Caring for Your Ipe Deck: Cleaning & Sealing the Right Way

IPE Deck Stained With Penofin Oil In Hartsdale, NY

Ipe is one of the most beautiful and durable hardwoods used in decking. Its rich tones, natural resistance to rot, and impressive lifespan make it a premium choice for outdoor living—but keeping it looking great takes the right care.

At Ardsley Pressure Washing, we specialize in restoring and protecting Ipe and other hardwood decks using a safe, effective 3-step process—no harsh bleach, no high pressure, no damage.

Why We Don’t Use Bleach

Bleach might be common in exterior cleaning, but it’s the wrong choice for hardwood. It only cleans the surface and struggles to lift the deep-set dirt and organic growth embedded in the wood. It can also dry out or dull the natural oils in Ipe, shortening the life of your deck and impacting its color.

Instead, we use a dedicated wood cleaner that penetrates deeper—removing mildew, grime, and weathering without compromising the wood’s structure or appearance.

Our 3-Step Cleaning Process

We clean Ipe decks using a method designed to preserve and highlight the wood’s natural beauty:

1. Deep Cleaning Wash

We start with a professional-grade wood cleaner that breaks down layers of buildup, mildew, and weathered discoloration. This helps restore the original tone and clarity of the wood beneath.

2. Gentle Low-Pressure Rinse

Next, we carefully rinse using soft water pressure. This ensures a thorough clean without scarring or lifting the wood grain.

3. Brightening Treatment

Finally, we apply a wood brightener that restores the Ipe’s vibrant natural color and pH balances the surface. This step enhances clarity and ensures the wood absorbs oil evenly during sealing.

Sealing with Penofin Oil

Once your Ipe is clean and prepped, sealing it with Penofin oil helps protect it from moisture, UV rays, and everyday wear. Penofin is specially formulated for hardwoods and penetrates deeply to nourish the wood without leaving a filmy surface.

Some Penofin products contain tints that enhance and maintain the rich brown tones of Ipe. Others are designed to allow the wood to gradually silver over time, which some homeowners prefer for a more natural weathered look. We can help you choose the right one for your style and maintenance goals.

Know What You’re Dealing With

Not all power washing companies understand hardwoods like Ipe. 

Many contractors quote jobs without even asking what kind of deck you have—especially if they’re pricing based on online photos or general assumptions.

High pressure, the wrong chemicals, or skipping critical prep steps can damage your deck or strip away years of its potential lifespan. If a contractor doesn’t specifically ask what your deck is made of—or worse, doesn’t seem to know what Ipe is—that's a red flag.

Keep Your Deck Looking Its Best

With our specialized approach, your Ipe deck will look better, last longer, and stay safer underfoot. Whether you're getting ready for summer entertaining or just want to bring the beauty back to your deck, we're here to help.

Reach out today to schedule a quote or ask questions about your hardwood deck care. When it comes to Ipe, the right approach makes all the difference