Precision Staining | How to Pressure Wash Your Deck: Expert Guide

How To Pressure Wash Your Deck

Josh Richards • Jan 23, 2023

Pressure washing is a great way to clean your deck and keep it looking good. You can use pressure washers from home improvement stores, but they're expensive and not necessarily powerful enough for the job. If you want even more power and cleaning ability, rent a pump-up pressure washer from an equipment rental store.

Here are some tips on how to pressure wash your deck

If your deck has stains or mildew, you'll need something more substantial than soap and water: try using a natural or synthetic deck cleaner before you power wash—it will help loosen dirt and grime, so they come off quickly during the next step of this process.

Prepare your area.

Make sure you have plenty of water and pressure. You'll need at least a 5-gallon bucket of water and more if you have a large deck.

Put down a tarp to protect the ground. That will help ensure water doesn't get into the dirt or grass around your house, causing damage or even erosion issues later on.

Protect your plants and grass from being damaged by debris flying off your deck during pressure washing, which can happen if you don't cover them up with tarps or other materials first!

Check your hose.

Check your hose. If there is any water leakage, fix it before using the pressure washer. If there are kinks in the hose, either remove them or replace them with a new one. Look for cracks, wear, holes in the hose, and damage caused by mishandling or sharp objects that can perforate it.

Start pressure washing at the top of the deck.

Pressure washing your deck is a great way to thoroughly clean, but it can also cause some damage if you start at the bottom and work your way up.

Start at the top of the deck, where there's less risk that dirt and grime will get on furniture or other surfaces.

Use light pressure on all wood surfaces.

Use light pressure on all wood surfaces. If you're unsure how to change the pressure setting on your pressure washer, check the label on the machine. Most models have a knob or dial that allows you to adjust between low and high settings. The low setting is usually used for cleaning or stripping paint from wood, while the high setting is meant for removing dirt from concrete patios and decks.

Do not use a pressure washer if there's already damage to your decking boards—it could cause more harm than good!

Check for splinters when you're done pressure washing: running your fingers along exposed edges may help detect any weak spots that need replacing before they become full-blown cracks later down the road (or worse).

Clean your deck railings and spindles.

You'll want to use a brush attachment to clean the railings and spindles of your deck. You should also ensure you use a high-pressure setting when washing your deck.

You'll also want to use a deck cleaning solution that's biodegradable and non-toxic. It will ensure that the environment around your home is safe for you and others and wildlife in the area.

If you have questions about how to do this properly or what products are best suited for this task, feel free to contact us today!

Scrub away stubborn stains.

Consider scrubbing away with a stiff brush if you have a particularly stubborn stain. If that doesn't work, try using a deck cleaner with bleach. And if even that doesn't do the trick, you can always use a deck cleaner with a scrubbing pad or your power washer.

Rinse away soap and debris.

Once you are done washing, it's time to rinse away the soap and debris. Using a broom, sweep away any dirt left behind on your deck. Next, use a hose to wash off any remaining soap and debris from your deck. You can also use a pressure washer for this step if you have one available; it will save time when cleaning up after yourself!

Power wash under the deck.

A pressure washer is a perfect tool if you're looking for an easy way to clean under your deck. Use a spray tip to direct water from the nozzle under your deck and against your home's siding. Then, use a stiff brush to scrub dirt and grime from both surfaces.

The most effective method for cleaning between gaps in the boards is with a hose that has been set up on its lowest setting (to prevent any damage). It will allow for maximum control of where all that debris goes, so it doesn't end up on your grass or driveway!

If you have any other questions about how to pressure wash decks or if there's something else we can help with, please reach out!

Shine your wood deck dry with clean rags.

After you've applied the cleaner and rinsed it off, you should wipe down your deck with clean rags to remove excess dirt and grime.

Again, if you use a natural cleaner like vinegar or lemon juice, wipe away any residual solution before it dries.

If you didn't use a natural solution and are using a synthetic cleaner like Pledge or Murphy's Oil Soap (both have their benefits), then there's no need for rinsing because these cleaners don't leave any residue behind once they're dry.

Pressure washing your deck will help it last longer and stay looking great.

Pressure washing your deck is a great way to keep it looking great and lasting longer. Here are some of the benefits:

Pressure washing will remove dirt, grime, and mold from the surface of your deck. It helps prevent future stains, splinters, and wood rot.

Pressure washing prevents mold growth by removing any standing water that could become moldy in a few days or weeks (or months). Mold spores are everywhere in our environment but usually don't cause problems unless they are allowed to grow into something more than just a spore or two on their own—and pressure washing removes that opportunity by getting rid of excess moisture!

Pressure washing prevents wood from drying out, which leads to splitting over time. Suppose you live in an area where there is lots of sunshine year-round. In that case, it's essential for decks made of softwood like cedar because these types tend to be susceptible when exposed to too much sun without protection against drying effects."

Conclusion

With these tips, you'll be able to pressure wash your deck and keep it looking great. You can also take these steps and apply them to other surfaces in your home, like siding or sills. For more information on the pressure washing process, check out our blog post or contact us today!

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