Over time, your deck inevitably gets stained by dirt, mildew, pollen, and general grime that make it look dingy and weathered. But you restore it to looking freshly installed again in just an afternoon using a power washer. Follow this complete beginner’s guide to walk through the entire power washing process from start to finish. With a little care, even first-time users achieve professional-looking results. To wash a deck efficiently and safely, you will need.
- Pressure washer – Either gas or electric will work, but aim for at least 3000 PSI and 2 to 4 gallons per minute flow rate for adequate cleaning power.
- Pressure washer hose, gun, and nozzle set – A 25-40 foot hose and wand equipped with adjustable pressure and fan spray nozzles.
- Cleaning solution and pump sprayer – Look for a deck cleaning concentrate you can pre-treat with.
- Step ladder or extension wand – For safely reaching second-story or high spaces while washing.
- Eye and ear protection – Goggles and work ear muffs for safety during operation.
- Chemical-resistant gloves and boots – To protect skin and feet when handling cleaning agents. Neoprene coated are best.
- Brush broom with sturdy bristles – For supplemental scrubbing only in problem areas.
Set up and test the power washer
During cleaning, set up your pressure washer outdoors on a level surface near an outlet if using electricity. If you are using a gas model, fill the tank with fresh unleaded fuel to avoid running dry mid-wash. Use a proper fuel stabilizer if you won’t run the tank dry. Ensure the high-pressure hose is securely connected to the washer unit and screwed tightly onto the spray gun wand. Test the trigger mechanism on the wand and inspect for leaks. Select a fan spray nozzle angle of 15 to 40 degrees for power washing delaware needs. Turn on the water supply and activate the washer. Verify stable water pressure and test spraying into open ground, adjusting the nozzle for the optimal spray pattern. Aim for concentrated penetrating spray, not dispersed mist. Also, confirm detergent injection works if applicable.
Clear any furniture or items from the deck
Before washing, carefully move any patio furniture, planters, rugs, or other items off the deck area to prevent damage and allow unobstructed access for cleaning. This also avoids pushing dirt around surfaces and trying to work around stuff. Choose a dry sunny day without rain in the forecast for at least 24 hours following power washing. Never pressure wash water-saturated wood as forcing moisture deeper risks warping, cracking, and mold growth. Always verify wood moisture is 12% or less before wet washing.
Work in sections starting from the top level
When pressure washing delaware your deck, start from the highest floor and work your way down in sections methodically to prevent dripping onto already cleaned lower areas. Apply detergent solution, let soak, then thoroughly rinse off only 2-3 decking planks separately before moving lower. Consult your washer manual to determine the optimal cleaning distance from the wood surface based on your model’s psi rating. Positioning the nozzle too close risks damage while too far reduces effectiveness. The sweet spot is typically 8 to 12 inches between the wand and the deck.