Contractors who offer exterior services generally caution against the dangers of using a pressure washer on an outdoor deck. But if done correctly, the occasional wash can give your deck a thorough cleaning. Here’s how to properly clean your outdoor deck using a pressure washer.

Preparations

Inexpensive residential pressure washers are perfect for cleaning your outdoor deck, no need to spend too much on renting a heavy-duty pressure washer. Make sure the deck is given a thorough sweep. Remove stones and other debris that may be stuck between the boards using a putty knife or paint scraper. Inspect the support posts, boards and rails for dry rot and other signs of water damage and deterioration. Have these sections repaired before proceeding with cleaning.

Soap the Deck

Once your outdoor deck is prepared, begin by soaping the deck surface. Fill your pressure washer’s soap reservoir with enough deck detergent as prescribed in your pressure washer’s user guide. Connect the soap tip (usually colored blue) onto the wand, and spray the soap solution over the deck, making sure all surfaces are covered. Let the solution sit for half an hour before moving on to the next step. Decking contractors like us caution homeowners against using bleach and other harsh chemicals for pressure washing. It could damage the pressure washer, the deck and the surrounding vegetation.

Pressure Washing

Before you begin pressure washing, replace the soap nozzle with one for washing: white for low pressure, green for medium or yellow for medium-to-high. Avoid using the red nozzle as it’s designed for metal and concrete. Using it on a wooden surface, or accidentally using it on a person, can be harmful.

Keep the nozzle about six inches away from the deck surface. Any closer, and it could damage the wood or leave track marks. Work your way systematically to avoid missing a spot. Give your deck a final pass using the white nozzle, and let it completely dry (which may take as long as three days) before applying a coat of waterproofing.

BSR is your leading provider of decking, roof repair and other exterior services. Give us a call at (607) 229-1280, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Binghamton and Vestal, NY.