Pressure washing isn’t just a great way to clean your home, but it can also help your deck. Dirt, grime and mildew can actually cause damage to your home or deck over time if it’s not removed properly. Using a power washer with the right water pressure and cleaner can blast away all the gunk on your deck and prevent further damage.

It’s important to know how much water pressure you can safely use on your deck to avoid damaging the wood or causing other issues, like warping or rotting. Generally, you want to start with a low water pressure and work your way up to something that is safe for your particular wood type. Once you have determined the proper pressure, you can then use a spray tip or chemical to clean your deck.

Before you start your power wash, make sure to remove any furniture and plants from the area and cover any areas that need to be protected. You also want to sweep the deck before pressure washing so that all debris is removed and can be blasted away by the water.

When you’re ready to start cleaning, turn on your pressure washer and place it about 2 feet away from the wood surface. Start with a standard spray tip to get rid of any loose dirt and leaves, then switch to a chemical or fan tip (depending on your wood type). Always be careful to stay away from glass windows or doors as the high water pressure can cause damage if you’re not careful.

The key to success when power washing is to go slowly and move in the direction of the wood grain. You’ll also need to pay close attention to the corners and small spaces of your deck to ensure you’re getting all the gunk off. When you’re finished, let the deck dry completely before walking on it and feel it with your hands to ensure that it is fully dry.

One of the best things about a pressure washed deck is that it is ready to be stained or sealed. While you can seal your deck without power washing, it’s a good idea to pressure wash it first to help the stain or paint adhere to the wood and last longer.

When you’re done with your stain or sealant, it’s important to wait at least 48 hours before you walk on the deck again. It will take longer than that for the stain or sealant to fully cure and become fully protective of your deck from stains, mold, mildew, bugs and more.

If you’re not comfortable handling a power washer or don’t have the time to do it yourself, you can hire a professional Fairfax power washing company to handle the task for you. A reputable professional uses a soft wash method that combines biodegradable cleansers with safe water pressure to clean your deck while protecting it from damage. They will also take the time to ensure that all the corners and tight spaces are cleaned correctly so that you don’t have any spots left over.