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.

Is a deck cleaner or power wash better?

A power washer takes much less time, but it can be dangerous—for both you and the wood. A scrub brush takes more time and work, but it's much safer. In many cases, scrubbing also gets the deck cleaner than a power washer could. Ultimately, you can power wash your decks if you're previously familiar with power washing.

What is the best thing to clean a deck with?

Vinegar and baking soda are a powerful couple when it comes to natural cleaners. To clean your deck, combine 240 ml vinegar with 3.8 litres of water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed timber and use the vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards.

Can you powerwash a deck without deck cleaner?

A deck cleaning solution is a great option to help remove tough, stuck-on oils and grime, though you can pressure wash a deck without it. If you opt for a deck cleaning solution, then you usually will mix the cleaner with water and pour the mixed cleaning solution into the dispenser on the pressure washer.

Should you use deck cleaner?

In short, yes. We highly recommend using a deck cleaner when prepping your deck for a new coat of deck stain. We'd also recommend using a deck brightener before staining your deck, though this step isn't required.

Pressure Washing Wood Decks - The Safe Way

Why you should not pressure wash your deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibres. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

Does power washing a deck damage the wood?

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.

What can I use instead of power washing a deck?

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.

Can you use Dawn dish soap on decks?

For grease and oil stains, apply a few drops of liquid dish detergent such as Dawn. This will power through the grease and lift it from the surface without damaging the composite decking. Use a handheld scrub brush dipped in warm water to whisk away the oily stain.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my deck?

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.

Can I just power wash my 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. Choose the right tip to use as well.

Can you clean a deck with just a pressure washer?

Begin pressure washing the deck, moving with the grain of the wood in wide sweeping motions. Keep the nozzle about two feet away from the surface and move closer as needed. Don't get closer than 6 inches, or you could damage the wood.

What is the best deck cleaner before staining?

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 does it take for a deck to dry after pressure washing?

How long should you wait for your deck to dry after you power wash 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.

How often should decks be power washed?

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 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.

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.

Do you have to treat wood after power washing?

If you don't want the grey look and you want your deck to be protected, then yes… you should seal your deck after pressure washing. This is usually the case if you've had a new deck installed and you needed to let it weather off before you seal it.

How do you clean a badly stained deck?

Soap and Water

Mix one cup of liquid dish soap or laundry detergent in a bucket of warm water. Pour the mixture onto the stained decking, and allow it to soak into the wood for about 15 minutes. Then use a stiff-bristle nylon brush to scrub the stains from the surface. Rinse with clean water and repeat, if necessary.

Is deck cleaner just bleach?

SPECIALIZED DECK CLEANERS

Most of today's cleaners are not chlorine-based, making them both safer and easier to apply, and much better for your deck's wood. Oxygen-based bleach: Specialized deck-cleaning compounds typically contain sodium percarbonate, which is also found in many color-safe laundry bleaches.