Can you power wash a pressure treated deck?

Wash away the dirt with a hose or a very low setting (below 500 psi) on a pressure washer. The impact of water above a 500 psi setting on a pressure washer, as well as bleaches and oxidizers, can damage the wood fibers and are not recommended for deck cleaning.

What is the best way to clean a pressure treated deck?

For mild stains and dirt use a mild dish detergent diluted in a bucket of water. Mop a small area of the deck surface with the detergent and then use a stiff bristle brush to work the dirt free from the surface. Rinse the solution with a garden hose and re-clean areas as needed.

Should you power wash pressure treated deck?

Beware Pressure Washing Damage

Using a pressure washer may seem like a quick and easy way to clear out all the accumulated dirt and grime; however, you need to be aware of the damage it may cause. If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibres.

Does Power washing damage wood deck?

Wooden decks are highly vulnerable to severe damages when you subject them to power washing. The pressure that the pressure washer exerts on the deck surface leads to splintering. This problem mainly occurs when there is a section on your deck where the woods show the signs of split apart.

Is it better to power wash a deck or use deck cleaner?

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. A good deck cleaner can remove the gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew and other impurities deep in the wood.

Pressure Washing Wood Decks - The Safe Way

Do you have to seal a deck after power washing?

If your deck is in a great condition and you're simply pressure washing it to remove dirt, dust or mold build up then there's no need to seal your deck after pressure washing. You would be using a gentle soap solution and giving your deck a scrub then pressure washing to remove the cleaning agent and dirts.

What time of year should you power wash your deck?

Power-wash your deck in spring before the warm season begins to remove the buildup of winter grime, mildew, and debris. Get your deck ready for your next BBQ by power-washing your deck on a warm summer day. Fall is also a great time to wash your deck.

Why you shouldn't pressure wash your deck?

You may have read or heard your neighbor say that you shouldn't pressure wash your deck, because you can damage the wood fibers, or even scar the wood. That is very true! In the wrong hands a pressure washer can cause considerable damage to the integrity of the wood. Use fan tips of at least 30 degrees.

Does Power Washing damage pressure treated wood?

The impact of water above a 500 psi setting on a pressure washer, as well as bleaches and oxidizers, can damage the wood fibers and are not recommended for deck cleaning.

Why did my deck turn white after pressure washing?

When cleaning a cedar deck with just about any sort of cleaner, it's possible to end up with a white film often called "wood fuzzies" or furring. Furring can occur any time cedar is cleaned but is most seen in two scenarios: in new cedar or with heavily oxidized wood.

How long should you let a deck dry after power washing?

A basic rule of thumb for DIY deck builders, homeowners, and professional contractors is that roughly 48 hours is an adequate drying time for a newly washed deck.

Will a 2000 psi pressure washer clean a deck?

HGTV recommends working with the lowest pressure that cleans your deck materials gently: about 500 to 600 psi for soft woods like cedar or pine, and up to 1200 to 1500 psi for pressure-treated wood. Amabile likes a 2000 psi machine, which Home Depot rents for $38 per day. You'll need a wide nozzle of 15 or 18 degrees.

How long after power washing a deck can you stain it?

The short answer is 48 hours. You should wait at least two days after pressure washing your deck before you consider staining it, to give time for it to dry.

What can damage pressure treated wood?

All pressure treated wood, cedar, and redwood are susceptible to damage from sunlight, rain, and snow. Pressure treated lumber does come with a lifetime warranty against rot, decay, and termite damage, but pressure treatment does not protect against weathering cycles of wetting and drying.

How do you maintain a pressure treated wood deck?

To keep a pressure treated wood deck looking great, it will need to be cleaned periodically using mild soap or deck cleaner and a pressure washer set on a low pressure setting. Next, inspect the deck, drive in any protruding nails or screws, and replace any warped boards.

How do you remove mold and mildew from pressure treated wood?

What should never be done with pressure treated wood?

What surfaces should not be pressure washed?

What is the best thing to clean decking?

To avoid damaging your decking, create a gentle cleaning solution with warm water and liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather.

How much psi do you need to pressure wash paint off a deck?

Selecting a pressure washer with a range of 2,000 psi to 4,000 psi will give you the most effective power for removing peeling paint.

When should you not use a pressure washer?

What is the average cost to power wash a deck?

Homeowners can expect to pay between $90 and $770 to power wash their deck, with the average pressure-washing cost coming in at $150.

What happens if I don't power wash my deck before staining?

If you decide not to power wash beforehand, not only will your new paint not stay for very long, but your old paint will still be underneath. Pressure washing will not only remove the dirt and grime, but it can also remove old, chipped paint that may cause discrepancies in you new paint job.

What happens if you don't seal your deck?

The effects that can occur due to a lack of treatment are aesthetic in nature. After 6 months, the wood will start to lose its color and will begin to fade. Ultimately it will fade to grey or silver.