Using a Wood Wash Annually: Ricciardi Brothers' Guide to Preserving Your Deck's Benjamin Moore Wood Stain | Ricciardi Brothers

Using a Wood Wash Annually: Ricciardi Brothers' Guide to Preserving Your Deck's Benjamin Moore Wood Stain

May 29, 2023 2 min read

Using a Wood Wash Annually: Ricciardi Brothers' Guide to Preserving Your Deck's Benjamin Moore Wood Stain

Deck lovers of New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, gather round! While we all appreciate the deep hues and lasting finish of Benjamin Moore Wood Stains, maintaining that pristine look goes beyond the initial application. Here at Ricciardi Brothers, we believe in the power of proactive deck care. One of our top recommendations to enhance the life of your Benjamin Moore Wood Stain? An annual treatment with a wood wash product. Let's uncover the steps and benefits of this essential maintenance ritual.

Why Use a Wood Wash?

The secret behind a long-lasting Benjamin Moore Wood Stain project is the care that both precedes and succeeds the staining. A wood wash serves as a delicate, yet potent cleanser, removing dirt, mildew, and remnants of old stain, preparing the deck for a renewed coat. Adopted annually, this practice can dramatically extend the beauty and durability of your deck's stain.


Steps to Using a Wood Wash Product:

  1. Clear the Deck:

Begin by removing all furniture, planters, and decorative items.

  1. Sweep Off Debris:

With a sturdy broom, ensure all leaves, twigs, and loose dirt are swept away.

  1. Pre-Wet the Deck:

Moisten the deck to prevent the wood from absorbing the wash too quickly.

  1. Prepare the Wood Wash Solution: 

Adhering to the manufacturer’s guidance, mix the wood wash concentrate if required. 

  1. Apply the Solution:

With a sprayer or soft-bristled brush, ensure an even application across the deck.

  1. Let it Sit:

Give the solution its time (typically 10-15 minutes) but keep it moist throughout.

  1. Gentle Scrubbing:

For any resistant stains or grime, a deck brush will offer gentle yet effective scrubbing.

  1. Rinse Completely:

Use a garden hose for a thorough rinse, ensuring all the cleaning solution is washed away.

  1. Dry the Deck:

Let the deck air dry, which, depending on conditions, can range from a few hours to a full day.


Benefits of an Annual Wood Wash:

  1. Augments Stain Adhesion:

A cleaner deck facilitates deeper stain penetration, making your Benjamin Moore Wood Stain last even longer.

  1. Averts Mold and Mildew: 

Annually removing the beginnings of mold and mildew not only beautifies but also extends the wood's life.

  1. Showcases Wood’s Beauty: 

A wood wash annually can unveil the wood's inherent patterns and hues, often masked by dirt over time.

  1. Elevates Wood Longevity:

By fostering a clean and damage-free surface, the wood's structural integrity is upheld.


Decks are more than just wooden platforms; they're where memories are made. And with the luxurious finish of Benjamin Moore Wood Stains, they look all the more inviting. At Ricciardi Brothers, we're committed to helping you prolong that beauty. An annual wood wash ritual can be transformative in this journey. For more insights or product guidance, we welcome you to visit one of our stores in New Jersey, Delaware, or Pennsylvania.



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