It is recommended that you have your deck pressure washed either biannually or annually, according to Fine Homebuilding. Pressure washing helps to remove the buildup of dirt, dust, and pollen that can accumulate on your deck, while also removing any algae, moss, or other types of growth from the surface. If you've never washed your deck before, there are a few reasons why most opt to hire experts to maximize the results and prevent damage. Here are three things experts will know regarding pressure washing.

1. The Correct Way to Treat Stains or Spots

Before they pressure wash a deck, contractors should always treat any stains or spots that may be present. If you have a synthetic or vinyl deck, a mixture of bleach and water may work to pre-treat stains and spots. If you have a wood deck, even dish soap, laundry detergent, or wood cleaners can act as pre-treatment applications.

2. The Perfect Temperature for the Water

There are different temperature settings to get your deck clean. While you may think that the hotter the setting, the better it will be for cleaning, this isn't always the case. If you have a wood deck that is older or made from a softer wood, our professionals will keep your water setting to around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot water can damage older hardwood decks or softwood decks.

3. The Ideal PSI Setting for Your Deck

Lastly, if you're an amateur, you won't always use the correct pressure setting for your deck. According to The Spruce, for softwood decks, such as pine or cedar, the setting for pounds per square inch (PSI) should never exceed 500 to 600. For vinyl decks, the pressure setting should never exceed 1500 PSI. Using too much pressure could irreparably damage your deck. Not to mention that using that much pressure could seriously injure you if you're not used to handling heavy equipment.

Having your deck professionally pressure washed is one of the best ways to keep the deck looking its best. This maintenance task can also help to extend the lifespan of your deck. If you're not sure how to pressure wash the deck correctly, you're very likely to damage it or hurt yourself if you attempt to handle this project on your own. As such, we always recommend hiring experts who specialize in pressure washing. Here at SoftWash Solutions, we're the experts to trust who'll get your deck sparklingly clean. Call us today for an estimate.