Deck cleaning may look like an easy task, but it is far from being so. It is highly recommended to hire professional help while pressure washing your deck but if you are a keen enthusiast who believes in DIY. Here is a few things to be kept in mind while doing.
Before pressure washing your deck, you should ensure that is prepared properly. A properly prepared surface makes the end result more effective and beautiful. To prepare the deck, you have to remove or peel off any prior wood sealing. If the deck has not been sealed for the past five years or so, you won't have to undergo this arduous process. Really deep cleaning would be enough. The best way to check this is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the deck. If it gets soaked up you don't need to strip and if it doesn't get soaked up, there is work for you.
You can either clean the surface of the deck first and then do pressure cleaning for the purpose of washing it off, or you can mix the detergent or the cleanser in the pressure washer and start off with your cleaning. In the latter case make sure that you use a very good quality detergent. Home made detergents can play havoc with your pressure cleaner. It is also important to give the detergent sufficient time to do its job. Let it settle on the dirt area for some time before pressure cleaning it. You will be surprised as to how effective this process is.
Wood surfaces can get damaged very easily so it is very important to know the distance at which to keep the nozzle while pressure cleaning. It is best to begin to pressure cleaning by holding the nozzle at least 3-4 feet away from dirty surface. You can reduce the distance as and when you get accustomed to the device. The pressure also needs to be moderate so as to avoid "furring" the wood. The ideal pressure should be a minimum of 3-4 GPM at approximately 300PSI-1000PSI for the deck.
While electric pressure washers are best for house cleaning, cleaning cars, garage floors and outdoor furniture, pressure washing on the deck should preferably be done by a gas power washer. Before you begin washing remove all furniture and any items that may be lying nearby. Completely seal all electrical fixtures and jacks etc before you begin to pressure washing.
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