How to Pressure Wash Your Deck

When spring arrives we all start to think about spending more time outdoors. Sitting on our decks is a perfect way to unwind in the evenings or over the weekends. Keeping a deck in good condition both physically and cosmetically doesn't take a whole lot of time or money but is something that will make a difference in the enjoyment and longevity of your deck. Pressure washing is the first step in good deck maintenance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Broom or Leaf Blower
• Pressure washer
• Rain Coat
• Water Proof Footwear

1. 

   Before you begin to pressure wash, remove all the furniture, plant stands, plants and extraneous items from your deck. It should be completely empty and anything that could be damaged by water removed. Place them on the lawn and out of the way

2. 

   Next, either sweep the deck with a broom or use a leaf blower to remove all dirt, leaves and debris.

3. 

   Next fire up your pressure washer. You do not need a large pressure washer to pressure wash a deck. A small homeowner' s size will work fine. You can purchase them or rent them at many home improvement or rental stores. Read the instructions that come with the pressure washer to avoid damaging the machine and to get the best results.

   Pressure washers range in price from under $300 to as much $3,000 or more. Home Depot carries a pressure washer that is 2500 psi (a strength that is fine for the homeowner) for $269. psi = pounds per square inch.

4. 

   Use the pressure wash to clean your deck. Start at one corner in a motion that runs with the length of the deck plank, with the grain. Do not wash from crosswise against the grain. Use wide, sweeping motions while holding the wand at a comfortable distance from the planks. If you hold the nozzle too close to the plank you may damaged the wood. You want to move the wand in such as way as to keep the pressure applied even and smooth. By the time you've finished your deck you will now just the perfect touch to make your deck look the best.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to use bleach when clean a deck. The pressure of the water will remove most mildew and dirt.

• If you don't have a pressure washer you can spray the deck with a mixture of bleach and water using a garden pump sprayer and then wash off with a hose.

• Avoid using too much force when pressure washing a deck to avoid damaging the wood.

• Do not hold the wand too close to the wood. Start at a good distance and move it closer until you have a feel for the results.

Resources

• Home Improvement & Maintenance Resource
• Home Depot
• Lowes Home Improvement Store