So You Want to do DIY Deck Cleaning?

Part 1—Selecting the Equipment As a homeowner with a deck, you know that if you want to maintain your investment you will have to periodically clean and seal it. The only question is whether you choose to hire a professional or to do it on your own. In this series of articles, we’ll explain what you should know if you’re considering taking on the challenge yourself. The first decision to make is the type of pressure washer to use. The minimum power you’ll need to effectively clean the deck is 1500 PSI (pounds per square inch). Either a hot or cold water pressure washer may be used. Many contractors will recommend using a washer in the 2800 to 3200 PSI range, but with added pressure comes added potential for damaging the deck. If too much force is applied, it is possible to remove a considerable amount of wood from the surface of the deck, leaving behind a deep gash mark. So if you don’t have experience with the equipment a lower PSI setting is preferable. There are a range of nozzle tips available. The tips convert the stream of water into a fan shape that spreads the water (and pressure) out over a wider area. 0 degrees produces a tight, concentrated and highly pressurized stream that will damage wood and should never be used on a deck. 15 degrees produces a relatively tight fan for use in tough cleaning jobs. This size is frequently used by professionals, but may be too strong for an inexperienced user. A 40 to 60 degree tip will produce wider fans that work well for home users. The next thing to consider is which type of deck cleaner to select. There is a huge variety available to choose from, including detergents, bleaches and even chemical solutions which will perform specific reactions with different types of wood. Some are biodegradable, and will not damage the lawn or flowers around your deck. The cleaner you choose will be based on a variety of factors, including the type of material your deck is made of, the age of your deck, and the level of soil. As a DIY’er, you will need to carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for a variety of cleaners before selecting the one that will best fit your needs. Finally, you need to choose the right brush. You will need a stiff bristle brush with a long handle. A synthetic brush is a better choice than natural bristle depending on the cleaning solution you choose, because many cleaners will deteriorate a natural bristle brush. Depending on the design of your deck, you may need more than one brush to adequately reach all surfaces. Next Up: Part 2–Cleaning the Deck