How to Pressure Wash a Wood Deck
It doesn't matter if your deck is wood or composite, periodic cleaning is a requirement if you want your deck to remain as beautiful as it was when you installed it. Periodic cleaning is preventative maintenance.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
-
How to Pressure Wash a Wood Deck
-
1
Rent a pressure washer and make sure you know how to use it. The pressure you need to wash your deck usually is not more 1500 pounds per square inch (PSI). This pressure is still enough to do damage to soft wood and enough pressure to leave marks on most composite decking. The pressure washer serves as a mechanism to remove dirt . The operator's hand will be the only way to measure when too much pressure has be exerted. It's the cleaner that should do most of the work in removing the dirt.
-
2
Cleaners come in all types. Some are detergents, some are bleaches, and there are also chemical solutions designed to react with certain woods. There isn't one "right" cleaner to use. Whatever cleaner you choose to use, read the manufacturer’s directions carefully. If you're going to use a pressure washer, remember that the job of the pressure washer is to remove the chemicals as well as the surface dirt. Allow the cleaner to do as much of the work as possible.
-
3
A stiff-bristled brush should be one of your deck tools. The brush should be synthetic. The brush should have a long handle. The right tool for the job can make all the difference.
-
4
Scrub the deck with your brush and cleaning solution. Work in small areas at a time. Do not put your cleaning solution on the entire deck. You don't want your cleaner to dry on your deck. Once you have scrubbed the entire deck, you are ready for rinsing with your pressure washer.
-
5
Always engage the trigger away from the surface and away from anything that it might hurt, including windows and other people. The water that comes out of the washer is called a "fan."
-
6
Begin “sweeping” the deck from the house side out. Be careful and consistent. Too high of pressure or being too close to the deck will result in a stripped area. Allow deck to dry for 24 hours when you are finished.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Corners can sometimes be a challenge for pressure-washer operators. The water has no place to travel and often splashes into the face of the user.
