During summer and spring, it’s common for people to spend their time at their or friend’s lake house, tanning or lounging on a boat dock. It’s one of the most relaxing activities, followed by a dip in the lake.
With increased traffic on the dock comes dirt, grime, and grease, the accumulation of which can cause surface harm. You wouldn’t want your dock to look unattractive, would you? Since a dock is part of your curb appeal, it makes a bad impression if left uncleaned. Not to mention the unattractiveness of stains, dried leaves, and other things lying on it.
If you don’t care about your judgy neighbors and are not much into aesthetics, clean your dock to provide your family and pets with a safe place to spend quality time.
With that being said, cleaning your dock might seem difficult, but you only need a few things and an hour to ensure its durability. Following are five tips that will help you preserve your dock’s original shine:
Tip #1 Inspect
Before you bring out the cleaning tools, take a walk on your dock and inspect it thoroughly for stability and integrity. Look at all the dock accessories closely for any signs of wear and tear. Get down on your knees and manually check the screws and bolts to ensure they are not rusted.
If you have a wood dock, look for splinters and cracks and get them repaired immediately before the damage expands.
Tip #2 Sweep the Dock
Most people skip this step and get right to washing. When all that dirt and water mix, it creates a nasty mess, which takes twice the time to remove. So, get yourself a broom and start sweeping.
Tip #3 Pressure Wash
Pressure washing is the best way to remove caked dirt. Choosing the right pressure is important because the dock might splinter if the water hits the surface at the wrong angle. Try different pressures on the pavement to see which one hits softer, and then proceed to your dock.
Tip #4 Removing Stains
Buy an EPA-approved, marine-grade cleaner for spots or stains on your dock. You can also try DIY tricks such as lemon and baking soda, but they will take too much preparation and time. Apply the former solution on the stain, follow the instructions on the back of the product, and clean accordingly.
Tip #5 Wash Your Dock Monthly
A sealed dock will last a long time. However, you still need to clean it monthly—no need to bring out the pressure hose. Just sweep the surface and inspect the boards for rust. Splash a little water on it and wipe it away.
Avoid cleaning products containing antibacterial agents, ammonia, chlorine bleach, disinfectants, phthalates, phosphates and phosphorus, and petroleum solvents. Consider water and chemical-free solutions your best friend.
EZ Dock Texas offers low-maintenance dock materials, such as aluminum, to help you avoid any maintenance hassle. The company provides different docks, such as PWC ports, drive-on docks, and floating docks. For more information, call (800) 654-8168.
