How to Pressure Wash a Deck
Do you have a deck at your property? If so, you already know how relaxing it can be. There’s nothing quite like returning home at the end of a long day, sitting in one of your deck’s chairs, and enjoying what Mother Nature has to offer. However, beware because nature is a mixed bag sometimes. As beautiful as the trees, plants, and birds are, the outside world is also the source of dirt, moss, mold, and other unwanted substances that accumulate on your deck. So, what should you do when your deck becomes dirty? In this blog, you’ll learn how to pressure wash a deck from start to finish.
At Spotless Abode, deck cleaning and pressure washing are some of our many specialties. If you ever decide you don’t want to do this work on your own, reach out to us. It will be our pleasure to help you no matter where you are in the Windsor, ON community.
Why Deck Pressure Washing Is Important
Do you really need to learn how to pressure wash a deck? What makes deck cleaning so important anyway? Decks are outdoor structures, and because of this, they are prone to accumulating unwanted debris. This debris includes a wide variety of substances, including the following:
- Dirt and Mud
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Bird Droppings
- Dead Insects
- Oils and Grease
This debris doesn’t really do your deck any favors. It goes without saying that your deck will look worse the dirtier it gets. That’s not the only negative consequence, though. Decks that haven’t been pressure washed are also more likely to become damaged. That’s because particles of debris grind against them and erode them over time. Don’t want to get saddled with expensive repair costs? Schedule deck pressure washing once per year to avoid this trouble altogether.
What Tools Will I Need?
So, you want to learn how to pressure wash a deck. First things first, you’ll need to make sure you have the right equipment for the project. The single most important tool for deck pressure washing is the pressure washer itself. This sophisticated piece of machinery connects to a water source and proceeds to highly pressurize this water. That way, it’s powerful enough to rinse away stubborn debris and restore decks to their former glory.
A pressure washer alone won’t cut it, though. You’ll also need the following items if you want to secure flawless deck cleaning results:
- Hose and Nozzle. You won’t be able to aim those jets of pressurized water otherwise. Remember, only aim at surfaces that you intend to clean.
- Cleaning Solutions. A pressure washing detergent will help you break down grime. You can also use sodium hypochlorite to weaken stubborn stains.
- Safety Gear. Be sure to wear goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from pressurized water.
Clearing Off the Deck
Simply purchasing the necessary equipment isn’t the only preparation you need to make. You also need to clear off the deck so it’s ready to be pressure washed. So, if it’s filled to the brim with outdoor furniture and decorations, find an area where you can temporarily relocate these items. That way, they don’t get in the way of your work, and they don’t get damaged by pressurized water, either.
We also recommend that you sweep your deck before pressure washing it. That way, you can get rid of any larger pieces of debris, such as pebbles. If you don’t sweep before pressure washing, you can actually turn these particles into projectiles with pressurized water. We’ve heard horror stories about cracked windows and windshields because of this. Make sure you’re not the unwitting victim of this sort of accident.
Selecting a Water Pressure Level
So, your deck is clear, and you have all the necessary pressure washing equipment on hand. However, you’re still not ready to clean your deck. Not until you’ve selected an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. There’s an adjustable dial on your pressure washer, letting you choose how much water pressure (measured in PSI) to use. The correct choice depends on what material your deck is made of.
For your convenience, we’ve included a list of guidelines. Find your deck’s material, and then, set your pressure washer to the correct level accordingly.
- Composite: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal: 2000–2500 PSI
Deck Pressure Washing
Now that all the preparations are out of the way, it’s time to learn how to pressure wash a deck! First, choose a starting area; we highly recommend selecting one of the deck’s corners. Then, simply spray the deck from one corner to another. Once you’ve done that, continue pressure washing the deck in a row-by-row manner. This makes it incredibly easy to keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what still needs your attention.
If you come across any stubborn debris, detergents and/or cleaning solutions will save the day for you. In many cases, you can simply add these substances to your pressure washer’s soap tank. That way, you can spray them directly onto dirty areas to break down tough grime. With the right techniques and a bit of perseverance, you’ll ensure that even the filthiest deck is brought back to its former glory.
Need Professional Deck Cleaning?
Learning how to pressure wash a deck is a significant amount of work. If you don’t want to do this work, we can’t say that we blame you. The good news is that you have an out. By reaching out to Spotless Abode and scheduling our professional services, you’ll be able to revitalize your deck without even lifting a finger.
To get started, contact us online with information about your deck. We’ll get back to you ASAP with a free cost estimate for your consideration. Accept this quote, and you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to serving you in the very near future!
