How To Clean Wood Deck With Pressure Washer

If you are tired of scrubbing your wooden deck with a mop and brush, then it is time to upgrade your cleaning methods and make use of the technology. Pressure washers can clean anything with high precision and efficiency, and wooden decks are not something that is beyond their coverage. With a pressure washer, you can clean your wood deck like new, but there is something that you need to understand.

Unlike concrete or metal surfaces, wooden decks are not something that can withstand high pressure, and you must be very careful in cleaning them. Using the pressure washer on the wooden deck is a critical task because if you are careless, then you might destroy the woods and remove the fiber. There are several things that you need to take care of if you want to properly clean the wooden deck with a pressure washer without a mess.

In this article, we will provide you with valuable information about the art of cleaning the wooden deck. So let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Cleaning the Deck With Pressure Washer

To clean the wooden deck with a pressure washer, it is necessary to select a suitable pressure washer. Using an extremely powerful pressure washer can destroy the woods, and it will be a whole new problem to solve. It is better to use a pressure washer that has a pressure range under 1200 psi, but usually, you can clean effectively with a 500 to 700 psi pressure washer. You must use an electric pressure washer for the best results of efficiency and safety.

Things You Need In Cleaning

Safety is the first priority, and when you are using a pressure washer at home, then you will need proper gear and equipment. You must have a proper pair of shoes with long pants, and you must use safety goggles and gloves to keep yourself protected.

For pressure washing, it is better to have a good pressure washer nozzle that does not increase the pressure. You can also use a wood-safe detergent or soap for better results. Modern pressure washers can also be equipped with a brush and scrubber, and you can use them if you feel suitable. Other than that, you must have a complete kit of pressure washers, including a hose and spray wand.

Assemble The Pressure washer

The next thing after you have gathered all the necessary equipment is the assembling of your pressure washer. Use the regular or low pressure nozzle with your pressure washer, and do not attach the detergent in the first use. It is better to know the effects of pressure washers first and with detergent, you can not fully analyze the results. Assemble your pressure washer by following the recommended procedure by the manufacturer and make it ready for use.

Test The pressure washer

After you have assembled your pressure washer, it is time to check it. Test the pressure washer on a limited surface area that is in the corner and is easily visible. Use the pressure washer there in a normal setting and check the response of the wood. If the wood looks clean after the use, then you are good to use the pressure washer, and if there are symbols of surface damage, then you should avoid using the pressure washer. If the wood has passed the test, then you can move to the next step.

Using The Pressure Washer To Clean The Wood

After your wooden deck has passed the test, it is time to clean it. Turn on the pressure washer and squeeze the pressure trigger at a distance from the surface. Now gradually decrease the distance till you reach the optimum cleaning. Make sure that you do not go less than 6 inches near the surface with a pressure washer. Clean the surface with the sweeping motion and avoid disturbing the distance between the pressure nozzle and surface.

Make sure that you clean everything with consistency. Do not move the pressure stream too fast or too slow. Otherwise, you will get a streaking effect that is not ideal.The best way to clean the deck is to start from the inner start and gradually return to the outward sides. This way, you will automatically clear the excess water. Do not use the pressure washer in a vertical position and try to use it at an angle to have maximum removal of dust and debris.

Use The Detergent

If you feel necessary, then you can use the detergent with pressure to clean the wood deck. It is not necessary to use the detergent to clean the wood but there are different detergents that you can use to increase smoothness or brighten the wood. Fill the detergent tank with the detergent and gently apply it to the small area to notice the effects. After you have tested it, then apply the detergent to the wooden deck and wait for it to react properly. You can now rinse the deck with fresh water using a pressure washer.

Sanding After Washing

Although pressure washing cleans the woods like new, you might notice some fiber rise after the cleaning, especially on the handrails. The surface can be ignored, but it is better to use sandpaper or sander to smooth the handrail.

Before sanding the wood, make sure that it is completely dry because sanding might cause the wet wood to soak water and get too rough. Sanding is not necessary and only a choice.

Summary

After these steps, your wooden deck will be cleaned like new, and you will enjoy spending time there. It is recommended to clean the wooden deck at least twice a year to maintain their natural look. Using pressure is the best way to clean the wooden deck because it eliminates the need to spend hours rubbing the brush and you can easily wash it in minutes, but you should be very careful in doing that.

Gas pressure washers are a big no to use on the wooden deck because they can significantly damage the wood beyond repair. The ideal pressure to clean the wood is between 500 to 700 psi, and if you are facing troubles in this range, then you can increase it no more than 1200 psi.

It is better to use the pressure washer with proper safety equipment and try the effects of cleaning on a small surface first to notice any effect. After the cleaning of the surface, the detergent cleaning and sanding are also options that are not necessary but you can consider.

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Jose Kelly

Jose Kelly is a passionate part time blogger running multiple Pressure Washer for Rent stores and have a company providing cleaning services with pressure washers in her hometown. It was her father's business initially but later on Jose take over the business after his father's retirement. She's been in the field for 5 years now and that's how she decided to share the knowledge about Pressure Washer with other people. You can read more about her on the About Page.