Your deck is an investment worth taking care of. To that end, it must be well-maintained throughout the year. Cleaning it should be one of your primary home maintenance tasks, especially before the summer and winter months. Using a pressure washer can give you exceptional results.
Sterling Exteriors, your local roof repair contractor, also specializes in other home improvement projects like siding and custom deck installations. In today’s post we discuss the steps involved in properly pressure-washing your deck.
1. Remove Debris
Start by sweeping your deck with a broom to clear dust and debris away. Use a paint scraper or putty knife to remove dirt from the gaps in between panel boards. This is also a good time to inspect the boards for any abnormalities such as rot.
2. Apply Soap to the Deck
Fill your power washer’s soap reservoir with deck detergent. Use the appropriate soap tip before operating the equipment. Then, spray the soap solution over the whole deck. Let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off. If the washer doesn’t have a reservoir, you can mix detergent in a bucket and spread it all over the deck using a push broom.
3. Spray the Deck
Outdoor living pros like us recommend washing each board one by one, working from one end to the other before proceeding to the next. This prevents overlap marks that could cause some areas to be lighter than the rest.
4. Work the Right Way
Always use the appropriate nozzle. Your choice will depend on how deeply you need to deck cleaned. The white nozzle exerts low pressure, good for general cleaning. Of course, make sure to keep the nozzle at a safe distance from the deck surface. An average distance of six inches is enough to prevent track marks or gouged wood.
For your exterior home improvement needs, turn to Sterling Exteriors. We install siding, plan custom decks and patios, and replace windows and doors. Call us today at (513) 322-4777 or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve residents of Milford, Newtown and Anderson Township, OH.