Have you been spending time relaxing on your deck recently? A deck is a great place to enjoy many different leisure activities. A few examples include reading a book, hanging out with friends, and even grilling hamburgers. If your deck is clean and beautiful, you’ll probably find every excuse you can to hang out there. On the other hand, if your deck is currently dirty, you won’t feel compelled to use the space to its maximum potential. This may leave you wondering how to power wash a deck. How difficult is the work? What equipment will you need, and what sorts of techniques can you use to completely revitalize your deck?
Discover the answers to these questions—and more!—in this blog. We are Midland Pressure Washing, and we’ll be your guide today. We are a power washing company in Leawood, KS, and we look forward to sharing our knowledge with you.
What Is Deck Power Washing?
If only decks would stay clean on their own. Unfortunately, there are many sources of debris in the outside world, and it’s inevitable that your deck will fall victim to them. For example, you may inadvertently track dirt and mud onto your deck. Birds can soil the surface with droppings. It’s even possible that your deck will become a haven for moss, mold, algae, and other organic growths. As all this debris accumulates, your once-beautiful deck will become dirtier and dirtier, doing a real number on its visual appearance. What’s more, it will be at greater risk of surface damage. This could result in the need for expensive repairs in the long run.
Deck power washing is the key to preventing these negative consequences from unfolding. But what is deck power washing? It’s the process of spraying pressurized water at the deck, allowing for the rapid removal of debris. This will improve the appearance of your deck and the property as a whole. Plus, by preventing debris-related surface damage, you’ll avoid expensive repairs and save money in the long run. Learning how to power wash a deck will save you stress in the long run.
What Tools Do I Need For Power Washing?
Power washing requires specialized equipment, so if you don’t have this gear, you’ll have to purchase it. So, to learn how to power wash a deck, what exactly will you need for the work? The single most important thing you’ll need is a pressure washer. This device transforms regular water into a highly pressurized surface-cleaning force. In addition to a pressure washer, you’ll need safety gear, including eye goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. Finally, consider buying cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite. These help you break down stubborn debris so you can ensure the best possible results.
This isn’t a literal tool, but… you’ll also need to give yourself enough time for the work. If you don’t, you could put yourself in a position where you need to rush through the project. And when you don’t put in your full effort, you’ll wind up with a deck that doesn’t look its best. Obviously, you don’t want this, so make sure you give yourself at least three or four hours for your DIY deck power washing project.
Getting the Deck Ready For Cleaning
Before you can power wash the deck, you’ll need to make sure that the surface is ready to be cleaned. It’s incredibly likely that your deck is filled with various belongings. After all, who doesn’t like having some deck furniture, such as chairs or even a table? A few decorations and maybe even a grill bring the whole space together. However, you won’t be able to power wash the deck’s surface if a bunch of objects are in the way—so you’ll have to move them first.
Simply choose a safe area that’s a good distance away from your deck. Then, pick up any objects on your deck and move them to the location that you picked. That way, the deck will be clear and ready to be power washed. (Plus, your belongings won’t be at risk of being damaged by pressurized water.)
Power Washing the Deck
Finally, it’s time to discover how to power wash a deck. First, you’ll need to choose an appropriate amount of water pressure for the job. This varies depending on the material your deck is made of. We’ve included a helpful guide below for your use:
- Composite: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal: 2000–2500 PSI
Once you’ve adjusted your pressure washer’s settings accordingly, you can begin spraying the surface clean. We recommend that you choose one of the deck’s corners as a starting point. Then, you can work in rows until the entire surface is clean. Don’t forget to also wash handrails and stairs as necessary! That way, the whole deck environment will be in the best possible condition.
Using Cleaning Solutions As Needed
Have you discovered some sort of stubborn debris on your deck? If it won’t go away when you pressure wash it, what are you supposed to do? Use cleaning solutions to save the day, of course! By applying a thin layer of your cleaning solution (e.g., sodium hypochlorite) to the deck, you’ll be able to weaken all debris and make it much easier to remove. That way, you can enjoy the best possible results.
The right cleaning solutions shouldn’t cause any damage to your deck, so put your worries to rest. Be sure to choose a cleaner that’s safe for the environment, too. You wouldn’t want to cause any pollution as a result of your work.
Consider Professional Deck Cleaning!
Don’t want to learn how to power wash a deck? If so, reach out to Midland Pressure Washing because we would be happy to do all the work for you! To schedule an appointment, simply contact us online with information about your deck. That way, we can provide you with a free estimate. If you like our asking price, choose a time and date for us to be there, and expect our punctual arrival! It won’t be long before we make your deck spotless.
