Tips for Power Washing Your Fence or Deck

Posted: October 8, 2015

Power washing on a regular basis is an affordable way to increase your home’s curb appeal and keep your fence and deck looking brand new. With power washers available on the market for rent or purchase, it’s easy than ever to keep the exterior areas of your home clean on your own. Here are few things to keep in mind when using a power washer on your fence and deck:

Keep Your Distance

A power washer is a powerful piece of equipment so it’s important to keep a safe distance from the surface you’re cleaning. When using a power washer, be sure to keep it 3 to 4 feet away from your fence or deck. Getting too close can cause damage to your property and injury to yourself or others around you.

Rinse Surfaces Off

After power washing your fence or deck with a cleaning detergent, you’ll want to rinse it off thoroughly with water to prevent leaving behind any residue. You may also want to rinse off other nearby surfaces with a hose, such as your car or outdoor furniture.

Increase Pressure Gradually

Always begin with the lowest pressure setting on your power washer. If your fence or deck is extremely dirty, you may need to increase the pressure. Make sure that you do so gradually to avoid damaging your fence or deck or losing control of the machine.

Plan Before You Start

Create a plan before you even pick up your power washer. If you’re cleaning your deck, make sure that you start closest to the house and work your way out. Move any furniture, plants, etc. out of the way before you begin.

Safety First

The most important thing to keep in mind when starting any home project is to be safe! You’ll want to wear safety goggles, gloves, and boots when power washing your fence or deck. Make sure you know what direction the nozzle is pointed towards before you turn the washer on and be mindful that even a light wind can shift the direction of water flow.

If you have questions about how often your fence or deck needs to be cleaned, give us a call – we can answer all of your questions about fence and deck maintenance!