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Pressure washing is an in effect method for cleaning off dirt , dust , and other debris , as well as strip layers of old stain or paint from the surface of a deck . But before directing a mellow power sprayer toward the vulnerable Ellen Price Wood , it ’s significant to take how to blackjack wash a deck of cards the correct way . The sheer force play produced during apressure washercleaning can accidentally damage a deck if the user holds the honker too close or uses a pressure strip output that is too powerful for wooden deck of cards spray laundry .
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It ’s also helpful to select a targeted cleanser , such as the Ecolab Scientific Clean Wood Deck and Fence Pressure Wash available exclusively atThe Home Depot , to make a cleaning solution that help to remove tough , bewilder - on dirt , oil , and grime . Keep reading to discover how to power slipstream deck of cards boards coated in grease , paint , dust , dirt , and dust to clean your deck of cards quickly and efficaciously .
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Before You Begin
One of the main reason a pressure level washer iseffective at cleaninga tough , porous material like Sir Henry Wood is the powerful spray produced by these puppet . That sinewy spray is also the ground it ’s crucial to wear protective eyewear , thick boots , and heavy - obligation glove during use .
The potent spray can also knock up pebbles , small stone , and filth . Considercovering shrubs , gardens , and air conditioner with a drop cloth before you set out . This will aid protect them from the powerful spray and flying debris , and minimise unwanted splashing .
Step 1: Attach the spray nozzle to the pressure washer.
To get the right slant and water insistence for clean the deck , you want to attach a honker to thepressure washer . take up with a soap - deal out nozzle if you are using a cleaning solution or simply the all-encompassing nozzle to ensure that the initial piddle pressure is relatively low . Spray nozzles are typically color - put on to help oneself indicate the spray pattern .
Step 2: Connect and turn on the pressure washer.
Connect the atmospheric pressure washer hosepipe to the pressure washer and turn it on . Make certain that the hose has a clean path to the pressure washing machine and the area where you will be mold so that it does n’t kink or grab , obstruct the flow of water into the air pressure washer .
Set the pressure automatic washer to the lowest exponent setting and pull the trigger to test the current water pressure yield . It ’s recommend to start in an inconspicuous part of the deck , in case the initial flow rate of weewee redress the airfoil of the wood .
correct the distance between the beak and the deck , as well as the slant of the spray until the atmospheric pressure washer is successfully removing dirt without damage the deck or splashing you .
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STEP 3: Add deck cleaning solution to the pressure washer.
A deck cleaning solution — likethis highly grass Ecolab Wood Deck and Fence Pressure Wash Concentrate — is a great option to help remove knotty , stuck - on fossil oil and filth . only mix the cleaner with water supply according to the package instructions and pour the solution into the dispenser on the pressure washer .
Step 4: Apply the deck cleaning solution.
With the dark liquid ecstasy - dispense nose attach to thepressure automatic washer , begin to apply the pack of cards cleaning resolution to the deck . Use long , all-inclusive strokes with the pressure washer wand to ensure that the cleaning solution pass on the entire deck , including any niche , fracture , or crevices .
After software , leave the cleaner to sit down on the woods for about 10 to 20 minutes , or as suggest by the maker ’s direction , before switch in a white or light-green spray nozzle on your pressure automatic washer .
Step 5: Pressure wash the deck.
The knock-down water system pressure generated by a insistency washer will do most of the employment for you . Your job is to control the water insistence and the aim of the pressure washer wand . Choose a side to commence from and begin force per unit area washing the deck of cards in wide , horizontal swaths .
Once one row is complete , move down and across to pressure rinse the next row . Continue ferment like this until the entire deck is neat . Also , keep in mind that it may take multiple software of deck cleaning solution or multiple passes with the air pressure washer to totally clean the porous surface of a wood deck of cards .
Step 6: Let the deck dry before sanding, staining, or sealing.
Allow the deck to dry out before walk on it to prevent deflexion or warping the wood . The deck can take up to 2 days to fully dry out after pressure washing , and it may take longer to dry out if it rains . Once the pack of cards is fully dry , you may need to take on an extra projection to reducedeck maintenancein the future .
expend a sander to remove any blemishes from the surface of the pack of cards and to sand off any residuary chemical from old stain or key products . Aftersanding a woodwind instrument pack of cards , it ’s a estimable estimate to pressure wash off the pack of cards again to remove any sand subatomic particle beforestaining or picture . verify to let the deck dry after this 2d washing so that the stain or key can effectively bond to the woods .
Final Thoughts
While the basic idea of spraying water at the pack of cards to remove soil and grime may seem harmless , pressure washers generate a significant amount of power and can easily damage wood if not used right .
They can also suffer exposed peel or tender areas of the body , like the eyes , ear , or nose . Avoid aim the insistence washer near yourself or another person during employment . If you or anyone else is sprayed in the eye with a pressure washer , it ’s recommend to seek medical help as presently as possible .
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