Power washing is a popular hose cleaning technique to clean outdoor decks, brick and other surfaces that can withstand the intense pressure of the powerful spray. You can buy a power washer for your own personal use, rent one by the day, or hire house cleaning professionals with a power washer to do the cleaning for you.

Using a power washer to clean your outdoor deck in the spring can remove all the accumulated grime, dirt and stains that have built up during the winter and leave your deck looking brand new.

Here, then, are some tips on how to use a power washer to clean your deck most effectively in the spring or any time of year:

• Use the Proper Tip — Power washers typically come with a variety of different nozzles or tips that can be attached to the hose. One is for lowering the pressure and drawing out detergent, a second is for high pressure rinse at different angles of spray. A wider angle nozzle can be used to remove debris such as leaves, sand and dirt.
• Use the Appropriate Chemicals — Make sure you use a chemical cleaning agent that is approved for use with the material from which your deck is made. Using the wrong type of chemical can bleach out color or stain your deck. If you aren’t sure, check the manufacturer’s website or call the person who originally installed your deck.
• Test the Power First — Start spraying a few feet away from your target then slowly bring the power washer’s wand to three to four feet from the surface you want to clean. Move the wand side to side a few times to check that the power washer is cleaning the surface.
• Pause Before Rinsing — Typically, the first spray will be to apply the chemical cleaning agent to the deck. Wait about 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing the cleaner away with the power washer.