We often get calls from homeowners worried about how to clean their deck without damaging it. This concern usually comes from those who previously owned cedar or hardwood decks, where using a pressure washer too close to the surface could cause serious damage.
With composite and synthetic decking materials, however, you have much more flexibility. A pressure washer can be safely used as long as it’s applied correctly. The key is combining the right cleaner with the right tools.
- Choose a good deck cleaner and mix it in a bucket.
- Use a coarse, stiff-bristle brush (not a soft car-wash style brush) to scrub.
- Wet the deck, then scrub thoroughly to remove pollen, dirt, and buildup.
- Follow with a light pressure wash over the surface to rinse everything off.
This method is much faster and more effective than relying on pressure washing alone, and it keeps your deck looking fresh without risk of damage.
