A deck is a fantastic place to spend your free time after a long day of work or errands. Sitting on a piece of outdoor furniture, enjoying a cold drink, and relaxing while surrounded by the outside world—what’s not to like? Well, when your deck becomes covered with debris, it can throw a wrench in your plans. It’s hard to relax when your deck is visibly filthy. The good news is that we’re here to help you solve the problem. Read below, learn how to power wash a deck, and discover the benefits of doing so!
If you ever decide that you need professional deck cleaning services, look no further than Cardwell Cleaning. We are a locally owned and operated business, and it’s always our pleasure to serve the Greensboro, NC community.
Why Do Decks Need Cleaning?
So, why is it important to learn how to power wash a deck? If your deck isn’t cleaned properly, it will only become dirtier and dirtier over time. That’s because debris is always accumulating on your deck’s surfaces. This debris includes mud, moss, mold, algae, pollen, dead insects, and many other unwanted substances. As you probably could have guessed, these messes make your deck look considerably worse—and a messy deck makes your property look worse by extension!
Another reason your deck needs power washing is to prevent surface damage. If debris is left unchecked, it will gradually erode your deck. The damage won’t be obvious at first, but the longer it is allowed to happen, the clearer it will become. Prevent this damage by learning how to power wash a deck. It beats having to pay for expensive repairs!
How Often Should My Deck Be Cleaned?
So, how often should your deck be cleaned? As a general guideline, we suggest annual cleanings. This prevents debris from accumulating to an excessive degree. If it has already been longer than a year since your deck was cleaned, it’s time to take action. Make a plan to revitalize your deck sooner rather than later!
You have two main options: DIY and professional deck cleaning. In the sections below, we’ll review how to power wash a deck, giving you a better understanding of DIY deck cleaning so you can try this work for yourself.
Tools Needed For Deck Power Washing
So, what equipment will you need to learn how to power wash a deck? First and foremost, you’ll need a pressure washer. This piece of machinery connects to a water source and highly pressurizes water before expelling it through a hose. This results in powerful water jets that you can use to remove debris from any exterior surfaces you can imagine—and yes, that includes your deck!
We also recommend putting detergent in your pressure washer’s soap tank. You’ll also want to have sodium hypochlorite on hand, which will help you bust stubborn grime. Finally, don’t forget safety equipment. When handling pressurized water, you need to put your well-being first. Wear goggles, gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes during your project to reduce the risk of injury.
Preparing the Deck For Cleaning
An important part of learning how to power wash a deck is getting it ready! You can’t just leap into the process, after all. For example, have you removed all items from the deck’s surface? You’ll need to relocate any furniture, grills, decorations, etc. That way, they don’t become obstacles during your work. Plus, you’ll protect your belongings from being damaged by pressurized water.
We also recommend sweeping your deck before pressure washing it. This removes larger pieces of debris ahead of time, making your pressure washing process a little easier. By clearing away leaves, dirt, and loose grit first, you reduce the chance of dragging abrasive material across the surface during washing, which can help prevent damage.
Choosing a Water Pressure Level
Different decks are made with different materials. You’ll have to choose an appropriate amount of water pressure at the beginning of your project; otherwise, you risk ineffective results or even surface damage. Simply refer to the guide that we have provided below:
- Composite: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal: 2000–2500 PSI
Power Washing the Deck
Now, it’s finally time to learn how to power wash a deck. The first thing you’ll want to do is put detergent in your pressure washer’s soap tank. Next, double-check your chosen water pressure level and find a starting point somewhere on your deck. We highly recommend one of the corners. Wash from one side of your deck to the other, cleaning an entire “row” of the surface area. Now, start a new pass, slightly overlapping the last one. By continuing this pattern, you’ll be able to easily keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what still needs your attention.
What happens if you come across stubborn debris that won’t wash away? When this happens, use sodium hypochlorite to weaken it so it can be more easily removed. Apply a thin layer of this cleaning solution to the afflicted area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for all debris to be broken down. Finally, thoroughly pressure wash the area, and you should find that all debris is eliminated. No leftover grime and no stress-induced headaches!
Consider Professional Deck Cleaning
If learning how to power wash a deck sounds intimidating to you, don’t worry. You don’t have to DIY. You can actually reach out to a local company and schedule a professional appointment! For example, at Cardwell Cleaning, it would be our pleasure to serve you. We are a locally owned and operated business, and we love power washing decks in the Greensboro, NC area.
We encourage you to reach out to us for a free quote anytime! Simply contact us online, give us information about your deck, and we’ll give you a free cost estimate. Then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there in the near future to revitalize your deck. Expect stunning results that only professionals can provide!
