How to Get BBQ Grease Off a Wood Deck
BBQ grease spills on wood decks penetrate into the wood grain and attract dirt, darkening the stain over time. Fresh grease is much easier to treat than grease that has been exposed to sun and rain cycles for a season. Address spills as soon as they occur.
Fresh Spills
- Absorb the grease immediately with cat litter, cornstarch, or baking soda — spread over the spill and allow 15–20 minutes to absorb
- Sweep up the absorbent material
- Apply dish soap directly to the remaining stain and work in with a stiff-bristled brush
- Allow 5 minutes
- Scrub with the brush and rinse thoroughly with water
Set-In Grease Stains
- Apply a deck degreaser or a diluted TSP (trisodium phosphate) solution to the stain
- Allow 15–20 minutes of dwell time
- Scrub with a stiff deck brush
- Rinse thoroughly — a garden hose with a jet nozzle works well, or a pressure washer on a low setting (900–1200 PSI) for wood decks
- Allow the deck to dry completely before assessing — wood stains often look worse when wet than when dry
Composite Decks
- Composite decks are less porous than wood and easier to clean — dish soap and hot water removes most grease with scrubbing
- A pressure washer on a moderate setting removes stubborn staining effectively on composite
- Avoid TSP on composite decks — follow the deck manufacturer's cleaning recommendations
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