How has your property’s deck been looking recently? Is it still in clean, beautiful condition, or has it fallen into a state of disrepair? One of the realities of property ownership is that exterior surfaces need maintenance. Otherwise, they will become dirtier and dirtier, and eventually, they could even become damaged. This is why it’s important to power wash your deck. Learning how to power wash a deck, though, is anything but easy.
In this blog, learn how to power wash a deck with Froggy Softwash. Discover the step-by-step process, from initial preparations to final touches. And remember, if you don’t want to do this work on your own, you can always reach out to us! We are always happy to power wash properties in the Savannah, GA community.
Why Deck Power Washing Is Necessary
Why should you care about learning how to power wash a deck? By cleaning your deck, you’ll enjoy a number of benefits. Missing out on these advantages will set you back considerably. These benefits include but are not limited to:
- Improved property appearance. A cleaner deck is a more beautiful deck. With surface debris removed, the structure will be brighter and more vibrant, which is sure to delight you and your guests alike.
- Reduced risk of damage. By removing harmful debris from your deck, you’ll actually help it last longer. That’s because debris erodes your deck over time. Learn how to power wash a deck as a form of preventative care.
- Stop moss, mold, and algae. Organic debris will grow on your deck, and if it isn’t stopped, it will spread. Instead of letting your property fall victim to these growths, power wash your deck and put a stop to them!
How Often Should Decks Be Cleaned?
So, let’s say that you have a deck at your property. How often should you clean it? How often is too often, and how seldom is too seldom?
At Froggy Softwash, we highly recommend that you power wash your deck once per year. By doing so, you’ll clear away debris before it has the chance to accumulate to an excessive degree. If it has already been longer than a year since your deck was cleaned, it’s time to do something about it. Learn how to power wash a deck or schedule an appointment with us sooner rather than later!
What Equipment Will You Need?
To learn how to power wash a deck, you will need a specific set of equipment. The most important piece of equipment, of course, is the pressure washer. You’ve seen this kind of machine before, but maybe you’ve never used it. In summary, it connects to a water source and pressurizes that water before spraying it through a hose. This is what makes high-pressure cleaning possible!
In addition to a pressure washer, you’ll want to purchase a basic detergent to put in the soap tank. Sodium hypochlorite and a spray applicator will come in handy for removing stubborn grime. Finally, don’t forget safety gear. By wearing goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes, you shield yourself from pressurized water, reducing the risk of injury.
Preparing the Deck For Power Washing
Want to learn how to power wash a deck? If so, make sure you prepare the deck for cleaning first. First and foremost, you’ll want to remove any furniture, decorations, and other items from the deck. That way, they don’t become obstacles during the power washing process. Plus, you won’t have to worry about them getting damaged by pressurized water this way.
Additionally, you need to give yourself enough time for the work. Learning how to power wash a deck will take hours of your time, especially if you aren’t familiar with the equipment yet. We recommend setting aside a free day so you can dedicate yourself to the project. It doesn’t hurt to take a few extra hours training yourself to use pressure washing equipment either.
How Much Water Pressure Should I Use?
Using the correct amount of water pressure is crucial during your deck cleaning project. Use too much water pressure, and you could cause damage to your deck. At the same time, if you use too little water pressure, the cleaning might be ineffective.
The amount of force you use should match the material you are cleaning. We have put our recommendations for water pressure settings below.
- Composite Decking: 500–1,000 PSI
- Softwood (Pine, Cedar): 500–1,200 PSI
- Hardwood (Oak, Ipe): 1,000–1,500 PSI
- PVC Decking: 1,200–1,500 PSI
- Metal Decks: 1,500–2,000 PSI
Finally, don’t forget to put your pressure washing detergent in your pressure washer.
The Best Power Washing Technique
Now that you have made all the necessary preparations, it’s time to power wash the deck. We highly recommend that you clean the structure in a simple, row-by-row pattern. That way, you can easily keep track of what you have already cleaned and what still needs your attention.
If you come across any stubborn debris on your deck—such as moss, mold, and algae—what should you do? If pressure washing isn’t enough to get rid of it on the first pass, sodium hypochlorite can help. Use your spray applicator to put a thin layer of this substance onto the deck. Wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down; then, pressure wash the area again. Grime that was once too tough to remove will wash away in a flash!
Consider Professional Deck Power Washing
Don’t want to learn how to power wash a deck? The good news is that you don’t have to if you don’t want to. Simply reach out to Froggy Softwash, and our team of professionals will happily do all the hard work for you. Sit back and relax, and we’ll revitalize your deck for a fair price that you will appreciate.
Contact us online with more information about your project and get a free cost estimate. Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. The Froggy Softwash team looks forward to being at your service.
