How to Pressure Wash a Deck – The Key Steps to Take

Are you looking to pressure wash your deck, but aren’t quite sure how to do it?

Pressure washing is a very important step in deck maintenance. Not only does pressure washing help remove dirt and debris, but it also helps to remedy any surface damage done to your deck. But, in order to reap the benefits of pressure washing, you need to make sure you do it the right way.

Check out this guide to discover how to pressure wash a deck.

Create a Safe Environment

Before we dive into how to clean a deck, we first need to talk about how to create a safe environment for pressure washing.

Here are some safety tips you need to keep in mind before you get started:

Don’t touch the pressure washer spray at any point
Don’t point the spray toward kids or pets
Avoid using the pressure washer near flowerbeds and other delicate landscape
Wear protective gear such as safety goggles, enclosed shoes, pants, ear protection, and work gloves
Don’t use ladders when pressure washing, use an extension wand instead to reach high areas

By following these tips, you’ll ensure safety in the work zone.

Prepare the Area

After creating a safe space, it’s time to prepare the area.

Start by removing all loose objects from your deck ( toys, furniture, plants, grills, etc) and sweeping away any dirt and debris. You should also cover your exterior vents and lights, and close any nearby windows.

Also, make sure to inspect your deck for any protruding nails. These can be serious tripping hazards, so if you find any, replace them before you begin washing.

Scrub the Wood

After preparing the area, the next thing you need to do is scrub down the wood. If your deck doesn’t have any mildew, grime, or tree sap, then you can probably skip this step. If it does have these things, then it’s time to get scrubbing.

To do this, add a deck cleaner to the soap dispenser of the pressure washer. Then, change the pressure washer setting to “soaping. Next, turn on the machine and spray the cleaner all over the deck.

Allow the solution to sit on the deck for a few minutes so it can break up the dirt. Then, use a stiff, synthetic brush to break up the grime. Make sure to pay extra close attention to the corners and hard to reach spots.

Pressure Wash the Deck

After you’ve done all of this, it’s finally time to pressure wash the deck. Before starting, switch to a wide-angle nozzle, as anything narrower will be too strong and damage the deck. Start by spraying around 2 feet away from the surface of the deck, moving closer as needed. But, always stay at least 6 inches away from the surface.

Begin spraying at the side of the deck that’s closest to your home and work in an outwards motion. Also, make sure to overlap each spray to prevent any sweep marks.

Once you’re done, you can sand and stain the deck.