea gravel or crushed stone) serves multiple purposes. It looks neat, reduces weeds, aids drainage, and importantly in Virginia, it can deter pests from burrowing. Many small animals don’t like digging through gravel. If you’ve had issues with groundhogs, stray cats, or other critters taking up residence under there, laying 2-3 inches of gravel after you clean can help. It also means any leaves that blow in won’t sit in mud; they’ll be easier to blow out since they sit on top of the rocks.
By incorporating one or two of these upgrades, you’ll find that the next time you clean under your deck, it’s a much quicker job, maybe only light debris to sweep off. And more importantly, you’ll be preventing problems like rot and pests rather than just reacting to them.
Now that you’ve done the big clean, let’s talk about a few easy things you can do routinely to keep the underside of your deck in good shape between those deep cleanings.
CREDIT: PINTEREST
Keeping It Clean Between Deep Cleans
Nobody wants to spend an entire weekend scrubbing under their deck more often than necessary. The good news is, with a little simple upkeep, you can maintain a cleaner under-deck space and make your big cleaning sessions easier and less frequent. Here are some easy maintenance tips and habits:
1. Quick Monthly or Biweekly Chores: During the times of year when your deck is in use (and stuff is falling from trees), take just 5-10 minutes occasionally to do the following:
- Blow Out Debris: Grab that leaf blower or broom and quickly blow out any new leaves or dirt that have accumulated under the deck. Doing this even once a month prevents big build-ups. It’s much easier to remove a thin layer of dry leaves now than a thick, wet, decomposing pile later.
- Sweep the Deck Surface: Keeping the top of your deck clean actually helps the bottom stay clean. Why? Anything on top (leaves, food crumbs, dust) will eventually fall through the cracks to the underside. Regularly sweeping or hosing off the deck boards means less will accumulate underneath. In pollen season (hello, yellow coating on everything in VA springtime!), a quick sweep or rinse stops that pollen from caking up below.
- Check for Spills: If you grill or have potted plants on your deck, be mindful of spills. Grease from the grill or overflow from watering plants can drip down. When they happen, try to clean spills promptly on the top and maybe hose underneath in that area so it doesn’t become a sticky attractant under the deck.
2. Smart Storage Under the Deck: Many of us use under-deck space for storage (understandably, it’s convenient). But how you store things can affect cleanliness:
- Avoid Cardboard Boxes: Don’t leave anything in cardboard under the deck. Cardboard absorbs moisture, gets moldy, and literally becomes food for pests (roaches and silverfish love paper, and rodents will chew it for nesting). Instead, use plastic bins or totes for storage. Preferably weather-proof plastic containers with tight lids. They’ll keep your items dry and critters out.
- Raise Items Off the Ground: If possible, put items on a small pallet or shelf so they’re not in direct contact with the ground. This allows airflow and you can easily blow under them. Even lawn chairs or wood scraps, try to have them on pavers or scrap wood instead of touching soil.
- Limit Fabric and Soft Goods: Storing old cushions or rugs under the deck? Be careful, fabric will attract mold and mice. If you must store them there, seal them in plastic bags or bins. Otherwise, find a space in the garage or attic for soft goods.
- Periodic Checkups: Every couple of weeks, just peek under the deck (take a flashlight at night or whenever). This isn’t really a chore, just a glance to see if any new garbage blew in or if an animal tried to bring stuff under there. Early detection of issues means easier fixes.
By doing a little light maintenance, you keep the under-deck area from ever getting too bad. Think of it like wiping your kitchen counters every day so you don’t have to chisel off crusted food later. Similarly, a quick leaf blower pass and mindful storage will keep your under-deck space in good shape.
Finally, despite your best efforts, there may come a time when you encounter an issue that a DIY clean can’t fix or you just want professional help or improvements. Let’s talk about when it makes sense to call in the pros, and how our team at MGS Contracting Services can assist.
When to Call the Pros (That’s Us at MGS Contracting Services)
Even the most dedicated DIY homeowner will occasionally run into problems that require a professional touch. Your deck’s underside might reveal issues or projects that are beyond a simple cleaning. Here are some scenarios where you should consider calling a professional deck contractor (and if you’re in Virginia, the experts at MGS Contracting Services are ready to help):
- Structural Damage or Sagging: If during your cleaning or inspection you notice significant wood rot, a sagging section of the deck, or rusted-through hardware, it’s time to get a pro involved. Structural components (like joists, beams, ledger attachments) are critical to safety. We can assess the extent of damage and perform repairs or reinforcements as needed. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the structure holding up your family and friends.
