Do you have a deck on your Houston, TX property? If so, it might be time to assess its condition. Step outside and take a long, critical look at it. Has it become dark over time? Is it clearly covered with debris? If so, it’s time to learn how to power wash a deck—that way, you can reclaim your deck’s beauty and improve your property’s overall appearance. However, be warned. Deck power washing is easier said than done, and you need to be prepared for all the challenges that lie ahead.
We are Larry’s Pressure Washing, your local deck power washing experts. We’re excited to teach you more about the techniques we use each and every day. That way, you can make your deck sparkle again.
Why Deck Power Washing Is Necessary
Some people have it in their heads that deck power washing is optional. However, this is a misconception. Decks gather debris over time, eventually becoming so dirty that the problem can no longer be ignored. Think this debris can simply be rinsed away by rain? Think again. In many cases, this debris is so stubborn that a gentle drizzle won’t be enough to remove it. This makes the special technique of power washing a necessity.
We highly recommend that you power wash your deck once per year. That way, you can keep accumulating debris in check. Has it already been a year since your deck was last clean? If so, don’t wait to do something about it. Learn how to power wash a deck or schedule an appointment with the pros!
Tools Needed For Deck Power Washing
If you want to learn how to power wash a deck, you’ll need the right equipment. So, what does this include? First and foremost, you will need a pressure washer. A pressure washer is a machine that connects to a water source, pumps the water, and expels it through a hose and nozzle. The resulting high-pressure jets will be able to rinse away stubborn debris with ease.
What other tools will you need to learn how to power wash a deck? We’ve included a bulleted list for your convenience below.
- Pressure Washing Detergent: This simple cleaning fluid can be added to your pressure washer’s soap tank to make your power washing more effective.
- Sodium Hypochlorite: This powerful cleaning solution is a great way to tackle stubborn debris. Use a separate spray applicator to apply it to surfaces.
- Safety Equipment. You need to protect your bare skin from pressurized water. Wear goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Prepare Your Deck For Power Washing
An important part of learning how to power wash a deck is preparing the surface for cleaning. But what exactly does this entail? The first thing you should do is remove any items from the deck. This includes furniture, decorations, grills, potted plants, and more. By getting them out of the way, they won’t become obstacles during your work, and you don’t have to worry about them becoming damaged by pressurized water, either.
You should also sweep your deck before power washing it. That way, small particles, such as pebbles, aren’t launched by jets of pressurized water. A few minutes of sweeping could prevent pieces of debris from flying into your windows, cracking the glass, and saddling you with hundreds of dollars of repairs.
The Deck Power Washing Process
Now that you’ve sufficiently prepared for deck cleaning, it’s time to get the work done. Put detergent in your pressure washer’s soap tank, and don’t forget to set the water pressure to an appropriate setting. The correct level depends on the material your deck is made of:
- 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
Next, thoroughly power wash the deck in a row-by-row formation. By using this simple pattern, you’ll be able to easily keep track of what you’ve already cleaned and what still needs your attention. As you go, you’ll be able to see your deck’s transformation in progress. Watch as your deck becomes beautiful again!
Struggling to remove stubborn debris? Use your spray applicator and put a thin layer of sodium hypochlorite on the dirty area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for tough grime to be broken down. Finally, power wash the deck again, and you’ll see that all those difficult-to-remove stains wash away with ease now.
Challenges of DIY Deck Cleaning
If you want to learn how to power wash a deck, you need to be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Your ability to work around these difficulties will determine if your DIY deck cleaning project will be a success or not.
- Time and energy demands. Power washing your deck will take hours of your time, and it will drain you of your energy, too. The question is, how much time and energy do you have to go around after you’ve completed all your other responsibilities?
- Learning how to use equipment. If you want to use your power washing equipment correctly, you will have to read guides, watch tutorial videos, and spend time getting hands-on experience, too.
- Avoiding damage and injury. Careless power washing can result in deck damage or even self-injury. You need to exercise caution during your project if you want to avoid any worst-case scenarios.
If learning how to power wash a deck intimidates you, don’t worry. You don’t have to do the work on your own if you don’t want to! Simply reach out to Larry’s Pressure Washing, and we will happily power wash your deck for you.
Get Started With Larry’s Pressure Washing
If you are interested in our professional deck power washing, don’t wait to let us know about it. Contact us online and let us know about your project today! We’ll give you a free cost estimate, and then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to revitalizing your deck in the near future!
