Wood decks require regular pressure washing. There’s no two ways about it. It is part of the regular maintenance schedule.
If you’re doing it yourself and looking to buy or rent a pressure washer for the job, then you be thinking about what size you need.
There are a lot of factors that come into play while choosing the right pressure washer. So, let us see in this article on how to choose the right pressure washer to clean your deck.
Pressure washing is a great way to clean off years of dirt, grime, and gunk from your deck. But what size pressure washer do you need to get the job done? In this blog post, we will compare electric pressure washers vs. gas pressure washers and help you figure out which one is best for you. We will also discuss how to maintain your pressure washer and give you five steps to refresh your deck and make it look new!
What size pressure washer do i need to clean a deck?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the size of your pressure washer will depend on the size of your deck. However, we can give you some general guidelines to help you choose the right size machine.
If your deck is less than 500 square feet, an electric pressure washer will be more than adequate. You may need a gas-powered pressure washer if your deck is larger than 500 square feet. Keep in mind that the bigger the machine, the more powerful it will be, so choose one that can handle the size of your deck.
The correct psi (pounds per square inch psi) for your pressure washer is also important. If you are starting, then try around 2600 psi. This will do a decent job of cleaning off years of dirt and grime without causing any damage to the wood on your deck!
Electric Pressure Washers vs Gas Pressure Washers.
Let us examine the difference between electric and gas pressure washers.
Electric Pressure Washer are more environmentally friendly and easier to use than gas pressure washers. They also run quieter but don’t have as much power or cleaning ability as gas-powered units. Another thing about electric pressure washer is that they can only be used indoors or near an outlet.
Gas Pressure Washers are louder and harder on the environment than electric models, but they can generate up to four times the amount of water pressure as electric ones do. Gas pressure washer also tend to cost more than electric models, although both types of machines range in price from $100-$500 depending on their size and features.
Another thing about gas pressure washer is that they are not allowed to be used in some areas because of the fumes they produce and can cause respiratory problems for people who are sensitive to these types of emissions.
The main difference between electric and gas power washers is that electric ones are powered by a cord, while gas models run on gasoline. Electric pressure washers are typically more compact in size and lighter weight than their gas counterparts, making them easier to move
The Best Power Washer for Your Deck
We all know how hard it is to clean your deck, especially if you have a large one. The best way to get the job done is with a pressure washer.
The Best Pressure Washer for Your Deck will be an electric model because they are more environmentally friendly and easier on the ears than gas models. They also have a longer life span than gas models and are not as likely to cause any damage to your deck.
How To Maintain A Pressure Washer?
There are three things you need to know about pressure washers, and how they work: firstly, what kind of maintenance they require, secondly what type of fuel should be used in them and lastly how often this should happen.
You can use a pressure washer to clean your house, driveway or deck and it’s not hard at all! It is also very important that you know the correct way to maintain these machines so that they work properly for many years to come. If you do not take care of them, then they will break down sooner than later and cost more money in the long run!
Here are some tips on how to maintain a pressure washer:
- Use only clean water when filling up your machine’s reservoir tank with fresh liquid – this means no saltwater or other chemicals because they can corrode the machine’s inner workings
- If you are using a gas pressure washer, make sure to use fresh fuel and mix it properly – otherwise, your engine may not run correctly or start at all.
- Check your hoses for leaks on a regular basis and replace them if they show any signs of wear and tear
- Clean the filter screen once every few months with soap and water to remove dirt buildup from inside your machine’s reservoir tank.
- Clean all of the nozzles after each use so that they are not clogged up when it comes time for another job (this is especially important if you have a gas-powered unit).
- When storing pressure washers, make sure to keep them in a dry place and do not leave the fuel inside the machine – this will help to extend its life.
Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance for a pressure washer involves two things: cleaning the machine and changing the oil.
Cleaning your pressure washer is a very simple process – you just need to use a brush or hose to clean all of the dirt and debris off of it. Be sure to pay special attention to the filters, as they can easily become clogged up with dust and other particles.
