Your deck is exposed to all of the elements, including dirt and natural grime that can build up over time. If you have painted the exterior of your home, and your deck to compliment, you may find yourself in need of some tips for power washing a painted deck.

There are certain things you do not want to do:

– You want to make sure you avoid using a power washer at close range. This can damage the paint and cause it to fade or peel.

– Avoid using really harsh chemicals, as well.

– Don’t leave furniture, décor, or plants on the deck if you can help it. Anything you can move should be removed from the area, and anything that cannot  be removed should be covered up.

– Avoid trying to clean your painted deck on very windy days so that the risk of debris infiltrating your cleaning system is lower.

When you’re ready to start washing, follow these tips for power washing a painted deck:

You will need:

– A bucket

– Unscented dish detergent

– A garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment

How to Power Wash Your Deck

1. Fill a mop bucket with about 3 ounces of unscented dish detergent. Mix with water until you have a soapy mixture and either use a mop, or splash the mixture to spread it around the deck. We recommend using a mop on larger areas.

2. Let the soapy mixture sit on the deck for about 5 to 10 minutes and soak into the grime and dirt, but don’t wait much longer than that.

3. Connect the spray nozzle attachment to your garden hose and spray the soapy mixture off of the deck. If your spray nozzle attachment has adjustable speeds, start spraying on medium and only switch to high if medium is too weak to remove the dirt and grime.

This should take care of the majority of the filth on the deck. If you find you still have a mess, here are some tips for washing a painted deck with stubborn grime and muck:

1. After following the above steps, get a long-handled cleaning brush with soft bristles.

2. Mix 1 or 2 ounces of dish detergent and water.

3. Dip the brush into this new soapy mixture and gently scrub the grime in circular motions. Go slowly so you avoid scratching or removing paint.

Looking For Help?

These tips and tricks will help you wash your painted deck without a blast washer or harmful chemicals that may affect your paint. If you need professional assistance or find that your grime is too stubborn, TalkLocal can help you by connecting you with a qualified handyman in you area, when you need one.