Pressure washing your deck? Here are some tips

Step 1: Safety First

While pressure washers are incredibly efficient, they can also be very dangerous.

Every year thousands of pressure washing-related injuries are reported. These machines' force will easily lacerate skin and cause substantial blowback debris. Eye protection, durable pants, and sturdy footwear are essential to operating a pressure washer safely.

Step 2: Prep

Start by removing all items from the surface. Sweep away leaves and other loose debris. If using chemicals such as bleach, it is recommended to wet any foliage with water that may be surrounding the deck.

Step 3: Chemicals

Bleach has long been the go-to for many DIYs and professionals. There are several other products on the market that are bleach free. My personal favorite is Simple Green Oxy Solve. The majority of machines will have a pickup inlet to combine the cleaning chemicals and water.

Step 3.5: Chemical tip

Ensure you are using the correct tip when applying your chemicals. Most chemical application tips will be black. These tips are best for applying cleaning agents but lack the concentrated cleaning power of other tips.

Use a scrub brush to work the cleaning solution around the surface and identify heavily stained or grime-ridden areas.

Step 4: Clean and Rinse

Switch to the next widest tip you have for your machine. A 40 to 60-degree tip is recommended. These tips pack a bigger cleaning punch but are still safe to use on delicate surfaces such as wooden and composite decks. Plan out your route and work in a uniform direction. Identify areas where water may pool. This is a sign of the wood warping, tightening gaps, and sloping.

After you’ve cleaned your deck, it might be time to reapply a protective wood stain or coating. Deck stains range from transparent sealers to solid/opaque stains and elastomeric coatings. Solid stains provide extra durability and uniformity but if your deck is still in good condition many customers prefer the natural wood look semi-transparent stains provides