Pressure washing works well for cleaning surfaces of dirt, dust, and other contaminants as well as for removing old paint or stain from a deck. However, before using high-pressure water to clean the wood, it’s crucial to understand how to use a pressure washer on a deck. The sheer force produced by the pressure washer can accidentally hurt the deck if the nozzle is held too closely or if too much pressure is applied during the cleaning procedure.
How To Pressure Wash A Deck
Making a potent pressure washer cleaning solution that successfully gets rid of tough dirt, oil, and grime requires knowledge of how to select a deck and fence cleaner. Continue reading to learn how to power rinse deck boards covered in stain, paint, dust, grime, and debris with deck washers to effectively and rapidly clean your deck.
Step 1: Connect the pressure washer’s spray nozzle
To ensure the right water pressure and angle for cleaning your deck, use a nozzle with your pressure washer. If you’re using a cleaning solution, start with a wide or soap-dispensing nozzle to minimize the initial water pressure. Spray nozzles come in different colors to indicate the spray pattern.
Step 2: Connect the pressure washer and turn it on
To start pressure washing the deck, connect the hose to the pressure washer and ensure it has a clear path. Test the water pressure by setting the washer to the lowest setting and starting in an inconspicuous area. Adjust the spacing between the nozzle and deck, and the spray angle to remove dirt without damaging the wood or splashing.
Step 3: Fill the pressure washer with deck cleaning solution
If you prefer, you can pressure wash a deck without using a deck cleaning solution to remove stubborn grime and oils. Alternatively, you can mix a deck cleaning solution with water and pour it into the pressure washer dispenser. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct mixture ratio since it varies among products. One homemade solution involves combining 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
Step 4: Clean the deck with the deck cleaning solution
Start the process of applying the deck cleaning solution on the deck by using the black nozzle that dispenses soap and is attached to the pressure washer. With the pressure washer wand, make sure to use long, broad strokes to cover all areas, including corners, cracks, and crevices.
It is advisable to wait for 10 to 20 minutes after applying the cleaner, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, before using the pressure washer to clean the deck.
Step 5: Clean the deck with a pressure washer
The pressure washer’s high water pressure will do most of the cleaning for you. However, you need to regulate the water pressure and the angle of the pressure washer wand. To start cleaning the deck, use the pressure washer in wide, horizontal movements from one end.
Once you finish the first row, move down and across to start the next row. Keep going until you complete the entire deck. Remember that a wood deck’s porous surface may need several applications of deck cleaning solution or multiple pressure washer passes to clean thoroughly.
Step 6: Allow the deck to dry completely before sanding, staining, or sealing it
It is crucial to allow the deck to completely dry before using it to avoid the wood bending or warping. After pressure washing, it could take up to 48 hours for the deck to fully dry; if it’s raining, it might take longer. To reduce future maintenance, it is a good idea to work on another job once the deck has dried.
Sand away any chemical residue from previous stains or paint treatments and any flaws from the deck surface with a sander. Prior to applying the stain or paint to the deck after sanding, it is essential to pressure wash it one more to remove any remaining sand particles.
Summary
Finally, pressure washing decks is a wise choice. You’ll save money and your house will have a fresh new look. If you’re considering pressure washing a deck, you should be aware that doing it properly is crucial.
