Pressure washing is a useful technique for removing dirt, dust, and other particles from surfaces as well as for removing old paint or stain from a deck’s surface.
However, it’s crucial to learn how to pressure wash a deck before spraying the weak wood with a high-pressure water jet. If the operator holds the nozzle too closely or utilizes a pressure cleaning output that is too powerful for wooden deck spray washing, the sheer force generated during a pressure washer cleaning procedure may unintentionally damage a deck.
It’s also beneficial to understand how to choose a deck and fence cleaner to create a pressure washer cleaning solution that aids in the removal of tough, stuck-on dirt, oil, and grime. Continue reading to learn how to use deck washers to power rinse deck boards coated in stain, paint, dust, dirt, as well as debris to efficiently and quickly clean your deck.
Tools & Materials Required
- Protective eyewear
- Gloves
- Cloth drop
- Cleaner for the deck
- Power washer
- Hose
How to pressure wash a deck
STEP 1: Connect the pressure washer’s spray nozzle.
Attach a nozzle to the pressure washer to get the proper angle and water pressure for cleaning the deck. If you’re using a cleaning solution, start with a soap-dispensing nozzle or simply the widest nozzle to keep the initial water pressure low. Color-coded spray nozzles are commonly used to help indicate the spray pattern.
- A nozzle sprays at 40 degrees when it is white.
- Green indicates that a nozzle sprays at a temperature of 25 degrees.
- A yellow nozzle sprays at a 15-degree angle.
- A nozzle sprays at 0 degrees when it is red.
- The color black indicates that a nozzle dispenses soap while significantly limiting the pressure.
STEP 2: Connect the pressure washer and turn it on.
Turn on the pressure washer and connect the pressure washer hose. Make sure the hose has a clear path to the pressure washer and the area where you’ll be working so it doesn’t kink or catch, preventing water from flowing into the pressure washer.
To test the current water pressure output, set the pressure washer to the lowest power setting and pull the trigger. It’s best to start in an inconspicuous part of the deck in case the original flow of water damages the wood’s surface.
Modify the spacing between both the nozzle and the deck, as well as the spray angle, until the pressure washer removes dirt without harming the deck or splashing you.
STEP 3: Fill the pressure washer with deck cleaning solution
You could indeed pressure wash a deck with no deck cleaning solution to help eliminate tough, stuck-on oils and grime. If you use a deck cleaning solution, you usually mix the cleaner with water and pour the resulting cleaning solution into the pressure washer’s dispenser.
Because the exact mixture ratio varies between products, always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. A homemade solution is to combine 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
STEP 4: Clean the deck with the deck cleaning solution.
Begin applying the deck cleaning solution to the deck with the black soap-dispensing nozzle attached to the pressure washer. Using the pressure washer wand, make long, broad strokes to ensure that the cleaning solution reaches all corners, cracks, and crevices.
Enable the cleaner to rest on the wood for 10 to 20 minutes after application, or as directed by the manufacturer, before starting to pressure wash the deck.
STEP 5: Clean the deck with a pressure washer
A pressure washer’s powerful water pressure will do the majority of the work for you. It is your responsibility to control the water pressure and the angle of the pressure washer wand. Begin pressure washing the deck in wide, horizontal swaths from one side.
When the first row is finished, move down and across to pressure wash the next row. Continue in this manner until the entire deck is clean. Also, keep in mind that cleaning the porous surface of a wood deck may necessitate multiple applications of deck cleaning solution or multiple passes with the pressure washer.
STEP 6: Allow the deck to dry completely before sanding, staining, or sealing it.
Allow the deck to dry prior to actually walking on it to prevent the wood from bending or warping. After pressure washing, the deck may take up to two days to fully dry, and it may take longer if it rains. Once the deck is completely dry, you may want to tackle another project to reduce future deck maintenance.
Remove any blemishes from the deck’s surface and sand away any residual chemical compounds from old stain or paint products with a sander. It’s a good idea to pressure wash the deck again after sanding to remove any sand particles before staining or painting. Allow the deck to dry completely after the second washing so that the stain or paint can effectively bond to the wood.
FAQs
How often should I pressure wash my deck?
Pressure washing your deck is important for keeping it clean and looking great. It is recommended that you pressure wash your deck at least once a year.
What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
Pressure washing uses a high-pressure stream of water to clean a surface. Power washing uses a lower-pressure stream of water to clean a surface.
What should I be careful not to do when pressure washing my deck?
Be careful not to get any water on your deck or furniture. Also, if you’re using a hose, make sure that it’s not connected to your water supply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pressure washing decks is a good idea. It will save you money and it will give your home a new look. If you are thinking about pressure washing a deck, then you should know that it is very important to do it correctly.
Source
1. [The Family Handyman – How to Power Wash a Wood Deck](https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-power-wash-a-wood-deck/)
2. [Bob Vila – How to Pressure Wash Your Deck](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-pressure-wash-a-deck/)
3. [This Old House – How to Clean and Restain a Deck](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/woodworking/21016759/how-to-clean-and-restain-a-deck)
4. [HomeAdvisor – How to Pressure Wash and Seal a Deck](https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/clean-seal-deck/)
5. [Angie’s List – Tips for Power Washing Your Deck](https://www.angi.com/articles/power-washing-deck/)
6. [DIY Network – How to Clean and Refinish a Wood Deck](https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/how-to-clean-and-refinish-a-wood-deck)
7. [Better Homes & Gardens – How to Pressure Wash a Deck](https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/deck/ideas/pressure-wash-deck/)
8. [The Spruce – How to Power Wash a Deck](https://www.thespruce.com/power-washing-wood-decks-1822307)
9. [Consumer Reports – Pressure Washing Your Deck](https://www.consumerreports.org/decks-patios/pressure-washing-your-deck/)
10. [Popular Mechanics – How to Clean and Seal a Deck](https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/how-to/a19973/how-to-clean-and-seal-a-deck/)
