How to Wash a Deck and Fence: Does Soft Washing Damage the Wood?

How to Wash a Deck and a FenceIs your deck or fence looking less than ideal?  Wish you knew how to restore your deck and fence to their beautiful and durable former glory? Well, you can by professionally washing it.

Not sure how to wash a deck or fence, or worried of accidentally ruining your wood by soft washing incorrectly? We’re covering everything you need to know about washing your deck. So, you can safely restore your deck and fence’s beauty in no time.

How to Wash a Deck and Fence

Regular washing and maintenance of your deck and fence are important. If you don’t do this, they’ll end up looking like an unkempt eyesore. However, washing these two areas can be time-consuming and labor-intensive, and doing it incorrectly can cost you a lot in property damage.

When it comes to deck washing, there are two general ways of approaching it: soft washing and pressure washing. Both have their pros and cons, as well as unique considerations you should keep in mind as you employ them. Here is what you should know about these two distinct washing types.

Soft Washing

Soft washing is a washing technique in which the tip of the pressure washer is replaced with one that widens the spray. This drops the point of pressure for washing. This technique also uses a different type of special cleaning solution that lets you more effectively attack the dirt and grime on the surfaces of your deck and fence.

Many people soft wash their deck and fence because it’s an eco-friendly solution that won’t strip the protective coating on your deck and fence. It’s not a technique that’s recommended for every type of surface. In fact, you should try to reserve using it for the following types of soft surfaces:

  • Outdoor wood furniture
  • Screens and enclosures
  • Vinyl siding
  • Wood panel siding

In general, soft washing shouldn’t damage your wood, but it does take time and patience. If you have one of the soft surfaces listed above, it’s a washing technique that’s worth exploring.

Pressure Washing

Many people often turn to pressure washing because it’s an extremely effective way to clean a variety of surfaces, but it’s not something amateurs should be doing. Pressure washers push water out at such a high rate that if you misuse them, you can damage your deck or porch, or even injure yourself

Pressure washing is most often used for surfaces like walking paths, patio furniture, and anything with deep grooves, but it is a great option for decks as well.

If you want to go with power washing, we recommend you hire a professional team that can deliver great results at an affordable price. They’ll guarantee that only trained technicians are using safe technology and techniques to address the issue.

Before you hire a team to pressure wash your deck or fence, ask friends and family for a referral and try to get estimates in person. Need more tips? Review these quick tips on how to avoid making costly mistakes.

Ready to Wash?

With all of the washing techniques and services available today, there’s no need to have a less than stellar porch or deck. By learning how to wash a deck and which washing technique you should use when, you can have your home looking better in no time.

Need professional washing services but not sure where to start? Contact us today for a free quote to get started.