How to Power Wash a Deck

Deck maintenance is an essential part of outdoor spring cleaning. Power washing a deck will allow you to inspect areas for wood rot and insect damage. Power washing a deck will also prepare it for painting.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden hose
• Power washer
• Deck cleaning solution
• Garden or work gloves
• Boots
• Tarp(s)
• Industrial extension cord

Power Washing a Deck

1. Gather all of the tools needed for power washing your deck. If you do not own a power washer, you can rent one for a weekend at a reasonable price.

2. Spread tarps over flowers or shrubs growing around the deck. If you are using a deck cleaning detergent, they can cause harm to delicate plants.

3. 

   Bring the power washer to the bottom of the deck. Attach the garden hose and extension cord.

4. Add any cleaners to the power washer before plugging in and turning on. Read and follow instructions carefully on all chemicals to be used.

5. 

   Turn on the power washer and start at one end of the deck. With a sweeping motion, begin spraying down the deck in on direction.

6. 

   Monitor the force of the power washer carefully. Paint and even pieces of wood can easily be loosened by using too much force through the trigger of the power washer. Severe marring can even occur, scarring the wood deck permanently.

7. 

   Allow the deck to dry completely before inspecting for any damage, or applying deck paint.

Tips & Warnings

• For easier cleanup, sweep the deck prior to using the power washer.
• Never let children use a power washer. This is a very powerful piece of equipment and can easily cause physical damage or bodily harm if not properly used.