Gray decking is not worn out wood, it is usually a thin layer of dead fiber, mildew and pollen sitting on top of perfectly good lumber. A correct wash takes that layer off and the color underneath comes back. Too much pressure does the opposite: it furs up the grain and leaves wand marks you will see every summer for years.
On wood we soft wash first, then apply an oxalic acid brightener. The brightener neutralizes the cleaner and pulls the warm tone back out of the board, which is the step most people skip and the reason a professionally washed deck looks different from a rented pressure washer job. It also opens the wood up properly if you plan to stain.
Composite and vinyl get a lower strength mix and a softer touch. Composite in particular holds a film of mildew in its embossed grain, which comes off with dwell time rather than force. Railings, spindles, lattice, stair risers and the top cap all get done along with the deck floor.
Furniture, grills and planters need to come off the deck before we start, or at least be moved to one side so we can work in halves. We do not move heavy items, both because of the risk to your property and because a grill full of grease is not something anyone wants dragged across clean boards.
Our process
- Soft wash cleaning on wood, composite and vinyl decks, fences and railings.
- Oxalic brightener applied to wood after cleaning to bring the tone back.
- Lower strength mix on composite and vinyl so the finish is not dulled.
- Surrounding plant life rinsed before and after.
- Ready for stain or sealer once it dries, usually two to three days later.
Cleaning before staining
If you are staining or sealing this season, wash first and give the wood a couple of dry days. Stain applied over mildew locks the mildew in, and it will bleed back through within a year.
We do not stain, but we work alongside customers who do it themselves and painters who do it for a living. Tell us the plan and we will time the wash so the deck is ready when the stain goes on.
Fence, Deck and Composite Cleaning questions
Can you clean a composite deck without dulling it?
Yes. Composite is cleaned at low pressure with a weaker mix and longer dwell time. Pressure is what dulls and scars composite, so we leave it out of the equation.
Will the gray come out of my wood deck?
Almost always, as long as the boards are sound. The brightener step is what restores the warm color; cleaning alone leaves wood looking clean but pale.
Do you clean vinyl privacy fence?
Yes, along with aluminum and wrought iron. Vinyl fence usually reads dramatically better after a wash because the algae shows so clearly against white.
Other services
Want a price on fence, deck and composite cleaning?
Free quotes across Canfield, Boardman, Poland, Youngstown and the rest of the Valley. Josh answers the phone.