How Often Should I Pressure Wash My Deck?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck

once a year

. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.

Can you pressure wash a deck too much?

A pressure washer is a straightforward machine that can clean very well with only water. However,

it can ruin your deck if it’s not used properly

. … If you use it with too much jet pressure or place the tip too close to the surface of your deck, you can deeply etch the wood and cause the fibers to splinter.

When should you powerwash a deck?

Generally speaking, a good principle is to have the deck pressure-washed when

the temperatures remain above 52 degrees both at night

and during the day without rain or other condensation for several days. This allows the deck to dry as quickly as possible.

Is pressure washing enough to clean deck?

As mentioned in previous articles, the pressure you need to wash your deck surface is

rarely more than 1,500 pounds per square inch

(PSI). This is still enough pressure to do damage to soft wood, and enough pressure to leave lap marks on most composite decking.

How often should I clean my deck?

DO clean the deck thoroughly

once a year

.

Your deck needs an annual exfoliation so protective sealers can seep deeper into the wood. When it’s dry and moderately warm—60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit—apply an appropriate deck-cleaning solution with a roller or sprayer to kill mold and bacteria.

Do I need to sand my deck after pressure washing?

Make sure your deck is thoroughly dry before you sand. If there has been recent rainfall or if you have power washed,

wait several days before sanding

.

How much does it cost to powerwash a deck?

The average cost to power wash a deck ranges from

$119 to $244

with most homeowners paying around $0.35 per square foot. To power wash, stain, and seal your deck, expect to spend between $0.50 and $1.50 per sq. ft. or $0.95 per sq.

Should you power wash a wood deck?


A pressure washer can

clean a wood deck much faster than you can scrub it by hand. That is a terrific advantage. However, a pressure washer will frequently destroy the surface of the wood. … Those that are not eroded can be dislodged, leaving the wood fuzzy or rough after it dries.

Should I power wash my deck every year?

Frequency. Most home maintenance contractors recommend power washing your deck

once a year

. An annual wash will keep your deck in optimal condition, cutting down on accumulation of dirt, mildew, or algae growth.

What time of year is best to pressure wash house?

In general, houses should be power washed at least once a year any time

between March and November

. As it gets later in a calendar year, you’ll want to make sure your home is taken care of before the freezing temperatures and winter weather arrive.

How do I clean my deck without a pressure washer?

  1. Add half a cup of baking soda to one gallon of water;
  2. Mix in 1/8 of dish-washing detergent;
  3. Spray on your concrete deck and allow it to sit for half an hour;
  4. Scrub thoroughly and rinse with a hose.
  5. Apply a coat of concrete sealer to protect your deck from future stains.

What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

  • Water.
  • Powdered oxygen bleach.
  • Liquid Dish Detergent.

What PSI is good for pressure washing a house?

When shopping for a pressure washer, the question for most of us is, how much pressure is enough? For around-the-yard chores, like stripping a deck, degreasing equipment, or washing siding,

1,300 to 1,600 psi

is plenty.

Is deck Cleaner necessary?

Is Deck Cleaner Necessary Before Staining My Deck? In short,

yes

. It is highly recommended to use a deck cleaner when prepping your deck for a new coat of deck stain. Also, recommended but not required is the use of a deck brightener before staining your deck.

How often should I seal my deck?

For most decks, sealing

once each year

is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.