by Andrey Zhilin, Cleaning Expert at Sharky Destin
In Destin, the beach season may be over — but your deck remembers every wave of it.
After months of salt air, wet towels, sandy feet, and heavy sun, outdoor spaces are left with more than just good memories.
They hold layers of salt residue, faded coatings, and trapped dirt that quietly age your deck and patio.
October is the perfect time to bring them back to life — while the air is dry, the sun is gentle, and the damage hasn’t set in for good.
1. The Hidden Salt Layer
Even if your deck looks clean, salt is there — invisible but destructive.
When coastal air dries, it leaves behind a thin film that draws in moisture the next morning.
That daily cycle of wet and dry weakens sealants and causes discoloration.
Pro tip:
Never just rinse your deck — water alone reactivates the salt.
Instead, use a neutralizing wash that breaks down salt crystals before rinsing.
At Sharky, we use low-pH solutions safe for WPC, composite, and wood surfaces.
2. Sand: The Slow Scraper
Destin sand is soft on the beach but harsh on decks.
When it’s walked or swept across the surface, it works like fine sandpaper, dulling finishes and leaving micro-scratches.
Solution:
Start cleaning with a soft-bristle brush or low-pressure wash.
Never use hard brushes or high PSI pressure washers — they strip the surface and open pores where salt and mold later settle.
3. The Power of a Post-Season Seal
If you own a deck or patio near the coast, sealing once a year isn’t enough.
After summer, coatings are partially degraded by UV rays and salt.
By October, the surface is dry and ready for a fresh protective coat.
That single step can add years to your decking material’s lifespan.
It locks out moisture, restores color, and prevents salt from bonding again.
4. Outdoor Furniture Matters Too
Salt and sand don’t discriminate.
They stick to furniture legs, metal fixtures, and even outdoor fabrics.
If not cleaned now, they’ll corrode through the winter.
Pro tip:
Use a gentle detergent with warm water for fabrics, and wipe all metal with a microfiber cloth plus a corrosion inhibitor.
5. Don’t Forget the Underside
The bottom of the deck or patio frame is where moisture hides longest — especially in shaded areas.
A quick inspection and dry brushing now can prevent mildew before humidity rises again in spring.
Why October Is the Perfect Window for Deck Care
In Destin, October gives you stable, low-humidity weather — perfect for drying, sealing, and preserving outdoor surfaces.
Clean now, and your deck will survive the cooler months looking better, drying faster, and resisting the next wave of salt air.
The Sharky Standard
At Sharky Destin, we treat outdoor spaces like living parts of the home — because they are.
A clean, sealed, and restored deck is more than appearance — it’s protection against the coast itself.
So before the season fully turns, give your outdoor spaces what they deserve:
A fresh start before the next tide.
Read also: Fall Deep Clean: Destin’s Most Overlooked Cleaning Tasks
