Ipe is one of the best Brazilian hardwoods for building outdoor structures like decks. It’s durable and long-lasting while adding a sophisticated and timeless touch to your property with its elegant, rich brown hue and fine grain. At ABS Wood, we know you want your deck to look its best for years to come. While this type of wood is relatively low-maintenance, regularly cleaning your ipe wood deck is still important to keep it looking beautiful and hygienic.
Not sure how to start? In this blog, we will share tips for cleaning ipe wood to protect your investment and enhance your outdoor space.
Maintain your ipe wood deck with these cleaning tips
Besides regularly sweeping and removing dirt and debris, we recommend thoroughly cleaning your ipe wood deck at least once a year, depending on the kind of weather it’s exposed to.
Regular cleaning
Make it a habit to sweep your deck with a broom or a leaf blower at least once a week. This will prevent dirt and debris from building up and damaging the wood, as well as ensure that any spills or stains are cleaned up quickly before they can set in.
Clean at the right time
Are you planning to give your ipe deck a thorough cleaning and treatment? We recommend scheduling your cleaning for early morning or late evening to avoid the direct sun, as the intense heat can cause the cleaning solution to dry out too quickly, making the job take much longer and potentially affecting the cleaning results.
Prepare the deck before cleaning
Before cleaning your ipe wood deck, take the time to remove all plants, furniture, and other things that can get in the way. You’ll want to access the entire surface and prevent potential damage to your belongings.
Protect yourself
Cleaning ipe wood often involves using oxalic acid, which is very effective at removing stains and discoloration. However, it’s important to remember that oxalic acid can be hazardous. Always wear protective gear like a face mask, goggles, and gloves when working with oxalic acid to stay safe. This will help protect you from the fumes and prevent accidental skin contact.
Dilute the oxalic acid
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when mixing the oxalic acid powder or crystals with warm water. In most cases, you will need ¼ to ½ cup of oxalic acid concentrate for every gallon of water for cleaning an ipe wood deck.
Apply and use the cleaner like a pro
The easiest way to apply the diluted oxalic acid solution is with a pump sprayer. It will ensure the solution is evenly applied to the surface of your deck. At ABS Wood, we use a backpack pump sprayer and work in small sections to avoid streaking and ensure sufficient coverage. Moreover, make sure the surface is always wet while cleaning ipe wood. Don’t let the sun dry it out!
Scrubbing is optional
Does your deck have too much discoloration, staining, or dirt? Scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. In addition, this will let the cleaner penetrate into the wood.
Make the solution work
Leave the oxalic acid solution for 10 to 15 minutes so it can break down and remove stubborn discoloration and stains, effectively cleaning the ipe wood deck. Just remember to spray it with water from a hose with a mister head to keep the cleaner wet.
Rinse thoroughly and let it dry
After the elapsed time, use clean water from a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the deck’s surface. Then, let the deck dry completely before applying any sealer or finisher.
Maintaining your ipe wood deck’s color
Applying a sealer, oil finisher, or UV blocker is optional after cleaning ipe wood. However, you may prefer it to prolong its lifespan and preserve its natural beauty. Otherwise, the deck’s brown color will age gracefully and naturally into silver-gray with sun exposure.
If you change your mind and want the brown color back, don’t worry — you can still restore it by applying Messmers Brightener Cleaner. It will remove most of the gray surface film to expose the original wood color. Then, you can maintain the restored color with ipe oil or Penofin.
Need more cleaning tips?
You can always contact us here at ABS Wood for more tips and advice for cleaning an ipe wood deck. Email info@abswood.com/ or call 352-508-4990. You may also call 404-549-4840.