Spring Cleaning for a Wooden Porch & Railings

Getting Started

• Prepare your porch for a deep spring cleaning. Remove all furniture, decor, large planters and other items from the porch. Wipe or dust them beforehand, especially if you're bringing them indoors during the cleaning, to prevent bringing unwanted insects and dirt inside. Cover delicate plants or garden statues surrounding the porch with a drop cloth. Sweep the porch down, and run a duster through the railings. Loosen rocks and debris from panel cracks with a narrow stick or tool.

Pressure Washing vs. Water Hose

• Pressure washing applies bursts of water and cleaning solution to your porch and railings to remove even years of dirt and grime. Professional companies can do it, or you can rent a washer yourself from a local hardware store. Pressure washers may ruin softer or older wood, especially cedar or redwood porches and rails. Clean this type of wood with a water hose instead. With a water hose, unlike pressure washing, you only pay for the water you use.

Pressure Washing Precautions

• Use only a 20-to-30-degree spray nozzle with the washer. The washer should have 2,000 psi. More will damage the wood, and less won't clean well. Hold the nozzle 6 to 8 inches from the surface. Work from one end of the porch to the other, including the railing. Let the wood dry for 24 hours before sanding to soften remaining splinters or refinish the porch.

Resealing and Painting

• Resealing or painting your porch helps it stay clean and protects it against weathering that can either dry it out and crack the wood or subject it to moisture and rotting. Use a sealant especially for the wood you have on your porch and railings. Apply a sample coat on a hidden area of the porch to test it. Only apply sealant and paint to dry wood, and don't apply it in intense sun, as it may produce an uneven finish. Apply a thin coat to avoid oversaturating the wood. Only apply water sealant to unpainted wood. Otherwise, it can't reach the wood and won't be effective.