{"id":25177,"date":"2021-06-28T08:12:13","date_gmt":"2021-06-28T15:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/?p=25177"},"modified":"2025-10-28T10:01:21","modified_gmt":"2025-10-28T17:01:21","slug":"how-to-power-wash-a-deck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/how-to-power-wash-a-deck\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Steps to Power Wash a Deck Without Damaging It, According to the Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"

If your deck has weathered over the years \u2014\u00a0its once-vibrant desert tan or chestnut brown color fading into a silvery gray tone \u2014 re-staining can extend its lifespan without requiring a full replacement that could cost you upward of $14,000<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But before you can add that fresh layer of stain, you\u2019ll need to get the surface sparkling clean for a smooth application. When the layers of dirt and grime are too thick and embedded to remove with a simple broom sweep and spray-down, the pressure washer can be your best friend, so long as you know how to use it properly.<\/p>\n

For expert guidance on how to power wash a deck, we turned to John Amabile<\/a>, owner of A&J Power Washing of Staten Island, New York, which also serves Brooklyn and northern New Jersey. Amiable has been in business for 30 years and is a member of the Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island.<\/p>\n

In addition, top-selling real estate agent Edward Kaminsky<\/a> of Manhattan Beach, California, offers his own real estate pro tips, as well as insights into how taking care to power wash and refresh your deck can vastly improve your home\u2019s marketability at resale.<\/p>\n

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get your deck looking like new? Follow these steps!<\/p>\n

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1. Select the right power washer<\/h2>\n

To clean a deck, some homeowners choose a washer with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi<\/a>, the same as washing a car. HGTV recommends working with the lowest pressure that cleans your deck materials gently: about 500 to 600 psi for soft woods<\/a> like cedar or pine, and up to 1200 to 1500 psi for pressure-treated wood<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Amabile likes a 2000 psi machine, which Home Depot rents for $38 per day<\/a>. You\u2019ll need a wide nozzle of 15 or 18 degrees. These are typically either green or yellow.<\/p>\n

Pro tip:<\/b> Although people tend to use the terms \u201cpower washing\u201d and \u201cpressure washing\u201d interchangeably, they\u2019re different processes that involve different equipment<\/a>, according to Fixr.com. Both create high-pressure water from a garden hose, but a power washer heats the water; a pressure washer does not.<\/p>\n

While the cost of power washing and pressure washing is roughly the same, each has its advantages and disadvantages<\/a>. Power washing is quick, but the hot water might break up fragile or deteriorated wood. Pressure washing is milder on fragile surfaces, but it might not remove heavy soil or mold and mildew as well as power washing. If you\u2019re unsure about what your deck can withstand, consult with a professional first.<\/p>\n

2. Use a deck brush to pre-treat the surface<\/h2>\n

Before you put that power washer to use, see what you can achieve with some suds and water. Amabile recommends pre-treating your deck by applying a mixture of water and mild dish detergent or non-toxic oxygen bleach with a deck brush<\/a>, he says. If you have a composite deck with no worn-in grime, no power washing is necessary; just rinse away these suds with a garden hose.<\/p>\n

3. Practice using the equipment<\/h2>\n

Check the instructions included with your power washing equipment, and practice using it on an inconspicuous area, such as a stair tread, at low pressure. If you\u2019ve never used this type of equipment before, you can easily score concrete if you don\u2019t know what you’re doing, Amabile says. \u201cYou could even damage a house, especially if it\u2019s stucco. You\u2019ll put a hole in it,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also want to be careful to keep the water away from the house to avoid mold issues.<\/a>\u00a0\u201cIf you\u2019re spraying it toward the doors, it could create a mold situation. Houses are not waterproof,\u201d Kaminsky adds.<\/p>\n

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Source: (Delia Giandeini \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Prep the area<\/h2>\n

Before you begin power washing, cover any electrical components, light fixtures, and nearby plants<\/a>, Lowe\u2019s recommends. (The water won\u2019t hurt the plants, but the pressure might.)<\/p>\n

In addition:<\/p>\n