Typically, we’ll only recommend pressure washing your deck as a last resort – once all other options have been exhausted. The reason is pressure washing a deck may damage it. If you pressure wash and then put a sealant on before the wood is dried it can seal in moisture which will lead to rot and other problems.
Is it OK to pressure wash a wood deck?
For cleaning a wooden deck, you’ll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that’s still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Never get closer than 12 inches from the deck unless you’re using low pressure.
Do I need a pressure washer to clean my deck?
Power washing a deck is a quick and efficient way to get it ready for painting or staining, but it isn’t a necessary prerequisite. In fact, in some situations, it isn’t even a good idea, because power washing can chip and gouge wood.
Why you shouldn’t power wash deck?
Beware Pressure Washing Damage If you have timber deck boards, a power washer’s pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. Depending on the material, a power washer can also scar boards if the pressure is too high. If the power washing becomes too intense, it can even chip the material.
Should you power wash your deck every year?
Frequency. Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck once a year. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.
Do I need to sand my deck after pressure washing?
DO sand your deck before sealing. At that point, lightly sand the surface to remove splintery or fuzzy patches caused by pressure-washing the deck. Then seal the deck to protect from cracking, cupping, and warping.
Can you pressure wash stain off a deck?
Pressure washing is a quick way to remove a deck finish, but it requires some care so as not to damage the deck. A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain.
How do I clean my deck without a pressure washer?
The recipe is pretty straightforward: Add half a cup of baking soda to one gallon of water; Mix in 1/8 of dish-washing detergent; Spray on your concrete deck and allow it to sit for half an hour; Scrub thoroughly and rinse with a hose. Apply a coat of concrete sealer to protect your deck from future stains.
How much does it cost to powerwash a deck?
Power washing houses usually costs between $220 to $380, a driveway costs $130 to $220 and a deck or patio costs $250 to $420. The price depends on any cleaning chemicals that might need to be used and the size of the surface. Power washers usually price jobs by the square foot, the hour or using a flat rate.
What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
The main difference with power washing vs. pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is not heated. The heated water makes it easier to clean surfaces — just as it does when doing dishes or washing your hands.
Does Power Washing cause mold?
Can power washing damage your house? The short answer is yes. Here’s the kind of damage power washing can do if not performed correctly: Water can build up below a home’s siding causing mold and mildew growth.
Can I strip paint with a pressure washer?
Pressure washing is one way to remove paint from wood, metal, concrete, and other exterior surfaces. Selecting a pressure washer with a range of 2,000 PSI to 4,000 PSI will give you the most effective power for removing peeling paint. As with all power equipment, always wear safety glasses and closed toe shoes.
When should I pressure wash my deck?
Generally speaking, a good principle is to have the deck pressure-washed when the temperatures remain above 52 degrees both at night and during the day without rain or other condensation for several days. This allows the deck to dry as quickly as possible.
How do you treat a deck after pressure washing?
Remove all the items from the deck. Apply the Deck Brightener. Using the low pressure tip on the pressure washer, apply deck brightener over the entire deck. DTTR501F_Man-pressure-washing-deck-railing_s4x3. Wash the Deck. Wash the Deck. Change pressure washer tips to a high pressure fan shaped tip. Apply the Sealer.
What is the best homemade deck cleaner?
DIY Organic Deck Cleaner Recipes 1 gallon of warm water. 3/4 cup of oxygen bleach. 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent. 1 gallon of water. 2 cups of rubbing alcohol. 1 quart of household bleach. 1 cup of ammonia-free soap. 1 gallon of water. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. 1/2 cup of lemon juice. 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
Should I pressure wash or sand my deck before staining?
There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.
How long do you let a deck dry after power washing?
A basic rule of thumb for DIY deck builders, homeowners, and professional contractors is that roughly 48 hours is an adequate drying time for a newly washed deck.
Can you pressure wash a deck without removing stain?
In the end, yes – pressure washing is safe for your deck, but only if done right. Pressure washing can damage your deck if done incorrectly, so hire a professional to protect your deck.
Does old stain need to be removed from deck?
Stains penetrate and bond to the wood fibers. Removing the old stain before reapplying a new coat isn’t always necessary. If you are applying the same color and brand to the wood, you shouldn’t have to strip the old stain. Using a quality deck cleaner should be all you have to do before reapplying the same stain.