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Pressure washing is an effective method of cleaning dirt, dust and other debris, as well as removing old layers of stains or paint from a decking surface. But before you direct a high-powered wash jet at delicate wood, it's important to learn how to pressure wash a deck. The sheer force generated when cleaning with a pressure washer can inadvertently damage a deck if the user holds the nozzle too close or uses a pressure washer outlet that is too powerful to spray clean a wooden deck.
It's also helpful to know how to choose a patio and fence cleaner to create a pressure washer cleaning solution that will help remove stubborn, ingrained dirt, oil, and grime. Read on to find out how you can use deck cleaners to quickly and efficiently clean decking covered in stains, paint, dust, dirt and debris.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
One of the main reasons a pressure washer is effective at cleaning hard, porous materials like wood is the powerful jet these tools produce. This powerful spray is also why it is important to wear eye protection, thick boots and heavy duty gloves during use.
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The powerful jet can also knock over pebbles, small rocks and dirt. Consider covering bushes , gardens, and air conditioners with a drop cloth before you begin. This protects them from powerful jets and flying debris, minimizing unwanted splashes.
RELATED: How to pressure wash a house
STEP 1: Connect the spray nozzle to the pressure washer.
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To get the right angle and water pressure to clean the deck, you need to attach a nozzle to the pressure washer. Start with one soap dispenser nozzle if using a cleaning solution, or just the largest nozzle to ensure the initial water pressure is relatively low. Spray nozzles are usually color coded to show the spray pattern.
- White indicates a nozzle is spraying at 40 degrees.
- Green indicates a nozzle is spraying at 25 degrees.
- Yellow indicates a nozzle is spraying at 15 degrees.
- Red indicates a nozzle is spraying at 0 degrees.
- Black indicates a nozzle is dispensing soap and severely limiting pressure.
STEP 2: Plug in the pressure washer and turn it on.
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Connect the pressure washer hose to the pressure washer and turn it on. Make sure the hose to the pressure washer and to the area you will be working in runs freely so it does not kink or snag and block the flow of water to the pressure washer.
Set the pressure washer to the lowest power setting and pull the trigger to test the current water pressure output. It is recommended to start from an inconspicuous spot on the deck in case the initial flow of water damages the wooden surface.
Adjust the nozzle-to-deck distance and spray angle until the pressure washer properly removes debris without damaging or splashing the deck.
STEP 3: Add deck cleaning solution to pressure washer.
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A deck cleaning solution is a great option for removing stubborn, ingrained oils and dirt, although you can pressure wash a deck without it. If you choose to use a deck cleaning solution, you typically mix the cleaner with water and pour the mixed cleaning solution into the pressure washer's dispenser.
The exact mixing ratio can vary from product to product, so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. A DIY alternative is to mix 1 cup of white distilled vinegar with 1 gallon of water .
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STEP 4: Apply deck cleaning solution.
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With the black soap dispenser nozzle attached to the pressure washer, begin applying the deck cleaning solution to the deck. Use long, broad strokes with the pressure washer wand to ensure the cleaning solution reaches the entire deck, including any corners, cracks, or crevices.
Once applied, allow the cleaner to sit on the wood for about 10 to 20 minutes, or according to the manufacturer's instructions, before beginning to pressure clean the deck.
RELATED: 8 things you can clean with a pressure washer
STEP 5: High pressure wash the deck.
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The strong water pressure generated by a pressure washer does most of the work for you. Your task is to control the water pressure and the aim of the pressure washer lance. Choose a home page and begin pressure washing the deck in wide horizontal swaths.
Once a row is complete, go down and to the other side to pressure clean the next row. Keep doing this until the entire deck is clean. Also, keep in mind that it may take multiple applications of deck cleaning solution or multiple passes with a pressure washer to fully clean the porous surface of a wood deck.
STEP 6: Allow the deck to dry before sanding, staining or sealing.
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Allow the deck to dry before walking on it to avoid bending or warping the wood. The deck can take up to 2 days to fully dry after a power wash and may take longer to dry if it's raining. Once the deck is completely dry, you may want to do an additional project to reduce deck maintenance in the future.
Use a sander to remove imperfections from the decking surface and remove chemical residue from old stain or paint products. After sanding, it's a good idea to pressure wash the deck again to remove sand particles before staining or painting. Be sure to let the deck dry after this second wash to allow the stain or paint to adhere well to the wood.
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RELATED: Pressure Washing Services: Are They Worth Paying For?
final thoughts
While the basic idea of spraying water across the deck to remove dirt and grime may seem harmless, pressure washers generate a significant amount of energy and can easily damage wood if not used properly.
They can also injure exposed skin or sensitive areas of the body such as the eyes, ears or nose. Avoid pointing the pressure washer at yourself or another person while it is in use. If you or someone else splashes in the eye with a pressure washer, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
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