Dirt and moisture may also attract mildew to wood steps.
All wood steps take a lot of abuse from the elements and dirty shoes, whether the steps are front porch steps or backyard deck steps. Eventually the dirt will make the steps look very grungy if you don't do something about it. In some cases, moss or mildew may even grow in the steps, making them hazardously slippery. Clean wood steps are more attractive, safer and less prone to rot. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Sweep the steps thoroughly with a broom to remove loose particles of debris. It doesn't matter what kind of broom you use as long as the bristles are sturdy enough to make a difference.
2. Put on rubber gloves in preparation for mixing your cleaning fluid.
3. Mix either a wood deck cleaner or simple dish detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use 1 tbsp. of dish detergent per gallon of water; follow label directions for deck cleaner. If your steps are stained, you'll probably have more luck using the deck cleaner. For mildly dirty steps, however, dish detergent will do just fine.
4. Apply the cleaner using a sponge mop. Wet the entire surface area of the steps.
5. Scrub the steps with a scrub brush to remove stuck-on dirt and stains. Now use the mop again, dipped in the cleaning solution, on the steps.
6. Rinse the steps by spraying them with water from your garden hose. Allow the steps to dry naturally.
Tags: deck cleaner, dish detergent, wood steps
