Power washing is an excellent way to keep your home and patio clean. But what do you do when you have a deck, and you don’t want to damage it during cleaning? Well, since we’re here to help you, we share this article with you! If your deck has layers of grime and dirt, a simple broom sweep won’t do the job. So, you’ll have to consider power washing. Read this article to uncover insights on how to pressure wash a deck without damaging it.
First of all: choose the power washer carefully.
A pro tip on how to pressure wash a deck without damaging it is to use the right power washer. Experts say you should use the same pressure range as the one you use to wash a car. Usually, this ranges between 1,300 to 2,400 psi. If you’re unsure which power washer to rent, you should discuss it with a professional. In this way, you’ll get a better understanding of what your deck needs.
Pre-heat the area with a deck brush.
A lesser-known fact about pressure washing a deck is that you need to preheat the area with a deck brush. It is best to pre-treat the deck with a mixture of water and mild detergent. This will ensure you’ll be able to perform in-depth cleaning with power washing solutions.
Practice using the equipment.
As mentioned above, sometimes you have to let the professionals do the job. But if you want to try to DIY clean your deck, we strongly advise you to practice using the equipment. Pressure washing doesn’t feel like using your standard garden hose. For example, you can easily damage concrete surfaces if you don’t know what you’re doing!
Prepare the deck area and remove any items that can create hazardous situations.
A key aspect of pressure washing your deck is that you need to thoroughly prep the area. Before you start cleaning the deck, you should cover or remove any light fixtures, electrical components, and plants. It is best to close nearby windows and doors and ensure children and pets are indoors. Pressure washing might lead to accidents if you don’t perform this action correctly.
Don’t apply a stain as soon as you finish cleaning.
A common mistake we see is that homeowners don’t let their deck dry after pressure washing. So, if you want to apply a stain, you should wait for at least three days. This will allow your deck to dry and prevent damage to the surface. If you don’t let it dry properly, you risk water pushing up the stain.
The bottom line
This is our advice on how to pressure wash a deck without damaging it. If you’re not comfortable with the process, you might want to call in a professional instead. This will save you a lot of time and money while keeping your deck safe. Power washing services can help you maintain your deck and restore its gorgeous appearance in no time. That’s why you should put it on your maintenance to-do list!
