What tip do you use to pressure wash a deck?

Typically decks will need anywhere from a 25-degree nozzle (for more stubborn build-up) to 40-degree (for newer decks with less damage or synthetic wood). The higher the degree the less pressure at point of contact.

What tip is best for pressure washing a deck?

It's important that you select a tip that ranges somewhere between 40 and 60 degree output. This will help maximize the coverage area, spreading out the degree of pressure across a larger surface. You'll also want to establish the strength of the washer: 500 to 600 psi for soft woods, like pine or cedar.

What color tip for pressure washing deck?

40° White nozzle

Decks, cars, fences, stucco, and virtually anything else that need a lower pressure approach to cleaning will benefit from this nozzle. Its wide spray pattern reduces the impact of water on the surface and if used properly, will not scar or etch softer surfaces.

What PSI should I pressure 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 damage a deck with a pressure washer?

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.

Pressure Washing Wood Decks - The Safe Way

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.

What is the difference between green and yellow pressure washer tip?

Yellow nozzles are a good choice for washing heavy-duty equipment or farm equipment. Like red nozzles, they can damage wood or other softer materials. Green nozzles have a spray pattern of 25 degrees. They produce a moderately powerful spray and a flushing or sweeping effect.

How do you pressure wash a deck without leaving marks?

Set your power washer at a low to medium setting when cleaning a deck to make sure you do not damage your wood. One of the most important things to remember is that if you use the high pressure setting for the power washer you may damage your wood and leave marks that cannot be covered up by a wood stain.

What color pressure washer tip is strongest?

Red Spray Tip (0-Degrees)

The red spray tip creates a 0-degree spray pattern and is the most powerful nozzle of them all. You need to be very careful using this tip to make sure you don't cause any damage to the surface you are cleaning.

What PSI Do I need to clean my patio?

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 is the best nozzle for pressure washer?

A rotating nozzle, also called a turbo nozzle, or rotary nozzle allows you to have the best of both worlds: pressure and coverage. The rotating nozzle gives you the extreme pressure of a 0° nozzle with the wide coverage of a 25° nozzle.

How long can you wait to stain a deck after power washing?

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 do you seal a deck after pressure washing?

The best way to protect a wood deck is to give it 2 to 3 thin coats of a quality decking oil. You need 2 coats of oil if your deck is undercover but you'll need 3 coats if your deck is exposed to the weather. Make sure you use a deck brush applicator to apply the oil, not a roller or lambs wool applicator.

How do you pretreat a deck before power washing?

Amabile recommends pre-treating your deck by applying a mixture of water and mild dish detergent or non-toxic oxygen bleach with a deck brush, he says. If you have a composite deck with no worn-in grime, no power washing is necessary; just rinse away these suds with a garden hose.

Is Simple Green good for pressure washing?

A recipient of the Safer Choice label, Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can be used in pressure washers and on all washable surfaces, and easily removes tough dirt and grime without the use of caustic chemicals.

Will Simple Green damage a pressure washer?

Simple Green products are pressure washer safe. We also offer products specifically designed for use in pressure washers.

What is the pink nozzle for on a pressure washer?

The pink Jet Soap Nozzle launches soap to second story windows and siding. The blue Jet Rinse Nozzle provides long reach cleaning and high-flow cleanup. Compatible with: 2900 SpeedWash, 3200 SpeedWash, 3600 PRO, 3800 Belt Drive PRO, 4200 Commercial models.

Should you use soap to pressure wash a deck?

The only materials you'll need are a broom, a hose, a bristle brush, and a biodegradable cleaning solution. Dish soap should work fine on your deck, although some homeowners use a mixture of powdered laundry detergent (without bleach) and water.

How long after pressure washing deck Can you paint?

The deck must be dried for at least twenty-four hours before painting or staining; forty-eight hours is ideal. Do not paint or stain a deck if there is high humidity or the temperature is above seventy-nine degrees.

Do you have to sand a deck after power washing?

If you are power washing to remove the surface of your decking, then yes, you'll need to sand your deck after power washing. If you are power washing just to clean your deck, then no you won't need to sand.

Is it better to stain a deck in the morning or evening?

Don't apply your deck stain in the direct sun; choose morning or evening hours, or a time of day when your deck has shade. Morning application can be a safer choice to help avoid any contact with dew that sets in overnight. Don't apply more stain than the wood can absorb.

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.

Can you clean and stain a deck in one day?

The key to staining on the same day as prep is to allow all the visible water to dry off the deck. It can be applied to damp wood to the touch not soaking wet wood. Make sure that when applying you only apply as much stain as the wood can absorb. Do not over apply a semi-transparent deck stain.

What are the different color pressure washer tips for?

The color of the nozzle identifies the angle of the spray fan pattern measured in degrees and is generally the same across all sizes. Red is 0, Yellow 15, Green 25, and White 40. The black nozzle is used for applying soap at low pressure and is sometimes used for low pressure rinsing.