I am preparing to clean a 10 yr neglected deck. I have a pressure washer available, but I am looking for any input on cleaners to choose. I am trying to avoid chlorine bleach and sodium hydroxide. I was wondering if anyone has used an oxygen bleach and what their results were.




Thanks,
Morrowrj

Could you tell us what material was used to build the surface of the deck. How much pressure does you washer put out. The bleaches are good for killing mold, mildew and stains but they aren't really cleaners. Please get back to us with more info.

Some years ago, I was the Hotsy Rep and we taught contractors on the use of pressure washers and sold commercial steam and pressure equpment. In general while dozens will not agree, professions do not use pressure washers for wood decks, even with wide angle tips the pressue can damage the deck. They would always use proper equpment, proper chemicals and low pressure washing.

I use a 2600 PSI, 6.5 hp pressure washer on my wooden deck, never do I use chemicals as the mildew and mold will appear again soon and when that occurs I simply pressure wash it again. While true that if you use too much pressure focused on a small area of a wooden deck, it will destroy the wood, I avoid this by using my press washer in a manner so that I don't direct too much pressure to one small area.

Fr-Chuck is correct, that's why I asked about the pressure. Too much pressure tears the wood fibers and the opens the wood grain. I never use more than 2400 psi with a broad tip fan. Behr, Olympic, Woolman all make good cleaners but we still should know the species of wood. Cedar and AC2 are very different.

I would only be using 2000 psi. As for the lumber, I believe it to be PT pine. My plan is to remove the mold/mildew in order to prep for sealing.


Thanks,
Morrowrj

PT pine is probably AC2 and the 3 brands I previously mentioned will all work well on AC2. 2000 psi is just fine for this app. Thompson Waterseal makes several products, one is the worst on the market place and the other is very good. Buy the Green can with the word wood protector on it. If you shop around you can even find it tinted. Even this will only last 2 years before a maintenance coat is needed. Thompsons red can called water seal is just total junk and actually support mildew.

Do not use more than 1,000 PSI on wood decks! Please read this article on how to pressure wash decks. (http://www.sunbritesupplymd.com/WASH/Deck_Cleaning.html)

If all that is needed is cleaning the deck what is the best cleaner to use? I am getting ready to clean a very dirty deck, almost black with dirt. I do not need to use a stripper.

For cleaning decks properly, use a sodium hydroxide based cleaner that will remove any existing sealers, and to kill mold and mildew growth.

After applying the cleaner, let it dwell on the surface for about 15-20 minutes, then using less than 1,000 PSI, rinse it from the surface.

Then, thouroughly rinse the surface after and apply a wood brightner made with an oxalic acid base to balance the Ph of the wood, allow it to dry a few days then apply a penetrating wood sealer and stain.

Do not use a linseed oil based stain that is commonly found in Thompsons, Wolman, Behr or Olympic. Linseed oil is food for mildew! Use a product like Ready Seal or another comparable product that has a tint in the sealer for UV protection and oils that will moisturize the lumber.

These are basic wood restoration procedures used by professional wood restoration contractors across the nation. Please ask a pro in your area for services like this. Use this link: Pressure washing contractor directory to find pressure washing contractors in your area. (http://www.pressurewashcompany.com)

Greetings Henry,

You are a wealth of information. Thank you.

If I have a deck that is about 700 sq ft with about 69 ft of pickets (these figures include the stairs and railings), using your process, how long would I expect it would take me to clean this deck? Is there a sq ft price to estimate this?

Depending on the equipment and cleaners your using it would take you about four hours for the cleaning and brightening. Pricing will vary depending on where you are, the skill of the contractor and the materials used in the job.

What happened to my other post that gave the basic steps and procedures?

That's weird that your post is missing. I printed that one out it was so helpful.

Well I'm glad you got, I have no idea why it would have been removed. Maybe they didn't like me listing a resource to find contractors? It's a free resource to home owners and contractors so I don't know why they would have a problem with it.

Well I'm glad you got, I have no idea why it would have been removed. Maybe they didn't like me listing a resource to find contractors? It's a free resource to home owners and contractors so I don't know why they would have a problem with it.

