When was the last time your deck was cleaned? If it’s been over a year, it’s definitely overdue for service. Over the past months, your deck has been gathering all sorts of grime, and it’s likely that you’ve already noticed. So, what will you do? We recommend learning how to power wash a deck—that way, you can restore this structure on your own, bringing your property back to its former glory!
Learn the steps with Brite Exterior Solutions, the go-to pressure washing company in Midlothian, VA. It’s always our pleasure to serve our community, so remember, we’re a phone call away if you need our help!
Why Decks Need to Be Cleaned
Is it really that important to learn how to power wash a deck? We think so! There are actually a number of negative consequences you’ll deal with if you don’t give your deck proper maintenance. The most obvious of these is the diminished visual appeal. The dirtier your deck is, the less beautiful it will be—and this is something you and your neighbors will notice.
In addition to this, a dirty deck is more likely to become damaged. This is because debris grinds against your deck and gradually erodes it. Moss, mold, and algae exacerbate the problem by storing water and causing moisture damage to the deck. Eliminate debris by learning how to power wash a deck, avoid costly repairs, and save money in the long run!
What Tools Will I Need?
To learn how to power wash a deck, you will need to purchase the correct tools. The first thing you’ll need, of course, is a pressure washer. This piece of machinery connects to a water source and pumps the water to high levels of pressure. Then, the water is sprayed through a hose and onto dirty exterior surfaces. The resulting jets will make it easy for you to rinse away grime and restore your deck’s shine.
Other important pieces of gear you’ll need include:
- Pressure washing detergent. Helps break down simple debris.
- Sodium hypochlorite. For tackling more stubborn grime.
- Spray applicator. So you can safely apply sodium hypochlorite.
- Safety equipment. Always wear gloves, goggles, and closed-toe shoes.
How Much Time Will I Need?
Learning how to power wash a deck is no easy feat. Because of this, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to do the work correctly. For a first-time deck power washing project, we recommend giving yourself four to six hours. That way, you have plenty of freedom to familiarize yourself with power washing equipment and completely restore your deck.
Make sure you choose an appropriate day for the work, too. For example, if you have an impending appointment in the early afternoon, it’s probably not a great idea to try power washing your deck beforehand. You don’t want your DIY project to run over!
Preparing Your Deck For Power Washing
Before power washing your deck, you’ll need to make the necessary preparations. First and foremost, have you moved all furniture, decorations, and other objects off the structure? If not, go ahead and do that! By moving these items out of the way, you won’t have to worry about accidentally damaging them with pressurized water. Plus, they don’t block dirty surfaces that you need to clean, too.
We also recommend sweeping your deck before power washing it. By doing this, you’ll get rid of any large pieces of loose debris, such as pebbles. This prevents it from accidentally launching them while pressure washing. Prevent property damage and even injury this way!
Choosing How Much Water Pressure to Use
How much water pressure should you use while pressure washing? That depends on what material your deck is made of. Different materials require different kinds of treatment. We’ve included a basic guide for your reference below:
- Composite: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal: 2000–2500 PSI
If you don’t see your deck’s material on this list, do a little research ahead of time! Never walk into a deck power washing project unprepared. The incorrect amount of water pressure could damage your deck. (Oh, and don’t forget to add your detergent to your pressure washer’s soap tank.)
The Deck Power Washing Process
Now that you’ve made it this far, it’s time for the ultimate step: completely pressure washing your deck. You’ll want to begin by choosing a suitable starting point. We highly recommend beginning with one of the deck’s corners. Position yourself about two feet away from the deck and rinse the structure in a series of rows. By overlapping each pass, you’ll be able to ensure every square inch is cleaned, and it will be easy for you to keep track of your work, too.
Are you having a hard time with stubborn debris? It’s time to use sodium hypochlorite. Simply use your spray applicator to treat the afflicted areas. Then, wait fifteen minutes for sodium hypochlorite to break down grime. Finally, power wash these areas again, and you should find that all debris washes away with ease.
Want to Avoid DIY Deck Cleaning?
Have you decided that learning how to power wash a deck isn’t for you? It’s okay if you don’t want to do this work on your own; it’s a time- and energy-consuming process, and you may not have these resources to spare. Don’t worry, though—you can avoid this work altogether by reaching out to Brite Exterior Solutions, a locally owned and operated business.
Our team is highly experienced in deck cleaning and knows how to power wash a deck the right way! So let us handle this project for you. In the meantime, you can take a much-needed break. Rest and relax for a while. By the time we’re done, we’ll show you a stunning deck that looks much better than it did before.
To get started, contact us online and let us know about your deck today. We can’t wait to learn more about your project and provide you with a free cost estimate. Know exactly what you’re paying before you even schedule an appointment!
