Has your deck been maintained properly? If not, it could come back to haunt you. While decks are supposed to be relaxing places to spend your free time, they will eventually become dirty and uncomfortable. That’s because they are constantly accumulating debris—but don’t worry because by learning how to power wash a deck, you can free it from the clutches of grime. Learn how this process works with Golden State Window Cleaning and restore your deck’s former glory!
Need professionals in Lafayette to clean your deck for you? If so, reach out to us and let us know. Our full-service deck cleaning is the perfect choice for home and business owners alike.
Step #1: Choosing a Time and Date
If you want to learn how to power wash a deck, you’ll need to set aside enough time for the work. Cleaning your deck isn’t the sort of work you can complete in a few minutes. You will need hours to dedicate to the process. If you rush the deck power washing process, you’ll compromise the quality of the final results, and you obviously don’t want that.
We recommend giving yourself four to five hours for the deck power washing process, especially if it’s your first time doing the work. Choose a day when you aren’t swamped with appointments and responsibilities—that way, you can dedicate your full focus to the work.
Step #2: Obtaining the Right Equipment
To learn how to power wash a deck, you’ll have to purchase the correct equipment. So, what exactly will you need for the work? We’ve included a list for your reference below.
- Pressure Washer. This specialized piece of machinery connects to a water source, pressurizes water, and sprays it through a hose, allowing for high-pressure cleaning.
- Broom and Dustpan. It’s important to sweep your deck before pressure washing it so you can remove large pieces of debris ahead of time.
- Detergent/Cleaning Solutions. A simple pressure washing detergent, as well as cleaning solutions like sodium hypochlorite, let you break down debris with ease.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget to protect yourself during your appointment. We recommend wearing goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Step #3: Clearing the Deck Ahead of Time
Before you can learn how to power wash a deck, you’ll need to clear the area. Start by removing any furniture, grills, decorations, and other items from the deck. You’ll want to temporarily relocate them—that way, they don’t get in the way of your work. This also ensures that you don’t accidentally damage them with pressurized water. They’ll be well out of range.
Don’t forget to sweep your deck, too. Why? This lets you eliminate any pebbles (or other large pieces of debris) ahead of time. That way, they aren’t launched by jets of high-pressure water. You might save a window or windshield from getting cracked this way.
Step #4: Cleaning Solution Pre-Application
In many cases, your deck will have tough stains on it. These blemishes may put up a fight during the power washing process, but don’t worry because we know you can get a leg up on the competition. By applying sodium hypochlorite to your deck ahead of time, you’ll break down these stains so they can be more easily removed.
To apply sodium hypochlorite, spray an even layer of the substance across the deck (you can do this with a pump sprayer). Then, wait fifteen minutes for the chemical to break down debris. Once this time has passed, grime should be significantly weaker, and you can advance into the power washing phase of the work.
Step #5: Power Washing the Entire Deck
It’s taken a while to get here, but now, it’s time to power wash the deck—every square inch of it! Remember to always keep a firm hold of the hose, and maintain a distance of two feet from the deck while spraying it. We recommend working in a row-by-row pattern, overlapping each pass to ensure your deck’s complete cleanliness.
As you go, you’ll be able to witness your deck’s transformation for yourself. Watch as debris is rinsed away and beauty is restored!
Challenges of DIY Deck Power Washing
You can absolutely learn how to power wash a deck on your own. However, you need to understand that this work isn’t necessarily easy. There are many challenges you’ll encounter along the way, and being able to overcome them is essential to your success. Some of these difficulties include:
- The time and energy cost. Doing your own power washing demands your time and energy. This may be in short supply if you already have a busy schedule.
- The learning curve. Familiarizing yourself with power washing equipment isn’t easy; are you prepared to learn how to use it?
- The risk of injury/damage. If you mishandle power washing tools, you could damage your deck, or even worse, injure yourself.
Benefits of Professional Deck Power Washing
If you schedule professional deck cleaning services from Golden State Window Cleaning, you’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:
- Avoiding the DIY process. When our experts power wash your deck, it means you don’t have to. Spend your time and energy in other ways!
- Higher-quality results. We know how to do power washing the right way. Expect your deck to look stunning after we’ve finished our work.
- Fair prices. Golden State Window Cleaning is committed to providing our community with reasonable prices with no hidden fees attached.
Get Started With Golden State Window Cleaning
If you’re ready to schedule our deck cleaning services, don’t wait to get in touch! Contact us online today with information about your project. We will give you a free cost estimate for your project based on its overall size. Then, if you like our asking price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment.
Golden State Window Cleaning is excited to be at your service. We’ll power wash your deck to your complete satisfaction—that way, you can get back to relaxing evenings on your deck without having to worry about the filth. What’s not to like?