Henry,

I would like to speak with you sometime. I am mostly a painter but am trying to diversify. I noticed you are on the board of the PWNA. Is there a way to send me a private message here?

Thanks

Hello, I have done a few prep jobs using low pressure wash and had to finally use the higher nozzle to clean off the old sealer along with that black mold.. after that ,I stained it with a semi deck colored stain. IT took a half day to power wash and another full day to stain the ballisters /deck .I summed it up 500 bucks materials included. I guess the avg rate for powerwash deck cleaning alone is worth 200.00 per half day without cleaners or sealants etc. anyone else agree or is my fee too low ?

Hey guys, if your trying to find out how to clean and seal decks check out this article: How to clean decks at Sun Brite Supply Pressure Washers and Power Washing Supplies From Sun Brite Supply, including Pressure-Pro, Mosmatic, X-Jet, Honda, Dewalt, Steel Eagle, Big Guy, Maxima, General Pump, Cat Pump, Hansen, Rapid Reel, Neptune, Cox Reels, Suttner, Dirt Killer, and more. (http://www.sunbritesupply.com)

Hey guys, if your trying to find out how to clean and seal decks check out this article: How to clean decks at Sun Brite Supply Pressure Washers and Power Washing Supplies From Sun Brite Supply, including Pressure-Pro, Mosmatic, X-Jet, Honda, Dewalt, Steel Eagle, Big Guy, Maxima, General Pump, Cat Pump, Hansen, Rapid Reel, Neptune, Cox Reels, Suttner, Dirt Killer, and more. (http://www.sunbritesupply.com)

Henry I think each job is different but as a rule of thumb, I figure my power washer the gas the insurance my experience as to which pressure is appropriate for each job.. I have to figure 200 bucks labor + cost in materials for anything around 200 sq ft or less. And I give no guarantees as all types of wood weathers differently with age and as such, experience is worth at least 40 to 60 bucks an hr.. Using a spray applicator with the right cleaner and rinsing with the least pressure using a powerwash to get the job done. One last important tip is to be certain the customer is aware that cleaning alone is only one step and that treated lumber needs a sealant to stay clean as you mentioned for a few seasons.

Actually I'd have to say that's way under priced. A contractor that has the right equipment, cleaners, briteners, sealers and experience should be making a minimum of $150.00 an hour. I've taken almost every type of training there is for the residential pressure washing market and now I'm an instructor. I tell everyone in my classes that they should be making a minimum of $150 an hour. Most of them usually make 150-200...

Henry Bockman Welcome to the site.

This thread/post you answered is from April 3 2007

Actually I'd have to say that's way under priced. A contractor that has the right equipment, cleaners, briteners, sealers and experience should be making a minimum of $150.00 an hour. I've taken almost every type of training there is for the residential pressure washing market and now I'm an instructor. I tell everyone in my classes that they should be making a minimum of $150 an hour. Most of them usually make 150-200...

Henry come on! 150 bucks an hr?! That's more than what some doctors make! Lol seriously, I gave a customer I did roof repair work an estimate on his molding deck approx. 200sq ft for 300.00 he said the last guy he used charged him 200.00.. I reasoned the point that you had mentioned above and that power washing alone is not going to help prolong his deck. So with that ejabationing him and all, I said I'll charge 200 plus material for the powerwash/deckcleaner.. and I said if you want a sealant it is an additional 150 bucks. I think it was a fair bid.

Henry you are probably a bit too steep 150.00 200.00 per hr in these dreadful economic times?. I am lucky to bid in one of the wealthiest regions in the states. At this point in time, I will take what I can get.. 350.00 a day they buy material stain and wood cleanser.. this job doesn't require powerwashing.. it is a professional wood cleanser for a relatively clean treated lumber porch. Ty and glta.. it is getting tough not getting as many calls! Everybody must be scared to spend money these days!

Anybody checking the dates here, this post was started in 07. Please read all posts when you see something that interests you.

Anybody checking the dates here, this post was started in 07. Please read all posts whne you see something that interests you.

Sorry about that, I'll ask on an open post !