Do you have a deck that looks tired and worn out? Are you considering replacing it but want to save the time and money? Power washing your deck might just be the answer!
Power washing is a relatively simple process of blasting away dirt, mold, and mildew from your outdoor surfaces. When done properly, power washing can make your deck look brand new again without having to replace it or invest in costly repairs.
But how do you do it? In this article, we'll give you a step-by-step guide on how to power wash decks so that you can make them look as good as new. You'll learn about the materials and tools you need, how to set up for success, and how to power wash without damaging your deck. Let's get started!
What Is Power Washing?
Power washing—also known as pressure washing—is a quick and efficient way to give your outdoor decks and other surfaces a deep clean. By combining water with a cleaning solution, power washers are able to blast away dirt, mold, mildew, and other stubborn stains without causing any damage to the surface.
Power washers use high-pressure forceful streams of water that are much stronger than traditional garden hoses or sprayers. This allows them to easily penetrate deep into the surface to remove even the most difficult-to-remove debris. They also use less water than traditional cleaning methods.
Whether you’re looking to spruce up the look of your decking or need a deep clean before restaining it, power washing is the way to go. It’s fast and efficient, and it won’t cause any damage when done correctly. Get ready to take your decking from drab to fab with this comprehensive guide!
Gather the Supplies You Need to Get Started
Power-washing your deck can be intimidating—especially if you’ve never attempted it before! But with the right supplies, you’ll have no trouble tackling this project. Here’s everything you need to get started:
Power washer – Choose a power washer that fits your budget and is powerful enough to handle dirt and grime on your deck.
Detergent – If your power washer doesn't come with detergent, make sure you purchase one specifically designed for use in a power washer.
Goggles – Keep your eyes safe with a good pair of safety goggles.
Rubber gloves – To protect your hands from the harsh pressure of the water.
Extension cord – It's always better to have an extension cord that is long enough for you to reach all areas of the deck without moving the power washer constantly.
Brushes and scraper tools – To help scrub away stubborn dirt and grime from crevices during the cleaning process.
Armed with these supplies, you'll be ready to take on power-washing tasks like a pro!
Preparing Your Deck for Power Washing
To get the best results, your deck needs a little preparation before you can power wash it. First, check the deck carefully and make sure nothing needs to be repaired or replaced. Cleaning away dirt and mildew can highlight any existing damage, so you'll want to check your deck's structural integrity to make sure it's safe for power washing.
You should also take this time to clear the deck of any items that may get damaged by a high-pressure power washer. Remove plant pots, furniture, and other decorative items, as well as any debris that may have been collected on the deck.
Safety First!
Power washing is not a job for amateurs – protect yourself from injury or damage by following these safety tips:
Wear protective clothing – long sleeves and closed-toe shoes are essential as pressure washing can cause serious harm if particles of dirt, paint, or other debris hit your body at high speed.
Ensure the area is safe – check for loose boards or nails sticking out from the deck that may be hazardous when power washing.
Use a wood cleaner and wood brightener – these two products will restore your wood back to its original color and condition while still protecting it from mildew, stains, and UV damage.
Taking time to prepare your deck before you start power washing is key, as it will help ensure you not only get the best possible results but also remain safe in the process.
How to Power Wash a Deck
Power washing a deck requires a unique combination of power and finesse. Here's how to get it right every time:
Safety First
Always use eye protection like goggles and hearing protection since these tools can be loud, and wear gloves and closed-toe shoes while you're using them.
Set up the Area
Make sure that any loose furniture or other objects are moved away from the deck, to give yourself plenty of space to maneuver your power washer. And cover woody plants that are near your work area, just in case of spray-back.
Start Up Your Washing Machine
Once everything is set up, start up the power washer and adjust the pressure setting as low as possible for the job. You also need to choose which cleaning solution you'll use—for best results, try a cleaner specifically made for use with power washers on decks.
Start at the Top and Work Downward
Keeping a steady distance of no closer than 12 inches and no further away than 24 inches from any surface, begin washing in an even back-and-forth motion until you finish the entire surface. If needed, make multiple passes to ensure complete coverage.
Be sure not to linger too long at any one spot or you could risk causing damage by etching or burning the wood due to too much pressure in one area.
Once finished, rinse with plain water using a fan-shaped spray at low pressure starting near the top of the deck before working your way down towards where it rests against the house.
Cleaning Solutions for Power Washing Decks
You have probably heard that you need to use detergent or cleaning solution when power washing a deck. But did you know there are a few different options to choose from?
The cleaning solution you choose will depend on the type of surface and how much kitchen grease and dirt has accumulated on it. Here are some of the most common types of solutions used when power washing decks:
Multi-Surface Cleaner
For lighter jobs, like prepping a deck for staining or finishing, a multi-surface cleaner is usually enough. Choose one that’s specifically made for wood surfaces, since it’s not just about removing grease and dirt, but also deep-down grime that can damage your deck boards.
Deck Cleaner
If your deck is looking worse for wear with lots of ground-in dirt and greasy buildup, try a deck cleaner specifically made for power washers. It works by loosening up dirt and grime fast, making it easier to remove with minimal effort.
Oil Stain Remover
If you find oil stains on your deck from things like car fluids or cooking grease, an oil stain remover may be necessary to get rid of them completely. This type of product is designed to penetrate deep into the wood fibers and lift tough oils up for easy removal with your power washer.
Finishing Touches and Maintenance
So you've finished power washing your deck. Congrats! But there are still a few steps you should take before calling it a day.
Finishing Touches
First, make sure to use your hose’s nozzle to spray off any remaining debris that has stuck to the surface of the deck while also rinsing away any detergent residue. This will help to keep your deck looking as good as new and make sure any cleaning chemicals are removed.
Next, use a soft brush on stained wood or composite decks, or an abrasive pad on painted surface decks, to scrub away any mildew or dirt left behind by the power washer. Note: If you’re scrubbing, be gentle—you don’t want to damage the wood or paint.
And finally, check for loose nails or screws and secure them with a hammer or screwdriver if necessary. That way, all nails and screws will remain flush with the boards for a clean look and feel.
Maintenance
It's important to keep up with regular power washing of your deck in order for it to remain in good condition and last longer:
Clean your deck at least twice a year if you live in an area that experiences heavy rain throughout the year; once every other year is sufficient in drier areas where pollen and seasonal debris are less of a problem.
Pressure wash each side of your deck by changing directions for best results; start from the end and work towards the house then turn and work away from the house again (to reduce streaking).
Use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach when cleaning wood as this is gentler on surfaces while still
Conclusion
Power washing decks is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your outdoor space looking its best. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, the steps outlined above will make the job a breeze.
Take the time to properly prepare your deck for power washing and make sure to use the right equipment and technique. With a little help from power washing, you can easily restore the beauty of your deck without having to replace it. So get out there and give it a try!
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