Changing the oil in your pressure washer is a little more complicated, but it’s still not too difficult. You will need to purchase an oil filter and some new motor oil (either two-stroke or four-stroke), then follow these steps:
- Unplug your machine from the power source
- Drain the old oil from the engine by turning it over and letting the oil run out
- Remove the oil filter and replace it with the new one
- Pour in the new motor oil (make sure to follow the directions on the container for proper mixing ratios)
- Start up your machine and check for any leaks
Pressure Washer Repair and Troubleshooting
If your pressure washer is not working properly, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the problem.
The first step is to check the power source – make sure that it is plugged in and functioning correctly. If it is, then move on to the next steps.
Next, check all of the hoses for any leaks or cracks – these can cause air to escape from the system and prevent water flow.
Finally, if there is still an issue with your machine after following these steps then you may need to take it into a professional repair shop for further inspection and repairs.
Five steps to refresh your deck to make it look new
Step One: Sweep the deck
Before you start pressure washing, it is important to sweep the deck and remove any large debris or leaves. This will help to prevent clogging of the nozzle on your pressure washer and also ensure a clean finish.
Step Two: Reset your nails and screws
Before you start working, make sure that all of your nails and screws are tight. This will help to prevent splintering during the process as well as making it easier when painting or staining later on down the road. If any of them need tightening then do so now before continuing with step two!
Step Three: Clean the wood
Clean the wood with a deck cleaner to get rid of any dirt, mildew or algae. This will help to achieve the best possible results when pressure washing and also increase the lifespan of your deck.
Step Four: Pressure wash
Now it’s time for the fun part. Be sure to start at one end and work your way down. Remember, never go over an area twice unless it is absolutely necessary because this can cause damage to the wood if done repeatedly (and we don’t want that).
Step Five: Take precautions to protect your plants and grass
While pressure washing is great at removing dirt, grime, mildew or algae from wood surfaces it can also cause damage to plants if done incorrectly. To prevent this make sure that you are using a white nozzle with an adjustable spray pattern so as not to blow water directly onto any plants nearby (or even worse yet –
FAQs
Is pressure washing enough to clean a deck?
No, pressure washing is not enough to clean a deck. You will need some sort of cleaner such as Simple Green or Deck Cleaner to assist with removing dirt and grime from the wood surface before power washing it off afterwards.
What PSI should I use for cleaning a deck?
The recommended PSI when cleaning a deck is around 1500-2000.
What is the average cost of pressure washing a deck?
The average cost for pressure washing a deck is $350-$400, which includes materials and labor. This can vary depending on your location as well as other factors such as size (or square footage) of the area that needs to be cleaned and what type of cleaner will be used (i.e., deck soap vs . Simple Green).
What is the best way to clean a wood fence?
The best way to clean a wood fence is by using pressure washing with an attached detergent sprayer or even just some water mixed in if you don’t have one handy. You can also use a stiff brush on any areas that need more attention.
Can I use a power washer to clean my concrete driveway?
It is not recommended to use a power washer to clean your concrete driveway as this can cause damage and etching. Instead, try using a broom or hose with a spray attachment.
How often do I need to clean my deck?
It is recommended that you clean your deck at least once every six months or so. This will help keep it looking good as new and lengthen its lifespan by preventing any rot from forming on top of the wood surface due to mold or mildew buildup over time (which can happen when left unchecked). If needed, you can also clean it more often depending on your specific situation.
What is the best way to store my pressure washer?
The best way to store your pressure washer is by using a pump saver or inhibitor which will help keep the pump in good condition for future use. You can purchase this separately or some brands (such as Karcher) will include it with the machine. Also, store your pressure washer in a dry and cool place when not in use.
Can I clean my vinyl siding with a power washer?
It is not recommended to clean your vinyl siding with a power washer as this can cause damage and etching. Instead, try using a broom or hose with a spray attachment.
What is the best way to clean my driveway?
The best way to clean your driveway is by using pressure washing with an attached detergent sprayer or even just some water mixed in if you don’t have one handy. You can also use a stiff brush on areas that need more attention.
Bottom line
A pressure washer is a great tool to have in your arsenal for cleaning all sorts of surfaces – both big and small. Just be sure to use the proper attachments, settings and precautions when working on delicate areas (like plants or wood) to avoid any damage. And always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual carefully before using!
Happy Cleaning!