Deck in your home can enhance its beauty and will be a great way to relax.
But, what to do when it gets dirty or attacked by mildew?
Scrubbing with the hand is not a good idea. Then how to clean it?
The best method is to pressure wash it.
The pressure wash is a method which uses a high amount of water pressure so that water can be spread in the whole area so that that force can remove the dirt and grime. But before using it, one has to know the correct procedure.
Here we are guiding you the right procedure.
Things you should know before Washing
Difference between Pressure Washing and Power Washing
Many people confuse these two things. However, they are entirely different. Power washing is more for the area, which is big, like long driveways and uses harsh chemicals.
But for the decks and patio, the pressure wash is recommended because it is safer and doesn’t use any harsh chemicals.
Selection of the Right Cleaners
For effective power washing, it necessary to purchase the right cleaner. Always choose those who can specifically power washes the decks and make them disinfect the surface, so read the label you will get the idea.
When to Do
The ideal time to do pressure washing is in spring/fall. But if you are planning to do it in winter. Then make sure that the temperature is not below the freezing point.
Taking Precautionary Measures
There are chances that the high pressure can cause you injuries or other complications such as allergies. It is recommended that you always wear goggles, protective shoes, long sleeves, shirt, full pants, and avoid wearing jewelry.
Taking away all the Extra Stuff
First of all, It is necessary to remove the furniture or other things. Moreover, if you have a plant on the side, then water it and cover it with plastic. Because pressure can destroy it.
Choosing the Power Washing
There are two types of power washer available in the market. One is electric, and another one is gas power washing. If you do not have the pressure washer, then it is best to hire one.
Moreover, if you are planning to buy then purchase the electric one, it will be great for the small areas and on the softwood. Another advantage is that because it can be used for other purposes as well such as car washing and furniture washing
On the other hand, the gas power washing will be ideal for the large areas, and the hardwoods and also need fuel to run.
Pressure Washing
Supplies
- Deck washing detergent
- Plastic cover
- Sand paper
Clean the Debris
The pressure washer does a significant job. But to clean out the dirt and leaves, you need a stiff broom to clear out the leaves and other garbage also.
Which Nozzle to Chose
There is the various color of the nozzle available for different purposes. Mostly you get the information from the manual, but if the manual no has given, then use a blue or black nozzle for spreading the soap. The spray speed, which has used, is 65 degrees.
Furthermore, while cleaning the dirt, you can install a green nozzle for cleaning the dirt and other light garbage. But for deep cleaning, you will need a yellow nozzle of the speed are 25 and 15 sprays, respectively.
Moreover, the idea of using a spray pattern is that the water can be widespread.
Determining Pressure
If your deck has made up of softwood such as cedar and pine, you can apply 500 to 600 per square inch. But for harder woods, it can be more but have not to exceed from 1200 per square inch.
But first, you have to test the power washing on the areas which are not visible. After that, start it from the lowest speed and then gradually increase it.
Filling the Soap
Most power washers have a separate section to add the detergent. Place your cleaner in that area. If the space for adding the detergent has not given, then you have to form the mixture of soap in a container and spread it with a broom.
If you are planning to apply bleach, then pour it manually don’t put in power because it may destroy its rubber.
Now connect the hose with the pressure and start your pressure. Spray till the whole deck is covered with the soap after that leave it for 30 minutes
Applying Soap
As has mentioned, you have to start it for the lowest. Apply the soap on the whole area of the deck in the form of strokes. Follow the nozzle instruction, as mentioned above. After that settle the soap for 15 to 20 minutes
Washing Procedure
Concentrate on each stain of the deck and wash it separately. Moreover, don’t move to the next section before dealing with one section. Furthermore, give a special section to the cervix and the corners of the deck.
Use the different nozzles while washing either green or yellow depending upon the amount of the dirt and cleaning requirement.
Position of the Power Wash
It is necessary to maintain the correct position of the power washer. Because it can also cause damage to the wood, maintain appropriate distance between the power wash at least 18 inches. You can get a little bit closer to the power washer if the spot is not removing 12 inches.
Final Touch
Now install the white nozzle and to clean out if any particle or debris is remaining. Position a nozzle in the way that the garbage can be wiped off.
Dry it up
The deck will take 1 or 3 days to dry completely. If you are planning to do any staining, then wait until it is completely dried.
Sanding
Although with excellent consciousness, damage of the wood does not happen. But still, due to power wash, the wood will become rough. Thus sanding is the best procedure to apply.
There are two ways for sanding one is spot stain, and the other option is sanding on the entire deck. Use 60to 80 grit of sandpaper
For Removing the Paint on the Deck while Power Washing
Changing the look is essential from time to time of the home, so why not for your deck, but you have to remove the paint entirely so it will not look dirty or ugly here is the procedure.
Supplies
- Bristled brush or scrapper
- Paint stripper
Removing the Furniture
You have to take out all the objects from the deck, such as the chairs and tables. Furthermore, if you do not take off something such as bulky furniture plants or flowers, you can cover it with plastic.
Peeling off the Paint
You can use the iron bristled brush or scraper to remove the paint, hold the scrap in such a position that it can directly face to and apply mild to moderate pressure so it can be taken off.
There are also some electrical tools are available for removing the paint. You can also choose if your wood can tolerate it.
Applying Paint Stripper
No matter how hard you try to remove the paint but still, some amount will be left.
Hence, you have to use a paint stripper. You can use a paintbrush for applying the stripper work on the section of 10 by 10 foot
The reason for dividing the area is that the stripper can be used on every nook and corner of the deck appropriately.
Power Wash
Now start washing the deck with pressure. The pressure is recommended to be around 1200 to 2000 (psi) but not more than 3000 because it can damage the wood.
Distance between the Power Washer and the Wood
Maintain appropriate distance usually between 16 to 24 so that the wood can be damaged and you will get the effective result.
Moreover, as it is mentioned above, divide your deck into parts so that it makes the removing procedure easy and effective.
Drying Time
The time of drying is 48 hours. You should make sure that the deck has been completely dried before applying any paint.
Tips for Power Washing
- Power washing is a long procedure and often causes fatigue. Hence it has advised taking the break between the washing will save you extreme tiredness.
- Don’t do power washing directly on plants.
- Read the manual of the machine carefully for the operation.
- Be careful in making the right choice about the nozzle.
- Make sure the power washer can get an adequate amount of power supply.
Conclusion
Power washing your deck is not such a difficult task. For effective power washing, keep in consideration the techniques for choosing the right nozzle and applying the correct amount pressure.
One important thing to keep in mind is to always take precautionary measures before washing.