Your patio and deck are the heart of outdoor relaxation, but they need regular maintenance to keep them looking fresh. Over time, dirt, grime, and green algae can settle into wood or patio surfaces, making them slippery and dull. Follow this guide for effective patio and deck cleaning tips to bring your outdoor space back to life.
Deck cleaning Equipment and Cleaning Supplies
Before starting, gather these essentials:
Pressure washer (for deep cleaning) 3600 psi 15LPM minimum reccomended
Soft brush for scrubbing delicate areas ( Bac 50 biocide) ( sodium hypochlorite )
PPE, including gloves and eye protection
Step 1: Prepare the Decking cleaning Area
Begin by clearing your patio or deck of all furniture, planters, and decor. Sweep away any loose debris like leaves or dirt to prevent clogging your pressure washer and allow for a more thorough clean.
Professional tip : Pre-wet the area with water or a light batch of decking cleaner to safely break down the organic matter and dirt on the decking surface
Step 2: Choose the Right Pressure Washer Settings
Using a pressure washer is the most effective way to remove dirt and algae from decks and patios. For wood decks, set your pressure washer to a lower PSI (800-1200 PSI) to avoid splintering the wood. For patios, especially those made from concrete or stone, a higher PSI (1500-2000 PSI) is safe.
Tip for Wood Decks: Use a fan nozzle or a 40-degree tip to create a gentle, even spray.
Tip for Stone/Concrete Patios: Consider a 25-degree nozzle for a bit more pressure on stubborn areas.
Pro tip: When jet washing decking always start with low pressure first and clean with long strokes - if you pause with too much pressure you can etch the timber boards.
Step 3: Section the decking ready for cleaning
Work in sections to keep track of where you’ve cleaned and to avoid streaks. Start from one end and work methodically in rows , each row wants to be around 3-4 feet wide and clean evenly and slowly and walk down each row while jet washing end to end . Sweep the pressure washer across the surface, holding it about 8-12 inches from the surface for the best results.
Pro Tip: For more stubborn stains, spray the area with a wood-safe chemical cleaner or patio degreaser. This will help break down tough stains and make them easier to wash away.
Step 4: Apply Cleaning Chemicals to Eliminate Algae
Once the surface is clean, apply a cleaning chemical to target any remaining algae or moss embedded in wood fibers. Choose a product like BAC 50 or a chlorine-based cleaner. Spread evenly across the surface and allow it to soak for 10-15 minutes before rinsing ( if using caustic cleaners) biocide is safe to leave
Application tip : you can use a pump sprayer to efficiently apply a treatment , or pour the product into a bucket and scrub with a hard bristle brush
Safety Tip: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling these chemicals to protect your skin and eyes.
Step 5: Rinse the decking and Dry the Surface
After the cleaning chemical has done its work, rinse the patio or deck thoroughly. Work from one end to the other, ensuring that all residue is washed away. Allow the surface to dry fully before moving furniture back onto it.
you could hurry this step by using a leaf blower to blow any excess water from the surface. Or perhaps you can turn on your patio heater to speed up the drying process
Step 6: Finishing Touch – Re-Sand or Re-Seal if Needed
If you’ve used a strong cleaner, it may be beneficial to re-sand any patio pavers or re-seal a wood deck to protect the surface from future stains. For decks, applying a wood sealant will add protection and help maintain the wood’s color.
Pro Tip: Use a leaf blower at the end to remove any loose debris or sand for a polished finish.
Timber oils: If your timber boards are now looking dull once the green algae has been washed away , you can use a timber oil to replenish some new life into your decking
Conclusion: Professional-Level Results with the Right Tools
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your patio or deck clean, safe, and ready for use. While these steps are easy to follow, sometimes a professional touch can make all the difference. If you want to skip the hassle, let PressurePro handle the job with our professional-grade equipment and expert team.
View our website to see our cleaning projects and more! www.Pressureproclean.co.uk
ความคิดเห็น