How to Pressure Wash a Composite or Wood Deck

Clean Your Deck with a Pressure Washer

Do-It-Yourself or Hire a Local Company

CLEANING TIPS

HOW TO PRESSURE WASH A COMPOSITE OR WOOD DECK

The floors in your home need to be cleaned regularly. Cleaned from foot traffic, pet hair and accidents, spilled food and drink, even just day to day life.

Imagine your outdoor deck … there are more ways your deck can get dirty.

Regular cleaning and maintenance can help keep decks looking their best and prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. As well as extend the life of your deck.

Man using pressure washer to clean a wood deck

Routine pressure washing will keep your deck free of dirt buildup. As well as dislodge leaves and other debris stuck between boards. It will also help to maintain the beauty — and safety — of your deck.

Not only can leaves and other debris pose slipping hazards as they decompose. They can also trap moisture that promotes rot. Requiring you to replace the deck boards sooner than expected.

Pressure washing your deck at least once a year to remove algae and mildew. Also, to prevent other conditions that can harm your deck.

If you have a wood deck, you should also pressure wash it before applying any stain or sealer. This will help the stain and/or sealer adhere better to the deck boards. .

The average cost to rent a power washer is approximately $50 a day, and it’s well worth the money. After all, pressure washing will add years of life to your deck. It’s also a huge time-saver compared to hand scrubbing and rinsing with a garden hose.

STEP ONE

Scrub the Deck

A stiff bristle brush should be a part of your deck cleaning arsenal. For optimal results, the brush should have synthetic bristles. many cleaners will deteriorate natural fibers. A good synthetic bristle will last many years.

The brush should have a handle long enough to reach all the places you need it to reach. Rarely will one brush work for all your needs, so if you need multiple brushes, get them. The right tool for the job can make all the difference.

Scrub the deck. Watering down the deck can assist you in applying the cleaning solutions. Many solutions should not dry on the wood so periodic spraying/misting may help. Depending on how dirty the deck is, you may see immediate results. More often, the cleaner must remain on the deck for a short time to break down the embedded contaminants.

Once you have scrubbed the entire deck, you are now ready for rinsing. A conventional garden hose and nozzle may work. But, if you are going to use a pressure washer, this next section will instruct you on the correct techniques.

STEP TWO

DO I USE A DECK CLEANER?

Deck cleaners come in a variety of formulations with different performance claims. Some are detergents, others are bleaches. Others are chemical solutions designed to react with certain woods. There is no one clear answer as to what cleaner you should use.

Your best deck cleaner options depend on the type of material used in the construction of the deck. Whichever cleaner you select, be sure to read the manufacturer’s directions. Follow them to the letter.

Then let the pressure washer do its job. A pressure washer uses less water than a conventional hose and nozzle. Removing the residue of the cleaner is far easier with a pressure washer than with a garden hose.

WATER PRESSURE BY DECK TYPE

When power washing a deck, the type of material your deck is made from will determine the proper PSI to use to safely clean it.

PROPER PSI PRESSURE

The pressure you need to wash your decks surface can vary. Less is more when it comes to pressure washing wood or composite decks. For composite decks it’s recommended that you can use up to a 3100 psi of pressure.

You only want to use enough pressure to remove embedded dirt and other contaminants. Excessive forces on the wood will remove much more than you want to remove. Leaving lasting marks or impressions. Use your eye and your judgment to determine the best pressure level.

Composite decking – Check your decking manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you are following their recommendations for cleaning decking with a pressure washer and to avoid damaging your deck.

Softwood decking – For softwood decks like redwood or cedar, 1,200 PSI is enough pressure. Anything greater than that and you risk damaging or removing the wood, leaving behind a raised grain.

Hardwood decking – Hardwood decking can typically withstand a bit more pressure than softwood. When pressure washing a hardwood deck, stick to between 1,200 and 1,500 PSI to prevent accidental damage to your decking.

STEP THREE

Power Wash the Deck

Before you pull the trigger of the wash wand. Be sure it’s pointing away from the deck surface and away from anything else it could harm. Including windows and people.

The water that emerges from the tip is called a “fan”. You can adjust the fan size by changing or adjusting the tip. A zero-degree (0o) tip will produce a straight stream, but you never want to apply a straight stream to wood. A 40o to 60o tip is standard for cleaning a deck. Bring the fan to the surface where you want to clean the deck.

STEP FOUR

Let the Deck Dry

Once you have completed the whole deck, put away the equipment and allow the deck to dry. Decks look very different after they dry. Small imperfections that may have gone unnoticed when the deck was wet.

Raised fibers will be impossible to remove from a wet surface. If the topcoat (sealer or stain) you have selected is a one-day product. After washing but before the deck dries. It is recommended that you allow the surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours.

Once the deck has dried, inspect your work. The surface should have no lap marks, minimal raised fibers, and clean wood. The surface should be consistent with no areas left unwashed and no areas over-washed. If your deck looks like this, pat yourself on the back for the fine job. The next step is to prepare for finishing with a sealer or stain.

Factors that cause your deck to get dirty.

It might seem normal for your deck to become dirty. It is outside after all. But, it is also an extension of your living space. Where your entertain, cook and eat. Keeping it clean is important for health and wellness factors, not to mention, just more comfortable to use.

Weather and Environmental Factors: Exposure to rain, snow, wind, and sun can lead to the accumulation of dirt, dust, and debris. Pollen from trees and plants, as well as leaves and twigs, can also settle on the deck.

Foot Traffic: People walking on the deck can track in dirt, mud, and other substances from outside. This is especially common if the deck is used frequently for entertaining or if pets are allowed on it.

Bird Droppings: If there are trees or power lines nearby, birds may leave droppings on the deck, which can be unsightly and may even cause damage over time.

Mold, Mildew, and Algae: In humid or shaded areas, moisture can become trapped on the surface of the deck, promoting the growth of mold, mildew, and algae. This not only makes the deck look dirty but can also make it slippery and unsafe.

Spills and Stains: Food and drink spills, as well as grease from barbecues or outdoor cooking, can stain the deck surface. These stains can attract dirt and cause further discoloration if not cleaned promptly.

Nearby Construction or Landscaping: If there’s construction work or landscaping being done nearby, dust, dirt, and debris can be blown onto the deck.

Fallen Leaves and Plant Debris: During certain seasons, especially autumn, falling leaves and other plant debris can accumulate on the deck, leading to dirt buildup as they decompose.

Air Pollution: In urban areas, air pollution can lead to a buildup of grime and soot on outdoor surfaces, including decks.