How to Pressure Wash a Cedar Deck
Cedar is a very popular wood used for decks. One of the main reasons for this is because cedar is a very long lasting wood and does tend to rot like most other woods. It does, however, require some maintenance such as cleaning each season and sealing once a year. The best way to clean all the dirt and debris from the deck is by using a pressure washer.
- Clean off your deck to remove dirt and debris. Pour 1 cup of cleaning agent into a bucket filled with a gallon of hot water. Pour the mixture cleaning solution right on the cedar deck. Scrub it with a large brush and remove dirt. After you have cleansed the deck, spray it down with a water hose.
- Prep the deck with an additional cleaning mixture. Mix 2 quarts of bleach with 2 gallons of tepid water in the bucket. Pour this solution onto the deck. Using the brush, spread the solution out over the entire deck. Let the solution sit for an hour and then rinse. This mixture will get rid of any mildew and it also lightens the color of the wood.
- Rent a pressure washer from a home improvement store. If you do not already own a pressure washer, they are available for rent at most large home improvement chains. Connect a garden hose to the pressure washer and then connect the nozzle to the pressure hose. Setting the pressure at 3,000 PSI, turn on your water and push the start button on the pressure washer.
- Let your deck dry before sealing. You need to wait at least 24-48 hours for the deck to dry before applying the sealant.