Will pressure washing remove deck stains?
“I’m looking for pressure washing near me to clean my deck, but I’m unsure if it’s the right move.”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. Many homeowners are unsure what items are safe to pressure wash and which items aren’t.
Thankfully, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more.
Is Pressure Washing Safe for my Deck?
Power washing uses extremely powerful streams of water to clean different surfaces, such as driveways and entryways.
It’s also called pressure washing and can remove grime like mold, mildew, dust, dirt, and even loose paint.
If you’ve got a tough stain, pressure washing is a good solution for fast and easy clean-up.
However, it doesn’t work on every surface; some surfaces are too delicate to be cleaned by pressure washing.
Much like any other cleaning method, pressure washing must be done correctly to prevent damage or bad results. If you handle the pressure washer incorrectly, you may damage your deck.
So make sure you understand what you’re doing before jumping in. Or simply get on Google and search for “pressure washing near me” to find a reputable power washing company that can clean your deck correctly and keep it safe.
In the end, yes – pressure washing is safe for your deck, but only if done right.
Pressure washing can damage your deck if done incorrectly, so hire a professional to protect your deck.
Common Deck Stains
Over time, it’s common for grime to build up on your deck. Whether it’s mold, algae, or some other form of grime, it can look unsightly. These buildups usually occur more often in shady areas where there isn’t a lot of sunlight.
Allowing leaves and other damp foliage to remain on your deck for long periods of time can lead to staining and help mold grow. The longer you leave them, the harder the stains become to remove.
Leaving metal furniture and planters out on your deck or patio – if they’re wet – for too long can also cause rusting stains.
Pressure washing is a great way to remove these deep stains that are otherwise pretty difficult to get rid of, especially for South American hardwood decks (Tigerwood, Camaru, or Ipe). Otherwise, a garden hose will generally be your best bet. If tough stains simply won’t relent, get online and search for “pressure washing near me” to find a reputable contractor to help you clean your deck.
Pressure Washing – The Wrong Way
While it’s generally not recommended to power wash a composite deck yourself, it can be done – but take care to avoid damaging your deck.
Don’t get too close to the wood and don’t use too much pressure or you risk damaging the wood.
Make sure you don’t use a chlorine bleach based cleaner, either. It can be far too corrosive for a composite deck and eat away at the materials. This can lead to discoloration, surface damage, and worsening of mold issues. Here’s a quick tip: if you see Sodium Hypoclorite, the product has bleach in it. Instead, replace it with a non-toxic alternative.
Don’t get too close to the wood!
Power Washing – The Right Way
To pressure wash your deck, start with a low-pressure nozzle and preferably use a fan tip. Begin at a spot where you can check if spray is etching the wood or splintering any fibers.
Also, ensure you’re cleaning along the length of the wooden boards. This helps you to avoid any damage.
Here’s how the professionals do it:
- Ensure Pressure Settings and Tip Selection are Appropriate for the Surface – Professional pressure washers have all the right tools for the job. The settings on the pressure washer as well as the nozzle tip will be selected carefully for your specific deck surface to ensure optimal results.
- Maintain the Right Distance – Spraying too close will damage your deck. Experts avoid this by maintaining the proper distance between the nozzle and your deck. They also spray in a moderately paced motion to clean surfaces evenly so they won’t leave behind ugly lines. They know never to drop the nozzle below 12 inches away from the surface of the wood.
- Employ Professional Power Washing Techniques – Experts will use a sweeping motion, pivoting the wand with their arms to evenly clean your deck. Lateral arm movement ensures proper cleaning. They also wash with the grain and never go against it.
- Sand Wood Post-Wash – When pressure washing, professionals want to avoid damaging wood fibers. Softwood fibers tend to splinter when wet, especially on handrails. This is why experts perform sanding. This process opens up pores that allow the wood to soak up the stain or sealer applied. Typically, professionals will use 60-80 grit sandpaper to sand the deck. This results in smooth boards with very little, if any, splintering.
Searching for “Pressure Washing Near Me?” Get the Best from Peter’s Pressure Washing
Looking for a pressure washing expert to clean your deck in Tampa, Florida? You’ve come to the right place. Call the experienced team at Peter’s Pressure Washing to get the help you need for your deck stains. Contact us by clicking the button below, or call us at 813-455-3670.
Will pressure washing remove deck stains? | Peter’s Pressure Washing – Tampa, FL
