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How to clean and prepare a deck

Over time, your deck can become discoloured by dirt and grime and the effects of sun. Cleaning with a pressure washer will prepare the surface for painting or staining. A medium duty pressure washer and deck cleaning solution is what you'll need to do the job.

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6 STEPS
 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

STEP 1

Set up your pressure washer according to the manufacturers' instructions.

STEP 2

Pour the cleaning solution into the detergent container.

It's a good idea to wear goggles to protect yourself from splashes. Use a low pressure detergent tip to apply the deck cleaning.

STEP 3

Work in identifiable sections, cleaning a few boards at a time.

Clean railings from the bottom up. Let the solution work for 5 or 10 minutes. Switch to a low pressure tip to wash off the solution. Empty the detergent dispenser, and purge the pressure washer.

STEP 4

Test the cleaning power in an inconspicuous place.

Begin rinsing off the solution.

STEP 5

Start at a distance and move closer as necessary.

Clean a couple of boards at a time, working with the direction of the grain. To clean the railings, start at the top, and work down. This will prevent the formation of streaks.

STEP 6

Wait 48 hours before applying stain, paint or water repellant coating.