At Cleantech, we’ve seen plenty of decks—sun-baked, weathered, green with moss, and stained with everything from barbecue grease to dirt. Whether you’re in Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Hilliard, or surrounding areas in Central Ohio, our team knows that a clean deck is more than just aesthetics—it’s about longevity and safety too. Here’s our friendly, professional guide to getting your deck power washed right.
Why Power Wash Your Deck?
Your deck is exposed to all kinds of elements: rain, snow, UV rays, foot traffic, and whatever else the season throws at it. Over time, this adds up. Power washing helps:
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Remove built-up dirt, grime, algae, and mildew.
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Restore the natural look of your wood or composite material.
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Prevent slipping hazards caused by slick moss or mold.
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Prepare the surface for sealing, staining, or renewing.
At Cleantech, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Central Ohio renew their outdoor surfaces for over 20 years. When your deck looks and feels better, your entire outdoor living space benefits. A little pressure-wash and you’re not just cleaning—you’re giving your deck a fresh lease on life.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before you get started, let’s gather everything so you don’t end up halfway through and realize you’re missing something.
Tools and materials checklist:
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A pressure washer (preferably one with adjustable pressure settings).
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Protective gear: safety glasses, gloves, closed-toe shoes.
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Deck cleaner or a mild detergent (check that it’s safe for wood or composite).
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A stiff brush or deck-scrub broom.
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Garden hose (for pre-rinse and final rinse).
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Sealer or stain (if you plan to finish afterward).
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Tape or drop cloths to protect nearby plants, siding, or furnishings.
One note: If you’re working with older wood, soft wood, or delicate railings—you might want to go with a lower-pressure setting or even a soft-wash approach. At Cleantech we tailor our approach depending on surface type and condition—you don’t want to strip or damage your deck.
Prepping the Deck for Cleaning
Preparation matters almost as much as the cleaning itself. Miss a step now and you may have streaks, damaged boards, or a messy rinse.
Step-by-step prep:
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Remove all furniture, planters, rugs, and grill gear from the deck.
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Sweep off loose debris: leaves, twigs, and dust.
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Inspect the deck for nails or screws that are raised—hammer or tighten them down.
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Cover nearby plants, siding, windows, and light fixtures to protect them from runoff.
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Check for weak boards or structural issues. If it’s not stable, fix it before you wash—you don’t want to create further risk.
By prepping well, you reduce the chance of water damage, stray spray hitting siding, or runoff sinking into garden beds. Cleantech always takes time during prep to ensure no unintended consequences—because performing the job properly means doing it right from beginning to end.
Power Washing: Step by Step
Now the fun part: actually power washing the deck. Let’s walk you through it calmly and thoroughly.
How to do it:
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Pre-rinse: Run a light spray over the entire deck to wet it down. This loosens dust and surface dirt.
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Apply cleaner: Following manufacturer instructions, apply the deck cleaner. Let it sit for the recommended time (usually 5–10 minutes) but don’t allow it to dry on the surface.
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Scrub if needed: For stubborn areas (green moss in shaded corners, barbecue oil stains), use a stiff brush to agitate.
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Pressure wash: Use a fan tip (25–40°) and hold the nozzle about 12 to 18 inches off the surface. Move evenly with the grain of the boards. Don’t focus too long in one spot—this can gouge wood or force water deep.
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Final rinse: After cleaning, do a broad rinse of the entire deck with low pressure to remove residue.
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Let it dry: Ideally 24–48 hours of dry weather before you walk on it or apply any sealant.
A few pro tips:
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Always keep the wand moving—never linger in one spot.
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Work from top to bottom if the deck has multiple levels.
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Avoid using too high pressure on softwoods like cedar or pine; you risk causing damage.
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Choose a time when the deck won’t dry too rapidly in direct sun—doing it early morning or late afternoon works best.
At Cleantech, our technicians are trained to pick settings tailored for each surface type to maximize cleaning while minimizing risk. When you’re dealing with exposed outdoor wood, you want care and precision—not just brute force.
Aftercare: Sealing & Staining for Longevity
Now that your deck is clean, you have a choice: you can leave it looking natural, apply a clear sealant, or go for a stain-color for extra weather protection.
Why it matters:
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Clean wood is more receptive to sealers and stains. A deck washed properly holds its finish longer.
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Sealing helps repel water, prevent cracks, and reduce UV damage.
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Choosing the right finish can save you from major restoration efforts down the line.
Your aftercare options:
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Clear sealant: maintains natural look, good for well-maintained cedar or exotic wood.
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Transparent or semi-transparent stain: gives a light tint and visible wood grain; offers moderate color.
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Solid stain: more like paint; full color coverage, hides grain a bit, but requires good prep.
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Reapply every 2–3 years (depending on sun exposure, traffic, weather) to keep optimal protection.
At Cleantech, we don’t just wash and leave—you’ll often hear our team offer insights on finishing too. If you’re looking for a one-stop solution (clean + seal), we can handle that. A clean deck today means fewer headaches tomorrow.
When to Call the Pros
While many homeowners are comfortable tackling a deck themselves, there are times when professional help makes sense.
Consider pro help if:
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Your deck has severe discoloration, deep oil or grease stains, or signs of rot.
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The deck is older, delicate, or made of mixed materials (wood + composite + metal).
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You’re preparing the deck for sale or need it in top-condition for curb appeal.
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You’d rather avoid the hassle of equipment rental, disposal of runoff, and potential DIY mistakes.
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You’re in Columbus, Gahanna, Westerville, Powell, or another nearby Central Ohio community and want reliable local service.
At Cleantech, we’ve been trusted in Central Ohio for two decades for a reason. From free quotes to responsive scheduling, our friendly crew brings experience and expertise every time. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d prefer the pro approach.
Service Area & Why We’re Right for the Job
We’re based at 9118 Antares Ave, Columbus, OH 43240 and serve homeowners and businesses throughout Central Ohio. Our service area continues to grow thanks to our reputation for safe, thorough, and eco-conscious cleaning.
Our service area includes, but is not limited to:
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Columbus & Greater Columbus
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Delaware
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Dublin
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Hilliard
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Gahanna
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Westerville
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Powell
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And surrounding areas
If your deck needs cleaning and you’re in these neighborhoods and nearby, you’re in good hands.
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Deck cleaning is not just about washing away the grime—it’s about restoring beauty, protecting your investment, and enjoying your outdoor space with confidence. Whether you plan to DIY or bring in pros, remember: prep well, use the right equipment, and pick finishes that last.
When you’re ready for expert help, Cleantech is here. We combine friendly service, deep local experience, and a commitment to doing it right. We’d be happy to provide a free quote, walk you through options, and help your deck shine.
Ready to get started?
Call us at (614) 279-3787 or visit our Contact page to schedule your deck cleaning.
Want to learn more about our company, our team, and our approach? Visit the About Us page.
Check our full Service Area page to confirm we serve your neighborhood.
We look forward to helping you enjoy a cleaner, safer, more beautiful outdoor space with Cleantech.