- Mold Keeps Returning: Did you clean diligently but a month later the mold is back in force? Chronic mildew or algae problems might mean there’s an underlying moisture issue that needs a more robust solution. We can investigate things like drainage, lack of sunlight, or wood that maybe wasn’t properly sealed. Sometimes installing under-deck vent fans or professionally treating and sealing the wood with commercial-grade products can make all the difference. We have access to treatments that can inhibit mold growth for longer periods and can troubleshoot persistent moisture sources.
- Under-Deck Upgrades: Perhaps your cleaning inspired you to better utilize the space under your deck. Many homeowners decide to install under-deck skirting, access doors, or even create a dry storage area with a drainage system. These projects can be DIY, but if you want a polished look or a guaranteed solution (like a membrane system that keeps the area under a deck dry like a roof), our team can design and install it. We’ve built under-deck storage rooms, lattice enclosures, and more. We know what works in Virginia’s climate and can customize to your needs.
- Deck Refinishing and Sealing: After a deep clean, it’s often the perfect time to reseal or stain your deck so it’s protected. If you’re not comfortable doing that yourself or if your deck needs repairs before sealing, let us handle it. We can ensure the underside is sealed as well, using high-quality sealants that include mildewcides (mold preventers) for extra protection. A professional job means every nook and cranny is covered, which can add many years to your deck’s life.
- New Deck or Reconstruction: Sometimes you uncover that the old deck has served its time and is beyond patching up. Or maybe you’re dreaming of expanding your outdoor space. MGS Contracting Services specializes in building beautiful, safe decks from the ground up. If you decide it’s time for a new deck (or a major rebuild of the existing one), we can take care of demolition, design, and construction, and you can bet we’ll build it with proper water management and longevity in mind from the start.
At MGS Contracting Services, we’ve helped hundreds of Virginia homeowners build, repair, and preserve their outdoor living spaces. We understand Virginia’s weather and soil conditions, and we know the best practices to combat moisture, insects, and wear-and-tear on decks. Our expertise means we notice the little details (like the ones in this guide) that can make a big difference in how long your deck lasts and how much you enjoy it.
Remember: Your deck is more than just the boards you walk on, it’s the whole structure, top to bottom. We’re here to help you take care of every part of it, so you can have peace of mind and lots of good times on your deck.
FAQs About Cleaning Under Your Deck
You asked, we answer! Here are some common questions homeowners have about the process of cleaning and maintaining the underside of a deck:
Q: Is it okay to pressure wash under the deck?
A: You can use a pressure washer carefully. If you go this route, choose a low-pressure setting and a fan tip, and keep the wand a couple of feet away from the wood. The goal is a gentle wash, not stripping the wood. High-pressure power washing can damage wood by gouging it, splintering it, or stripping off sealant. In fact, professionals often use a technique called soft washing for wood surfaces to avoid too much pressure. So yes, you can pressure wash under your deck to blast off dirt, but be gentle and cautious. When in doubt, stick to a garden hose and scrub brush, it might take a bit more work, but it’s safer for the wood.
Q: Can I use bleach to clean under my deck?
A: It’s not recommended to use chlorine bleach on your wood deck. While bleach will kill mold and make things look whiter, it also damages the wood fibers. Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can destroy the lignin in wood that gives it strength, causing the wood to weaken over time. It can also corrode any metal fasteners holding your deck together. Plus, bleach doesn’t penetrate deeply, so mold can survive below the surface and come back. A much better (and safer) alternative is oxygen bleach, which we used in our cleaning steps. Oxygen bleach cleans effectively without harming the wood’s structure. If you need a stronger mold killer, use vinegar or specialized deck cleaners containing mildewcides rather than household bleach. In short: save the chlorine bleach for your bathroom tiles, not your wooden deck.
Q: What if the deck is so low I can’t crawl under it to clean?
A: Low-clearance decks are tricky, but you still have options. If you can’t physically get under the deck, try these tips:
- Use long-handled tools: A broom, rake, or even a piece of rebar can be used to reach under and pull out debris. There are also special tools like a “deck crevice cleaner” on a pole that can hook leaves out from between joists.
