How often should you oil your deck?

Maintaining your deck is important to preserve it and create a surface that is pleasant and healthy to spend time on. Traditionally, many people have chosen to oil their decking to protect the wood, but there are good reasons to consider scrubbing with soap as a better alternative.

 

 

Chemicals in decking oil

 

Decking oil often contains several chemicals to protect the wood against mold/algae, weather, and UV radiation. Examples of ingredients include:

 

- UV-absorbing chemicals: Substances such as benzotriazoles and benzophenones are used to absorb UV radiation and prevent the wood from fading or turning gray over time. 

- Nanoparticles: Some modern wood oils may contain nanoparticles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to improve UV protection. 

- Solvents: Many decking oils contain solvents such as mineral spirits to facilitate application and penetration into the wood. 

 

These chemicals can have negative effects on both the environment and human health.

 

Benefits of scrubbing with soap

 

 

Scrubbing the decking with soap instead offers several benefits:

 

- Natural protection: An overfatty soap, for example one based on rapeseed or linseed oil, gives the wood a soft, warm feel and a beautiful finish. The wood turns naturally gray when scrubbed with soap. This method means the decking does not attract as much pollen, pollutants, and dust as oiled decking, since an oiled surface often becomes somewhat "sticky." 

 

- Eco-friendly: Soap is a natural cleaning agent without the harmful chemicals found in many decking oils. It is gentle on both the environment and the user. You can walk barefoot on the decking without worry and let children and animals play there. The surrounding nature, including flower beds and plantings, is not exposed to unknown chemicals.

 

- Easy application: Scrubbing the decking with soap is a simple process that does not require advanced equipment. It also creates a surface that is pleasant to walk on barefoot and easy to clean of dirt and pollen. All according to the classic scrubbed-floor principle.

 

Discover why so many people love Soapa's decking soap

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Frequently asked questions

1. How often should I scrub my decking with soap?

It is recommended to scrub the decking with soap once a year, preferably in the spring before the patio starts being used, or in the fall to keep the surface clean and protected from algae and mold. Scrubbing with soap in both spring and fall gives you an excellent starting point.

2. Can I scrub previously oiled decking with soap?

Yes, scrubbing with soap also works well on previously oiled decking. The soap gives the decking a more matte, smooth surface and does not attract as much pollen and dust as oiled decking. 

3. What type of soap should I use for the best results?

It is best to use an overfatty soap, such as one based on rapeseed oil, to prevent the wood from drying out and give it a soft, warm feel. 

 

By choosing scrubbing with soap over oiling, you can maintain your patio in a more eco-friendly and healthy way while preserving the wood's natural beauty.

 

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