Tips for using a pressure washer: A pressure setting of 1,000 to 1,200 psi is ideal for pressure treated wood. For soft woods like cedar, use a lighter pressure setting, between 500 and 600. Keep the wand at least 8 inches away from the wood surface at all times to avoid surface damage.
Krud Kutter Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Concentrate is the ultimate deck and fence cleaner. This proprietary formulation of Krud Kutter contains a unique additive which removes tough stains from mildew, mold, algae, fungus and moss, and restores the original look to wood decks and fences.
Pre-treatment of your wood deck, or patio, is important, as this will help to soften up thick dirt or grime before high-pressure washing. For heavily soiled decking, apply a wood-specific, Composite cleaner or detergent and allow to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Sodium Hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach, is the most common and extensively used chemical used by commercial pressure washers. Our bleach is sold at 12.5%, which is stronger than other leading brands of bleach.
Clean your deck with dish soap
The easiest, and preferable, way to clean a deck without a pressure washer is to use a dish soap solution, which will freshen a deck and is strong enough to remove mild stains. Simply squeeze dish soap into a bucket and run some hot water over it. Then mop the solution on to the deck.
Before you begin to pressure wash the deck or fence panels, apply the detergent with a low-pressure nozzle suitable for soap. On vertical surfaces, apply the detergent from the bottom to the top. Apply the cleaning solution to cover the width of a few boards with each pass.
If you choose to use Dawn in your pressure washer, proper dilution is crucial. A general recommendation is to mix no more than a few ounces of Dawn with a gallon of water to prevent excessive foaming and reduce the risk of pump damage.
Both power washing chemicals should be diluted with water in order to be effective and not damage the surface. Bleach is great for killing mold and moss, ensuring it doesn't come back. Chlorine is a solid option for getting rid of grease stains on concrete. Which one you choose depends on your project.
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.
Why does my wood appear fuzzy after pressure washing it? Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers.
Applying the Pretreatment
While wearing protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, mix a cleaning solution typically consisting of water, bleach, and mild soap in a ratio that ensures effective cleansing without damaging the concrete.
Applying Pressure
Although highly effective for concrete cleaning, applying this much pressure to your deck can cause irreversible damage. To clean a deck effectively, about 1,500 pounds of pressure will do the job nicely, without causing permanent damage.
30 Seconds Ready To Use Outdoor Cleaner is made from a combination of ingredients, with the active ingredient being Sodium Hypochlorite. What happens when you apply the product is that it works immediately on any organics by emulsifying the growth.
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.
The best chemicals for pressure washing driveways are detergents, degreasers, and a bleach solution. Sodium hypochlorite or a strong bleach solution is the best chemical for cleaning concrete, but it must be used at the right time to achieve good results.
We generally recommend using a 1% mix on most siding. Again, let's do the math for a 50-gallon batch. So your mix would be 5 gallons of bleach, 45 gallons of water.
The best soap to use in a pressure washer depends on the surface you're cleaning. It's best to choose a soap that works well for all surfaces, such as Krud Kutter Pressure Washer Concentrate and Sun Joe All-Purpose Pressure Washer Cleaner.
Vinegar is not only a staple kitchen condiment, but it's also a natural pressure washer cleaner. Its acidic nature is so powerful that it can dissolve grime, grease, and mineral deposits.
Mix a gallon of water with a cup of laundry detergent safe to use on your house's exterior, as well as a cup of either vinegar or oxygen bleach. Mix the combination well. Stir the combination thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
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.
For most deck surfaces 1500 pounds per square inch (PSI) is more than sufficient. The next step is to choose an appropriate fan degree for the nozzle. 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).