- Compressed air or leaf blower: From the sides of the deck, blast air underneath to push debris out to the other side. You might do this from each end of the deck to drive everything toward the middle where you can reach or toward one side.
- Water hose flushing: Similarly, you can try attaching a nozzle to a hose and spraying water under high pressure along the ground to wash out debris. Just be cautious where that muddy water will go (protect nearby structures or plants).
- Remove a deck board or two: If you’re comfortable with a little DIY carpentry, you can unscrew and temporarily remove a couple of deck boards from the top to give you access to the space underneath. This essentially becomes an access hatch through which you (or just tools) can reach in to clean. After cleaning, reattach the boards. This method requires that your deck boards are screwed down (not nailed) for easy removal, and you should use care not to damage them. Many people do this for low decks to have a maintenance access point.
Also, consider installing skirting with a removable panel on one side of a low deck. It can vastly improve your ability to occasionally reach under there. If these solutions don’t work or the space is too tight even for tools, you might consult a professional who can advise if the deck can be slightly lifted or modified for access. But generally, using long-handled tools and creative angles can solve most low-deck cleaning challenges.
Q: How do I prevent mold from coming back once I’ve cleaned it?
A: Preventing mold and mildew regrowth under your deck comes down to controlling moisture and removing the things mold loves to feed on. Here’s what you can do:
- Improve Drainage and Airflow: Make sure water isn’t collecting under your deck by fixing drainage issues (as discussed in Pro Tips). Also, keep the area ventilated, open sides or vents so air can circulate and dry out the space. The drier you keep it, the harder it is for mold to thrive.
- Ground Cover Barrier: If you haven’t already, use a plastic moisture barrier or gravel cover on the soil under the deck. This stops moisture from evaporating into the space and also blocks weeds or organic matter from composting under there.
- Regular Cleaning: Stick to a regular cleaning schedule. Removing leaves and debris in spring and fall will drastically cut down on mold fuel. Mold needs organic material to feed on, if you consistently clear out leaves and dirt, there’s less for mold to eat.
- Seal the Wood: After a thorough cleaning and drying, apply a good deck sealant or stain to all sides of the wood (including underside). Many quality deck sealers have mildewcide/fungicide additives that inhibit mold growth on the surface. Sealing also prevents the wood from soaking up as much water. Remember to reapply sealant every couple of years as needed, because these inhibitors wear off over time.
- Consider Mold-Resistant Materials: If mold is a never-ending battle (say, your deck is in deep shade and over wet ground), you could consider more resistant options like composite decking or metal joists if you ever rebuild. Composite materials and aluminum or galvanized steel framing are far less hospitable to mold. That’s a big change though, for now, focus on keeping wood clean and dry.
By combining these strategies, you’ll create an environment under your deck that’s hostile to mold and mildew. No solution is 100% permanent, but you should find you’re doing much less scrubbing once these measures are in place.
Still have questions or an unusual situation with your deck? Feel free to reach out to us, we’re happy to offer advice!
Ready to Refresh and Protect Your Deck for the Long Haul?
Cleaning under your deck might not be the most fun chore, but as we’ve shown, it’s absolutely worth it for the health of your outdoor space. With the tips and steps in this guide, you can tackle it like a pro and keep that “hidden half” of your deck in great shape. Your reward will be a deck that lasts longer, stays sturdier, and provides a safe, clean area for your family to enjoy.
If you ever find yourself needing a hand, whether it’s a tough cleaning job, repairs, or improvements, MGS Contracting Services is here for you. We’re a Virginia-based company that prides itself on helping families love every layer of their outdoor space, from the top rail to the foundation footings. Whether it’s cleaning, sealing, making structural fixes, or even designing a whole new deck with under-deck storage or living space, we have the expertise to get it done right.
Contact MGS Contracting Services today for a free consultation or inspection. Let us help you protect your investment and enhance your deck so you can focus on making memories out there. We’re always ready to answer questions and provide top-notch service with a smile, because we’re homeowners too, and we know the value of a safe and beautiful outdoor retreat.
Don’t wait until a little mold becomes a big problem or a loose nail becomes a hazard. A clean deck (top and bottom) means peace of mind. So roll up those sleeves periodically, and when you’ve done what you can, know that MGS Contracting Services has your back for the rest.Here’s to many more years of barbeques, relaxation, and family fun on a deck that’s clean, strong, and ready for all seasons! Cheers to your well-maintained outdoor living space!