Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing What Your Deck Needs
| Deck Size | Wash Only | Wash + Brightener | Wash + Stain Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 200 sqft | Not published | See the written estimate | In that estimate |
| 200–300 sqft | Not published | See the written estimate | In that estimate |
| 300–400 sqft | Not published | See the written estimate | In that estimate |
| 400–500 sqft | Not published | See the written estimate | In that estimate |
| 500+ sqft | Not published | See the written estimate | In that estimate |
Wash + Brightener recommended before staining. Wash + Stain Prep includes sanding rough spots.
Wood vs Composite Different Washing Approaches
Wood Deck Washing
- PSI: 1,200–1,500 max (higher damages grain)
- Tip: 40-degree fan (never zero-degree)
- Direction: with the grain, 12–18 inches from surface
- Follow with wood brightener (oxalic acid)
- Dry 48–72 hours before staining
- Frequency: annually (spring before stain)
Composite Deck Washing
- Preferred: soft wash (low pressure + cleaner)
- Max PSI if needed: 1,500 with 40-degree tip
- Never use zero-degree or turbo nozzle
- Use brand-recommended cleaner (Corte Clean, etc.)
- No brightener needed (composite doesn't gray)
- Frequency: 1–2x yearly (pollen + mold removal)
What We Remove
- Green mold/algae: Common on shaded sections Virginia humidity breeds it fast
- Black mildew spots: From organic debris (leaves, pollen) sitting on the surface
- Gray oxidation (wood only): UV damage turns wood silver/gray brightener restores natural color
- Pollen buildup: Virginia spring pollen coats everything yellow film needs removal
- Ground-in dirt: Foot traffic, pet paws, mud tracked from yard
- Stain/sealer residue: Old failing stain needs removal before re-staining
Combine with Other Services
Wash + Stain: The most common combo we wash, brighten, dry 48 hrs, then stain. See staining services & pricing.
Wash + Inspection: While washing, we inspect every board, joist connection, and fastener. If we find structural issues, we'll tell you before any damage spreads. Safety inspection checklist.
Deck + House + Concrete: Bundle deck washing with house siding and driveway/sidewalk pressure washing for package pricing (save 10-15%).
FAQ
Cost to pressure wash a deck?
a written estimate depending on size. Medium deck (200-400 sqft): a written estimate.
Can you pressure wash composite?
Yes soft wash preferred (low pressure + cleaner). Max 1,500 PSI with fan tip. Never zero-degree nozzle.
How often in Virginia?
Wood: annually (spring before stain). Composite: 1-2x yearly. Virginia humidity makes annual washing important.