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.
If those times when cleaning a Timber or Composite Deck requires a little more than a stiff brush and warm soapy water, bring out the pressure washer for more intense treatment. We recommend preparing your deck's surface before jumping right in, as pressure washers can do more harm than good if used incorrectly.
Can I use a pressure washer on my pressure-treated wood deck? We recommend that the use of a pressure washer be limited to only the highly-experienced and/or professionals. Improper use can damage the wood surface and fibers.
Time of Year. It is recommended that you power wash your deck as early as possible in the spring. As the weather warms up and you are thinking about getting those barbecues grilling, you will want to have a clean, pleasant deck to enjoy.
Treated pine decks don't last long when they're exposed to the weather. They split and crack and will need to be replaced within a couple of years. 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.
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.
That being said, sanding is a lot of work. You can get the same clean, fresh surface with a good pressure washing. A pressure washer removes the deteriorated finish and some of the decayed wood fiber leaving a like-new surface after the wood dries.
This looks like very small raised wood grain fibers or hair on the decking boards. When you are prepping a deck you essentially remove a layer of oxidized or damaged wood cells. The more you need to remove, the greater the chance of making the wood look “fuzzy” or “soft”.
You can either use a clear restorer which brings back out the natural grain and appearance of the wood, or you can use a decking reviver paint which covers and colours the wood. Both revive your wood however clear restorers still need a layer of stain or oil to protect from weather.
Once it's dry, you'll want to sand your deck lightly. This is necessary to remove any splinters or fuzzy patches that pressure washing can cause. The easiest way to do this is to use 80-grit sandpaper attached to a pole sander. Don't make the mistake of using a power sander, as this is overkill.
Spray the deck lightly with a mixture of oxalic acid and water to brighten the wood. With a 25- or 30-degree tip in the wand of the pressure washer and a psi of 1,000 to 1,200, apply the stripper to the deck, starting with the top rails and working down the balusters (Photo 1).
The best deck cleaner is the Star Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner. It removes tough stains without heavy scrubbing and leaves behind a nonskid surface. For a budget-friendly choice, consider the Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner.
The answer is yes – you can power wash with just water! However, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind when doing this. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of power washing with water, and we will also give you some tips on how to do it correctly.
STEP 4: Apply the deck cleaning solution.
After application, allow the cleaner to sit on the wood for about 10 to 20 minutes, or as indicated by the manufacturer's directions, before beginning to pressure wash the deck.
Taking your time is key to power washing a deck successfully. Now that the wood has been cleaned and stripped of grime, you can sand it and apply your stain of choice. Power washing a deck before staining will allow the wood to absorb the stain better and deeper.
Remove Dirt, Dust, and Debris
The friction and heat delivered by the pressurized water/detergent mixture loosens and blasts away these materials. As a result, your deck will be restored to its previous beauty and, more importantly, free from various health and safety hazards.
If your deck is one of the high-performance product lines from Trex (Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance® or Trex Select®), soap-and-water cleaning or a gentle pressure washing will do the trick.
Deck cleaners containing oxygen bleach remove mildew and other residue from the decking without destroying the wood. They are also non-toxic for plants, pets, and people, because they simply break down into oxygen and soda ash.
They include: Warm water can be used on its own to wash a wood or composite deck. Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.
It's also generally safe to use mild soap, such as Wash Safe Spray and Clean Composite Deck Cleaner or Dawn dish soap and water. If you have questions, contact the manufacturer before trying any chemicals.
After pressure washing your fence, let it dry for at least 48 hours. You want to allow enough time for all of the absorbed water to evaporate from the wood so it doesn't get sealed in. Once your fence is fully dry, it's important to paint or seal it so that it doesn't become damaged by the sun and wind.
Yes, a pressure washer will effectively remove deck staining. Use a pressure water rated for approximately 1,500 pounds per square inch (PSI) and position the nozzle at about a 30-degree angle, keeping it at least 3 inches away from the surface.