Deck Washing in Lake and McHenry County

Pressure washed at a low setting with a wood-safe solution. Too much pressure raises the grain and leaves wand marks that show through stain for years. The solution lifts the gray and the green, and everything is rinsed. The boards, rails and stairs are all cleaned.

Sun breaks down the surface fibers of wood, and they turn a silvery gray. Shade and wet leaves add mildew on top, which is the green and black. A wood-safe cleaner lifts most of the gray layer along with the mildew, which is why a washed deck looks closer to new wood and takes stain evenly.

Composite looks like it should not need much, but mildew settles into the grooves of the textured surface and turns it dark. Low pressure and a cleaner bring it back without scarring the boards.

Wash first, then give the wood time to dry, usually 48 hours in summer. Many customers book the wash a few days before they or their painter stain, so the wood is clean and dry on the day.

Decks are priced by size on the instant quote. Small is up to about 200 square feet. The $400 visit minimum applies, so most people add the deck to a house wash or a patio wash.

• Clear the furniture, grills, planters and rugs off the deck.
• Close the doors and windows that open onto the deck.
• Keep pets inside until the boards are rinsed.

Spring, before the deck gets its summer use, or early fall before the furniture goes away for the winter. Plants next to the deck are soaked before and rinsed after, the same as on a house wash.