You will need to sprinkle the crystals on the decking and get scrubbing with a really stiff bristled brush, then rinse away with water, and this should remove any algae and make your decking … Don’t rinse the solution off. Soda crystals are an easy, cheap choice when you don’t want to use bleach for risk of fading coloured paving. Soda crystals are a great option to blast through any moss and algae, leaving your patio beautifully clean. The surface of timber decks becomes exposed to the elements such as sunlight, rain, snow and frost. Stage three is the reason why the cleaning should be done in the summer when the decking has time to dry. Most contemporary composite and timber decking models are designed to provide you with a safe and slip-resistant experience. Brush the deck thoroughly twice a year. Does anyoneknow how to stop decking being/getting slippery. Soda crystals (washing soda) are a fantastic water softener and powerful multi-purpose cleaner, and they're also great value at around £1 a kilo. Leave the decking for a few hours and once dry brush using a stiff broom. wrightt Posts: 195. Sluice and go with a stiff outdoor broom. Best way to clean decking is with a stiff broom and a bucket of hot water and washing soda. People often confuse it with Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) which is way stronger, corrosive and aggressive. Garden decking has become very popular and can look great in many gardens but it can also become green, grimy, slippery and plain dirty and ugly after the winter months. Have a look: Soda crystals are also known as washing soda while its scientific name is ‘Hydrated Sodium Carbonate’. Soda Crystals. December 2017 in Problem solving. Takeaways. To use soda crystals, simply spray warm water over the decked surface and sprinkle soda crystals. Leave to dry, then apply 2 generous coats of wood stain. Not to be confused with caustic soda… Simply with spray Liquid Soda Crystals or apply a regular Soda Crystals solution to the affected area, and leave to work on the dirt and grime for half an hour. Do NOT use a power washer to clean decking. Here are some interesting facts about soda crystal that you should know. Use a stiff broom to give your deck a thorough brush twice a year, followed by a jet wash using a pressure washer if possible (that said, don’t use an industrial grade pressure washer as it might damage the wood). 1. Washing soda or soda crystals are a part of the baking soda family but have been processed differently. Soda crystals are a slightly unexpected cleaning agent, but one that will really do the job. 4. 2. It’s highly alkaline, which makes it an effective solvent for a wide range of stains. 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