Have you tried to relax on your deck recently only to be distracted by dirt and grime? It’s always frustrating when your deck—which is supposed to be your stress-free haven—becomes a messy reflection of its former self. This can throw a wrench into your weekend plans and make you want to spend your time somewhere else. However, you shouldn’t give up on your deck quite so fast. Instead, discover how to pressure wash a deck. That way, you can restore your deck’s beauty and make it the highlight of your property again!
If you need professional assistance with your deck, you can always reach out to Simple Softwash. We are a locally owned and operated pressure washing business in Biloxi, MS, and if you need help revitalizing your deck, we’re just a phone call away.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Deck?
Why learn how to pressure wash a deck? You may be wondering if this work is technically necessary. We’re here to tell you that you don’t want to skip deck cleaning. Over time, your deck will accumulate more and more debris; the longer this is allowed to happen, the less visually appealing your deck will be. It is also worth pointing out that a dirty deck drags down the overall appearance of your home or business as a whole!
This isn’t the only reason you should learn how to pressure wash a deck. Did you know that keeping your deck clean also prevents it from becoming damaged? Particles of debris grind against the deck’s surface, causing micro-abrasions. This damage won’t be noticeable at first, but the longer it is allowed to happen, the more obvious it will become. We recommend annual deck pressure washing to avoid the issue entirely.
What Will I Need For Deck Pressure Washing?
If you want to learn how to pressure wash a deck, you’ll have to gather the correct equipment first. For your convenience, we’ve added a list of all the necessary gear below. This is the same gear we use every day at Simple Softwash.
- Pressure Washer. This piece of machinery is crucial for pressure washing. It connects to a water source and highly pressurizes water so that it can be sprayed onto exterior surfaces, removing unsightly debris.
- Hose and Nozzle. An attaching hose and nozzle are necessary so you can aim jets of water and clean surfaces with precision.
- Cleaning Solutions. A simple pressure washing detergent goes a long way towards ensuring quality results. We also recommend sodium hypochlorite for tough stains.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget to protect yourself from pressurized water by wearing goggles, gloves, pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Preparing Your Deck For Pressure Washing
Before cleaning your deck, you’ll need to prepare the surface for pressure washing. First things first, remove any items that are taking up space on your deck. This may include grills, furniture, decorations, etc. By moving these items to a temporary location, you’ll ensure they don’t become obstacles during your work. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them being damaged by pressurized water.
We also recommend sweeping your deck before pressure washing it. This is important because it removes any pebbles or other similarly sized debris from the area. That way, it isn’t sent flying as a result of pressure washing, eliminating the risk of these “projectiles” striking nearby windows and cracking them. A quick sweep could save you hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Choosing a Water Pressure Level
The amount of water pressure you’ll need to use during your project depends on the material your deck is made of. More delicate materials require less water pressure; more durable materials can be treated with more. We’ve included a bulleted list below that you can use for your reference.
- Composite: 500–1000 PSI
- Softwood: 1000–1500 PSI
- Hardwood: 1500–2000 PSI
- Metal: 2000–2500 PSI
Additionally, don’t forget to put detergent in your pressure washer’s soap tank.
Pressure Washing the Deck
With all preparations out of the way, learning how to pressure wash a deck is fairly straightforward. Simply rinse the deck in a row-by-row pattern, overlapping each pass to ensure no surface area is left unwashed. We recommend maintaining a distance of two feet from the deck’s surface while spraying it down. Admire the transformation of your deck in real time. It will amaze you how much better it looks by the time you’re done!
What happens if you come across stubborn debris? If pressure washing detergent isn’t enough to break it down, you may need to use powerful sodium hypochlorite. You can apply this cleaning solution to the afflicted area with a separate spray bottle. Wait fifteen minutes before pressure washing again. All grime should rinse away with ease.
Enjoy the Benefits of Professional Deck Cleaning
Learning how to pressure wash a deck isn’t necessarily easy. In fact, if you don’t have enough time and energy for the work, you may struggle to get around to the project in the first place. Want to avoid the difficulty of DIY deck pressure washing? Reach out to Simple Softwash, schedule an appointment with our pros, and experience the difference our team makes for you and your property!
By reaching out to us, you’ll ensure your deck is in the best possible condition, and you won’t have to lift a finger along the way. Plus, our professionals ensure high-quality results. For the best possible deck cleaning, you’ll definitely want to schedule an appointment with Simple Softwash.
Cost of Professional Deck Pressure Washing
How much should you expect to pay for deck cleaning services? The final cost of your project depends on your deck’s size. Smaller decks cost less than larger decks; this ensures fair prices for every customer. There are no hidden fees, either.
Contact us online today if you would like a free cost estimate! Then, if you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there soon to pressure wash your deck, quickly restoring its former glory.
