Swim deck maintenance

[BarryCF]

So the sanding is more about making it smooth - not about getting it down to clean wood?

Yes, that is why on my sons boat anyway. I've actually never tried the cleaning chemicals even though I know they exist. My boat has never been so bad that a good cleaning with soap and a brush wouldn't get it ready for the oil. That may not be true now, so I'll look into the cleaners.