Deck & Fence Fall Refresh? Yes, Please!
Your deck hosted birthday parties, wine nights, and more BBQs than you can count. It’s been stepped on, spilled on, and sunbaked into a state of “lived-in charm.”
Now that fall is knocking, it’s time to return the favour.
Just like you wouldn’t put your favourite sweater in storage covered in ketchup, you shouldn’t let your deck head into winter with a layer of mold, algae, and grime. A professional soft wash is the gentle, effective way to clean, protect, and extend the life of your outdoor space.
Why Clean Before Winter?
Leaving your deck dirty over winter is like leaving your car unwashed before a snowstorm — you’ll pay for it in the spring.
Dirt and organic buildup:
Trap moisture, leading to rot and splintering
Promote mold and slip hazards
Stain wood and composite materials
Reduce the effectiveness of sealants
A clean deck dries faster, resists damage, and looks better when the snow melts.
Soft Wash vs. Pressure Wash: The Great Deck Debate
You’ve probably seen pressure washers in action — blasting dirt off driveways with brute force. But when it comes to decks (especially softwoods like cedar or pressure-treated pine), high pressure can do more harm than good.
Risks of pressure washing:
Splintering wood
Forcing water into the grain (causing swelling and cracking)
Damaging composite decking
Eroding sealant
Soft washing, on the other hand, uses low pressure and targeted cleaning solutions to break down contaminants at the source — without the destruction.
It’s like using a sponge instead of a sledgehammer. Much smarter.
What We Clean (and How)
At OKGN Soft Wash, we specialize in safe, thorough cleaning for:
Wood decks & fences
Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech, etc.)
Railings, steps, and built-in seating
Patios and stone surfaces
Our process:
Pre-rinse to remove loose debris
Apply eco-friendly cleaner to kill mold, mildew, and algae
Allow dwell time (nature does the work)
Soft rinse to remove residue
Protect surrounding plants and landscaping
No damage. No drama. Just a fresh, clean deck.
Pro Tip: Clean Before You Seal
If you plan to reseal or stain your deck, always clean first. Dirt, mildew, and old sealant prevent new coatings from adhering properly.
After your soft wash, wait 48 hours (ensure full dry), then apply your sealant. The result? Longer-lasting protection and a richer finish.
Don’t Forget the Fence!
Fences take a beating — sun on one side, shade and moisture on the other. This combo breeds mold and discoloration, especially in wooded or lakeside areas.
A soft wash restores curb appeal and prevents rot. And yes — we clean chain-link, too (though we can’t promise it’ll look fancy).
“Can’t I Just Rent a Pressure Washer?”
Technically, yes. But without proper training, you risk:
Damaging your deck
Injuring yourself or others
Harming nearby plants
Wasting time on ineffective cleaning
Professional soft washing is faster, safer, and more effective — and often more affordable than you’d think.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
Let OKGN Soft Wash help you give your outdoor spaces the fall refresh they deserve. We serve Vernon, Armstrong, Spallumcheen, Lumby, Kelowna, and beyond — because every deck should go into winter feeling clean and cared for.
👉 Book your deck & fence soft wash today and step into winter with confidence.
After all, a clean deck is the best place to enjoy a hot cocoa — even if it’s just from the kitchen window.