7 Tips For Pressure Washing A Deck

If you have a deck and pressure washing is on your to-do list, it can be daunting. Pressure washing a deck is not an easy job, but with some preparation and the right tool it can be done. The first thing to consider when pressure washing a deck is what type of surface your deck has: wood or composite material? This article will outline 7 tips for pressure washing a deck so that you are prepared for success!

Do you have a deck that needs cleaning? If so, there are many things to consider before pressure washing your deck. You want to ensure the job is done right without damaging the wood or causing water damage.

Here are 7 tips for pressure washing a deck:

Make sure you have the right pressure washer for your deck

Make sure you have the right pressure washer for your deck. The pressure of a pressure washer is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). If pressure washing any surface other than asphalt, make sure to choose a pressure cleaner with at least 1950 PSI or more. For an average sized deck it should be about 4000-5000 PSI. You’ll also want to use detergent with soap and water rather than just plain water. This will help remove dirt much better because soap loosens oils from surfaces that need cleaning while harsh chemicals can strip away paint, stain sealers and wood preservatives which can cause discoloration on your deck if not removed properly before power washing then you risk damaging the deck.

Know the deck construction before pressure cleaning it and use a low pressure setting at first, gradually increasing to higher pressure if needed. Use caution when using chemicals on wood surfaces because they can leach through the porous surface of your decking and stain or discolor neighboring decks that are below you in elevation. One way to avoid this is by spray painting all sides of your boards with water sealant beforehand but also make sure not to let any excess pool beneath them as it will eventually work its way into your soil over time causing root rot problems for plants near these areas too.

Having the right tools for the job is key to pressure washing your deck.

You will need a pressure washer with adjustable pressure settings, different nozzle options (i.e. soap dispenser), and an assortment of brushes for scrubbing grime from the deck’s surfaces.

Another key tip is to use household bleach or chlorine-free products on your deck because they are gentler on wood than harsher chemicals like sodium hypochlorite which can cause discoloration over time if not used properly. When using these types of cleaners be sure to wash down any exposed human skin immediately after finishing the job in order to avoid irritation as well as wearing protective eye gear at all times when pressure washing decks so you don’t get anything into your eyes that could potentially harm them permanently.

Check for Nails and loose boards

Check to see if there are any nails sticking out of the boards or loose boards on the deck that need to be fixed. This can be done using a hammer and nail set to pound them back into place or by securing the boards with nails, screws, staples, etc.

The pressure washer is going to wash away all of the dirt so make sure you remove as much of it before pressure washing begins in order to avoid having your deck need more than one round of pressure washing which will increase how long it takes for you deck to dry after the job is completed and also potentially damage your pressure washers pump because there are too many particles being pumped through at once.

Nails and other items that are protruding from the deck should be removed before pressure washing. Make sure to take your time and look carefully. You don’t want to pressure wash something that will get stuck and cause damage.

If you find that your deck boards are warped from pressure washing them, then it is best not to pressure wash again until they have had a chance to dry out and return to their original shape.

Pressure washing a deck should be done in sections or stages so as not to overburden any one area with too much pressure at once- this will also help ensure that there isn’t an excessive amount of water being used per section either.

Always use caution when pressure washing decks so you don’t accidentally slip or fall off of them while carrying out this process which could result in serious injury.

Always use a detergent with soap and water, never just water alone

Pressure washing decks can be a dirty process, so it is important to wear protective gloves and clothing that will not be ruined by pressure washing detergent. Water alone isn’t going to cut it for pressure washing a deck- pressure will push dirt around and create more of an issue rather than less. Soap will help break down the oils in the wood which can make cleaning easier.

When pressure washing, always use hot water so that detergent is more effective at breaking down oils on your deck surface. Using detergents is an effective way to clean your deck, but pressure washing alone isn’t going to do the trick.

The best way to pressure wash a deck is by combining pressure with detergent and hot water for an effective cleaning process.

It’s important that you don’t just power-wash over grime on a surface without scrubbing it away first. This will make dirt more slippery which increases the risk of slipping and falling off of them while carrying out this process which could result in serious injury.

