spray-away-exterior-cleaning

How to maintain your deck once its clean

Sat, 17 May 2025 08:12:25 GMT

Maintainence tips to keep your deck looking its best

How to maintain your wooden deck with spray and leave products after it has been washed.

In the Auckland climate , your deck can take a beating. Between the high humidity, frequent rainfall, and strong UV exposure, timber decks are constantly under attack from mold, mildew, algae, and sun damage. That’s why deck washing is a vital part of property maintenance for Auckland homeowners.

Your deck is generally the centerpiece of your outdoor space, but keeping it looking fresh and clean can be a chore—especially with the wear and tear of the seasons. Luckily there are "spray and leave" products that make maintenance easier than ever. These products are designed to remove algae, moss, mold, and mildew without the need for scrubbing or rinsing.

Here's how to keep your deck in great shape using these convenient cleaners.

What Are Spray and Leave Products?

Spray and leave cleaners are ready-to-use or concentrated formulas that are applied to outdoor surfaces and left to work over time. They rely on active ingredients like benzalkonium chloride to break down and eliminate organic growth. Over a few weeks to months, rain and weather naturally rinse away the debris to reveal a cleaner surface.

Benefits of Spray and Leave Deck Cleaners

Minimal Effort: No need for scrubbing, pressure washing, or rinsing.
Long-Lasting Results: Many products protect for months after application.
Safe on Wood: Gentle formulas won’t damage or discolor treated timber.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Spray and Leave Products on Your Wooden Deck

Choose the Right Product
Look for a deck-safe formula that targets moss, algae, and mold. Some popular brands include Wet & Forget, 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner.
Check the Weather
Apply the product on a dry day with no rain expected for at least 12–24 hours. This gives the cleaner time to penetrate and start working.
Prep the Deck
Sweep or blow away loose debris, leaves, and dirt. If the deck is heavily soiled, lightly hose it down and let it dry before applying the cleaner.
Apply the Cleaner
Use a garden sprayer or the product's built-in applicator to evenly coat the entire deck surface. Focus on areas with visible growth or discoloration.
Let It Sit
And that’s it! Don’t rinse or scrub. Over time, the weather will gradually remove dead moss, algae, and stains. You may see visible results in days, with continued improvement over weeks/months
Repeat as Needed
For year-round protection, reapply every 6–12 months or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Tips for Best Results

Avoid applying in extreme heat or direct sun , as this may cause the product to evaporate too quickly.
Apply in Autumn or Spring for longer-lasting protection.
Test on a small area first if your deck is painted or stained, to check for discoloration.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your deck doesn’t have to be hard. With spray and leave products, you can keep your deck clean, safe, and attractive with minimal effort. Just a few minutes of spraying can prevent hours of scrubbing and pressure washing down the line. While spray-and-leave products make deck washing easier, no treatment is entirely “set and forget” — especially in the ever-changing Auckland climate . By staying proactive with light maintenance and seasonal reapplications, you’ll keep your deck clean, safe, and inviting all year round.

If you're unsure which spray product to use or want a professional opinion on your deck's condition, get in touch with us today.

Get Your Home Ready for Spring

Sat, 26 Aug 2023 23:37:49 GMT

Quick and Easy Exterior Cleaning Tips

As the days grow longer and the air gets warmer, it's a sure sign that spring is on its way. And what better way to embrace the season of renewal than by giving your home's exterior a fresh and inviting look? With just a little effort, you can spruce up your home and make it shine as brightly as the blossoms on the trees. Let's dive into some quick and easy tips for homeowners to tackle exterior cleaning and maintenance.

1. Clean Those Windows:

Start by letting in the sunlight! Grab your favourite window cleaner and wash away the winter grime from your windows. Clean windows not only make your home look more inviting but also allow more natural light to enter your living spaces.

2. Remove Dirt and Debris:

Don't underestimate the power of a simple garden hose. Give your house, deck, and outdoor furniture a good rinse to remove accumulated dirt and dust. It's a super easy way to instantly freshen up your outdoor spaces.

3. Tidy Up Your Front Door:

Your front door is like a welcoming smile for your home. Give it a wipe-down with a damp cloth to remove any dust or cobwebs. If your door is looking a bit tired, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint in a vibrant spring colour.

4. Clear Out the Gutters:

Those winter winds might have left debris in your gutters. Get your gutters cleared out of leaves, twigs, and other clutter. Ensuring proper drainage now can save you headaches down the line when the next lot of rain hits.

5. Pressure Wash or Soft Wash for a Brand-New Look:

Now's the time to clean away moss, mold, and dirt from your house, walkways, driveway, and even your outdoor furniture. It's a quick and satisfying way to make everything look almost new again.

6. Spruce Up Your Gardens:

As flowers start to bloom, make sure your flower beds are ready. Cut back any over growth, pull out any weeds, add fresh mulch, and consider planting some colourful flowers to create a vibrant and inviting landscape.

7. Give Your Deck or Patio Some Love:

Your outdoor gathering spaces deserve attention too. Sweep off any debris, clean the grime off your deck or patio, and check for any loose boards that need fixing. This will be your haven for spring gatherings, so make it shine!

8. Don't Forget the Outdoor Lighting:

Clean your outdoor light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs. Good outdoor lighting not only enhances the ambiance but also adds a layer of security to your home.

9. Organize Your Outdoor Storage:

Whether it's a shed, garage, or storage bin, take a moment to declutter and organize. Put away winter tools and gear and make space for your gardening essentials.

With these quick and easy exterior cleaning tips, you'll be well on your way to welcoming spring with open arms. A little effort now can go a long way in refreshing your home's appearance and creating an inviting outdoor environment. So grab your cleaning supplies, soak up the sun, and let the beauty of spring inspire your home's transformation!

Dont forget we are here for you

Just click the button below and add your details for a free no obligation quote for any exterior cleaning, house washing or building washing you may have

How To Help Local Small Business

info@sprayaway.co.nz (Shaun Brown) — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:10:37 GMT

Easier Than You Think.....

Have you ever thought to yourself the only way to help a small local business is to purchase their products or services......?

This couldn't be further from the truth.

Many local business's are on social media such as Facebook and Instagram and many post appropriate content and images relating to their business. When you see this all you have to do is comment, like or better yet share. When you see people asking for recommendations for a product or service on community groups, make sure you give them a mention. By doing this you are helping these business's increase their online presence and when people are searching for products and services online they are found more frequently.

I'm lucky enough to have friends and customers that do this in my house washing exterior cleaning business and you would be surprised when I ask new customers "How did you hear about us?" and the response is "your name comes up all the time on Facebook." Like anything the more a name is showed/repeated it gets lodged in peoples memory banks for the future.

Reviews are another great way for business's to get a better online presence but us kiwi's are shocking about giving feedback. Weather Joe did a great job mowing your lawns or trimming your hedge, or I did an awesome job doing a window cleaning or driveway cleaning service, or you had the best burger at Sam's burgers the new food place in town. By giving a positive review other people get to experience the quality of products or services these business's provide and are a lot more receptive and confident when it comes time to use them.

So next time you receive great service please take the time to let people know. Next time you see something posted that you think is pretty cool, like comment and share it along. Next time you see someone asking for recommendations for a product or service you know someone provides, name that business. It doesn't cost a cent but only a few minutes of your time to tap a few keys can make a huge difference to peoples business.