MEDIUM-DUTY pressure washers in the 1,800 to 2,000 PSI range can tackle bigger projects like large SUV's, RV's, siding and fencing, decks, garage floors and driveways.
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.
The RYOBI 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is the perfect powerful yet portable option to get the job done. This pressure washer is ideal for light duty applications like cleaning small driveways, sidewalks, decks, windows, patio furniture, campers, bikes, boats, and many other recreational applications.
To clean a deck, some homeowners choose a washer with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi, the same as washing a car. HGTV recommends working with the lowest pressure that cleans your deck materials gently: about 500 to 600 psi for soft woods like cedar or pine, and up to 1200 to 1500 psi for pressure-treated wood.
PSI Pressure range for Different Surfaces
Different surfaces require different levels of PSI pressure. Generally, for most residential uses, an electric pressure washer (less than 2000 PSI) will suffice. Soft surfaces, such as decks and siding, usually require more cleaning power than harder surfaces such as driveways.
MEDIUM-DUTY pressure washers in the 1,800 to 2,000 PSI range can tackle bigger projects like large SUV's, RV's, siding and fencing, decks, garage floors and driveways.
Light Duty 1500-1900 PSI
These feature PSI ranging from 1500 to 1900 and would be enough to get rid of dirt and mild stains. This is the safest pressure washer PSI rating for all surfaces, but it isn't ideal for getting rid of tough stains.
Applying Pressure
Although highly effective for cleaning concrete, 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.
However, many people are weary of this option. They feel that it takes as much time and expense as it would to simply build a new deck. The truth is that pressure washing makes it much easier to strip your deck than you may imagine.
A pressure washer is a straightforward machine that can clean very well with only water. However, it can ruin your deck if it's not used properly. This is a tool that is powerful enough to etch brick, but in the right hands, it can be gentle enough to wash siding.
Selecting a pressure washer with a range of 2,000 psi to 4,000 psi will give you the most effective power for removing peeling paint. With pressure washers, as with all power equipment, always wear protective goggles and closed-toe shoes. Prepare the area around the structure you are working on.
There's no doubt that electric pressure washers from 1,300 to 2,300 psi can wash a concrete driveway, but it'll take longer. If you have a large driveway with lots of stains, you'll want more power to do the job faster.
Most electric pressure washers create 1300-1700 pounds per square inch of pressure (PSI) with a water flow of 1.5 gallons per minute (GPM), but experienced contractors recommend between 2000 and 3000 PSI and a flow of at least 2.5 GPM to clean dirty concrete effectively.
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. Now let's talk about specifics. Cleaning your deck is an all-important first step in the staining process.
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”.
A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain.
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.
Once you pressure wash your deck, it'll look like new timber again but it won't stay that way for long. If you like the grey look, then you could pressure wash to remove the grime then let it grey off again. It is best to seal it if you want it to last longer but you won't get that grey look.
Choosing a Pressure Washer
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi). Determine whether you will rent or buy your machine.
2,000 to 3,000 PSI
Good for cleaning concrete surfaces with light to moderate oil stains, most automotive cleaning, pools, many industrial applications.
You have to know its capabilities, 1600 PSI is good for most home jobs (general siding cleaning/gutters, car washes, cleaning furniture) Don't expect it to clean a whole concrete driveway in one smooth pass.
1,000 - 1,900 PSI: This PSI is on the low end, and is considered a residential unit. This type of pressure washer is good for the average homeowners to handle most household and automotive cleaning jobs, and is usually a hand carry electric model.
For instance, a light layer of dirt or dust may only require a PSI of 1,500 to 2,000, while a thick layer of oil or grease may require a PSI of 3,500 or higher to remove.
Concrete and asphalt require more cleaning power. You'll want to use the turbo nozzle on the 1600 PSI for hard-to-clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios as well as brick paving. For wood decks and painted surfaces, switch to the gentler 40-degree nozzle.