If you want to protect your hands from being burned or hurt as well as keep yourself safe from slips and falls, invest in rubber gloves before beginning any pressure washing project! Always use goggles too if there are chemicals near the project area because some can burn your eyes.

If pressure washing decking, it’s a good idea to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty because the pressure washer can splash up water and chemicals onto your clothing which may make them virtually unwearable afterward.

It is also important for safety reasons to be sure not to pressure wash at night or in poor weather conditions like high winds or heavy rain as this could cause serious injuries from dangerous shards of glass created by broken windows blown off their hinges due to strong gusts of wind, etc.

Remove Stains First

If it’s been awhile since your last pressure wash, then be sure to get rid of all dirt and grime first before starting on new stains. This takes a little extra time but will make pressure washing your deck a lot easier and more successful.

It’s important to remove all the dirt, mold and mildew first because pressure washers do not clean as well if there is still heavy amounts of that on the surface you are targeting for pressure washing.

Pro Tip-Remove Loose Debris

Loose debris also needs to be removed before pressure washing decks so that it doesn’t get blown into trees, shrubs or onto plants in other parts of your yard when using a power washer.

The loose litter can clog up spray nozzles which will slow down how quickly water can come out under high pressures from an electric pressure washer pump tank nozzle.

Be careful how much pressure you use

Be careful not to spray too much pressure onto one spot – this can cause discoloration in places where it doesn’t need to be and if pressure is applied for too long it can damage the surface and cause warping.

Make sure you are not under pressure from a deck or railing while spraying because pressure washers do shoot out spray water in an arc so be careful where you stand when using one of these high pressure machines on your deck.

Add elbow grease to your pressure washer

Try using a scrub brush instead of just spraying down the entire surface with detergent – this will help remove stains more easily without damaging surfaces that don’t need cleaning. Next, pressure wash the deck from top to bottom.

Make sure you start on a dry area first so that water is not running down and pooling at your feet or other areas of concern.
Use pressure washers with adjustable pressure settings if possible, as this will help prevent damage to surfaces like wood deck boards by applying too much pressure in one spot.
Keep an eye out for any signs of rot or cracks when pressure washing – these should be addressed before they become worse problems using more invasive methods such as sandblasting them away!
If there are better ways to remove stains (ie: bleach), use those instead of detergent/dish soap because it does not have the same level of cleaning

Some areas will require a little extra help with a scrub brush to get them clean.

Always pressure wash in the direction of surfaces such as deck boards to prevent splintering or other damage caused by pressure washing against it.

Do not pressure wash anything on your deck that is made out of fabric, this will cause a lot more wear and tear than if you pressure washed it with soap only!

After completing all areas and before rinsing down the pressure washer, be sure to check for any loose screws or nails – these can create small, but dangerous holes when they are waterlogged from the pressure washer rinse cycle.

Store your Gear Properly

Finish up the job by making sure your pressure washer is stored properly and safely.

Before storing your pressure washing equipment away make sure to dry off surfaces such as nozzles and hoses completely so moisture does not collect inside them.

When performing maintenance never use abrasive cleaners because they will dull metal parts in the pump assembly and may void warranty coverage on some models. Be careful what type of cleaner you use on pressure washers because pressure washer pressure can cause a chemical to react more violently, even if it is water-based.

Be sure the pressure washing equipment is installed properly and that all connections are tight before use.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pressure washing job be sure to consult with an expert who has experience in this field for help.
When performing maintenance never use abrasive cleaners because they will dull metal parts in the pump assembly.

One last tip: bring an ice cold beer at the end of a job well done! 😉

Preparing is key for pressure washing a deck because it can reduce wear and tear on both yourself and the structure itself if done correctly with these tips!

Finally, make sure that you pressure wash your deck at least every six months.

In Conclusion: The first thing to consider when pressure washing a deck is what type of surface your deck has. Pressure washing a wooden deck can cause a chemical to react more violently, even if it is water-based. Be sure the pressure washing equipment is installed properly and that all connections are tight before use. If you have any questions or concerns about your pressure washing job be sure to consult with an expert who has experience in this field for help! If you would like a professional to handle it for you then give us a call or use our super fast quote form to receive a quick quote on your job today!

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