Vinyl decks offer homeowners a durable and low-maintenance outdoor space. However, like any outdoor surface, they can accumulate dirt, grime, and even mold over time. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your vinyl deck looking pristine and to extend its lifespan.
While there are various methods of cleaning a vinyl deck, pressure washing is an efficient and effective option. In this blog, we’ll explain how to properly clean your vinyl deck using a pressure washer step-by-step.
Steps of Cleaning Vinyl Deck by Pressure Washing
1. Preparation is Key
Before you start cleaning, remove all the furniture, decorations, and loose items from your deck. Mob away loose dirt and dust. This allows the pressure washer to focus solely on cleaning the deck surface and prevents any object from damaging itself under high pressure.
2. Choose the Right Pressure Washer and Settings
Opt for a pressure washer that allows you to adjust the settings. This is important for vinyl decks, as high pressure can cause damage. Always begin with the lowest pressure setting and gradually increase as necessary. This helps prevent accidental damage to your deck.
For vinyl decking, a pressure range between 1300 and 1600 PSI is generally considered safe. Refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific deck material and pressure washer model. Also, use a fan-type nozzle attachment. This distributes the water pressure over a wider area, minimizing the risk of damaging the vinyl surface.
Additional Tip: Before cleaning the entire deck, test the pressure washer settings on a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the vinyl.
3. Apply a Deck Cleaner
You can apply any deck cleaner that works to lift grease, algae, and mold from the vinyl deck, and make sure before using deck cleaner, check whether it is formulated for vinyl.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the vinyl deck for application cleaner. Often, you’ll need to let it sit on the surface for a few minutes to break down the dirt and grime, mildew, and stubborn stains.
4. Pressure Wash with Care
When you are ready to pressure wash your vinyl deck, start by holding the nozzle about two feet away from the deck’s surface at a 45-degree angle. This angle will help you lift and remove dirt efficiently without causing damage.
Move the nozzle in a sweeping motion and maintain a consistent distance from the surface. Repeat your pressure water strokes to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
5. Rinse and Inspect Your Deck
After thoroughly cleaning the deck, give it a final rinse with the pressure washer to remove any remaining cleaner or loose dirt and debris. After that, inspect the whole deck to see if there is any part you have missed and if repetition is needed.
6. Allow The Deck To Dry
Allow your vinyl deck to dry completely before replacing furniture and decorations, which usually takes a few hours in good weather conditions. Also, Avoid walking on the wet surface to prevent slips and falls.
7. Apply Vinyl Protectant
Before locating furniture and decorations to their place, apply the vinyl protectant to help against UV raises, mold, and stains. Vinyl protectant enhances the beauty and life span of vinyl decks. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before application and reapplication for better results and protection.
Wrapping Up
A regular cleaning of a vinyl deck goes a long way in maintaining it. With the above steps to clean it the right way by pressure washing, you will be able to remove the accumulated dirt and grime thoroughly and bring it back to its pristine state again.
