Cleaning your deck or patio can be a hassle to deal with. You’ve probably thought about letting nature wash it for you with rain and snowfall overtime for the sake of convenience. As nice as that might seem, your home isn’t going to benefit much from precipitation alone. Pressure washing your home can really enhance the overall appearance of your home with its striking appearance and curb appeal. At Harford Powerwashing, a power washing company in Harford County, we often get asked about pressure washing decks and patios and if it’s a viable option for their home. We believe that having a clean deck and patio can not only change the overall appearance of your home but can also prolong the life of your deck or patio. Let’s take a look at how to pressure wash your deck or patio and what you need to do to prepare for it.
Preparing for your power wash
Before you start pressure washing your deck and patio, it’s probably a good idea to remove any furniture or plants from the area so that you don’t risk damaging them in the process. Take care of your belongings by moving any chairs, tables, or any items out of the way. You can also cover them up with either a tarp or plastic sheets if you’re focusing on specific areas to wash. Another thing you need to do is sweep away any debris from your deck or patio to make your power washing project more convenient. Be sure you have protective gear ready when pressure washing as small pieces of debris can fly back and hit you.
The Pressure Washer
It’s important to know how to properly set up your pressure washer for your deck or patio cleaning. A lot of it is based on the material of your deck or patio and the strength or nozzle angle of your pressure washer. If your patio or deck is made out of wood, use a wider nozzle angle and try not to put your nozzle too close to the wood. Excessive pressure washing could damage it and create splinters and cracks on your wood deck. If you’re working with harder materials like concrete or brick, you can work with nozzles with smaller angles. However, you should still proceed with caution because pressure washers have a lot of force behind it, so they can etch into bricks and concrete. Do a test run with your pressure washer to see which settings work for you and if you need to make any adjustments.
The Steps
Now that we know the prep work involved in pressure washing your deck or patio, let’s put everything together into step by step guide to pressure washing your deck or patio:
- Clear the area: Remove any furniture, potted plants, and other items from the deck or patio. Cover any delicate plants or shrubs near the area.
- Prepare the surface: Sweep or hose down the surface to remove any loose debris.
- Set up the pressure washer: Fill the pressure washer with water and add any cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer.
- Test the pressure: Start the pressure washer and test the spray on an inconspicuous area to make sure the pressure is suitable for the surface.
- Begin pressure washing: Start at one end of the deck or patio and work in sections, holding the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and moving steadily across the surface. Avoid pointing the spray directly at any wooden surfaces, as this could damage the wood. If you have any stubborn stains that aren’t coming off, you can scrub the area with a stiff brush.
- Rinse the surface: Once you have finished washing, turn off the pressure washer and rinse the surface thoroughly with a garden hose.
- Allow to dry: Leave the deck or patio to air dry for at least 24 hours before using it or applying any finishes or stains.
Ready to pressure wash your deck or patio?
Harford Powerwashing is a family-owned and operated company, whose mission is to treat each customer with respect and provide superior quality power washing services. We have years of experience in the field, and we are always working towards learning more so we can bring you the best. Our team of highly trained professionals are here for you and your home/business.
Call us today at 443-206-4971 for a free estimate or you can email us at harfordpowerwashing@yahoo.com