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 it OK to pressure wash a wood deck?
For cleaning a wooden deck, you’ll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that’s still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about
500 to 600 psi
. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. … Never get closer than 12 inches from the deck unless you’re using low pressure.
How often should you pressure wash your deck?
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.
How often should a deck be cleaned?
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.
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.
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.
Is it better to sand or power wash a deck?
Splintered, cracking, or just plain rough wood should be
sanded first
, then pressure washed to open the wood’s pores and allow penetration of the stain. Deeply grooved wood that has mold, moss and other growing things filling the cracks will need treatment with a deck and siding cleaner.
Is 1800 psi enough to clean deck?
Medium-duty pressure washers in the 1,800 to
2,000 PSI
range can tackle bigger projects like large SUV’s, RV’s, siding and fencing, decks, garage floors and driveways.
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.
Can I leave my deck untreated?
It is
highly unlikely that the deck will rot
, splinter or decay if you choose not to have it finished and you can always choose to stain and protect the deck at a later date.
Should I power wash my deck before staining?
There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using
a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior
to pressure washing will provide you the best result.
What is the best homemade deck cleaner?
- Water.
- Powdered oxygen bleach.
- Liquid Dish Detergent.
How do I clean my deck without a pressure washer?
- Add half a cup of baking soda to one gallon of water;
- Mix in 1/8 of dish-washing detergent;
- Spray on your concrete deck and allow it to sit for half an hour;
- Scrub thoroughly and rinse with a hose.
- Apply a coat of concrete sealer to protect your deck from future stains.
How many PSI Do I need to clean concrete?
To clean concrete effectively, use a power washer with a pressure rating of
at least 3000 psi
and a flow rate of at least 4 gallons per minute (gpm).
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.
