Do you have a deck at your Vineland, NJ home or business? Has it recently been cleaned, or is it gradually becoming dirtier and dirtier? The truth is that if your deck doesn’t receive proper maintenance, it will become filthy. And once this happens, you’ll want to do something to get it back to its normal self. We highly recommend that you either learn how to power wash a deck or reach out to a professional company, such as Redline Exterior Cleaners, to do the work for you.
In this blog, we’ll review the process of learning how to power wash a deck from start to finish. Learn the steps, see what’s in store for you, and decide: is this a challenge you want to take on? Or would you prefer letting a team of experts handle this project on your behalf?
Why Deck Power Washing Is Important
Are you still unsure about whether deck power washing is necessary? Make no mistake about it: it’s crucial that your deck is cleaned regularly. If it isn’t, a number of negative effects can unfold, including the following:
- Reduced visual appeal. Maybe it goes without saying, but the dirtier your deck is, the less beautiful it will be. This makes it more difficult for you and your guests to properly relax while using the space.
- Increased damage risk. Particles of debris grind against exterior surfaces and slowly damage them. Eventually, this damage will be so severe that you may need to pay for costly repairs.
- Prevent moss, mold, and algae. These examples of organic debris will release spores and spread across surfaces if given the opportunity. It’s better to remove moss, mold, and algae before they have the chance to reproduce.
What Will I Need For Deck Power Washing?
So, what exactly will you need to power wash your deck? The most important tool in your power washing arsenal is the pressure washer. This specialized piece of machinery connects to a water source and pumps water to a very high pressure. Then, this water is fed through a connecting hose and nozzle and sprayed onto dirty surfaces. The resulting jets of water are powerful enough to remove grime with ease!
What other pieces of equipment will you need when learning how to power wash a deck? Make sure you have all the following items before starting your project:
- Pressure Washing Detergent: to break down standard debris.
- Sodium Hypochlorite and Spray Applicator: to tackle more stubborn stains.
- Safety Equipment (Gloves, Goggles): to protect yourself from pressurized water.
- Broom: to sweep your deck before beginning the power washing process.
Preparing For Your Project
So, you’re preparing to learn how to power wash a deck. First things first, you’ll want to make sure you’ve given yourself enough time to prepare. Familiarize yourself with your power washing equipment and learn how it works. And don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time on the day of deck power washing. It takes many hours to complete this work, and you don’t want to accidentally run out the clock because you didn’t give yourself enough flex room.
Additionally, you’ll also need to clear the deck off. Any furniture, decorations, grills, and potted plants will have to be temporarily relocated. That way, they don’t become obstacles during the power washing process. And don’t forget to sweep the deck! This clears away large pieces of debris and facilitates the power washing process.
Choosing a Water Pressure Level
You will also need to figure out how much water pressure to use to clean your deck. The exact amount varies based on the material your deck is made of. What might be too much water pressure for one kind of material may not be enough for the next!
We’ve included a simple bulleted list of the most common deck materials, and the appropriate water pressure setting to clean them with, below. Be sure to test the selected water pressure in an inconspicuous area before committing to cleaning the whole deck.
- Composite decking: 500–1,000 PSI
- Softwood decking: 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Hardwood decking: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Metal decking: 2,000–2,500 PSI
Power Washing the Deck
Now, with all the preparatory steps out of the way, it’s time to learn how to power wash a deck for yourself. Make sure the soap tank is filled with detergent, and maintain a distance of about two feet away from the deck’s surface. Then, begin power washing the deck in a simple, row-by-row pattern. By sticking to this simple technique, it will be easy for you to keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what still needs your attention.
Sometimes, debris won’t wash away easily. When this happens, you can use powerful cleaning solutions to break down grime. Using a spray applicator, apply a layer of sodium hypochlorite to the area afflicted by tough stains. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to break down before power washing again. You should be able to remove the stains easily now.
Considering Professional Services?
It’s definitely possible to learn how to power wash a deck. However, this process comes with its fair share of challenges. Learning how to use the necessary equipment is an ordeal in and of itself, and on top of that, you’ll also need to set aside time for the actual project. It’s a time- and energy-consuming process, and if you don’t feel like you’re up for it, you probably shouldn’t try it.
Don’t worry, though. There’s a handy alternative to power washing your own deck, and that’s scheduling an appointment with the team at Redline Exterior Cleaners. Our team of experts has plenty of deck cleaning experience, and it would be our pleasure to do this work for you. We’ll leave your deck spotless, and in the meantime, you can take some much-needed time to relax!
To get started, contact us online and let us know how we can serve you. We’ll get you a free cost estimate, and then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment.