But if you opt to sand your deck first, the dust-raising experience can leave you squinting like a one-eyed pirate.
John Randazzo, Owner of Long Island Power Wash, says if you opt to sand your deck 1st it might achieve the desired result, but the gritty experience is less than enjoyable.
"The deep-cleaning action of a power wash will remove ground-in dirt, mold and mildew without all the mess," says Randazzo.
Randazzo recommends using at least a mid-sized pressure washer with at least 2400 pounds per square inch of pressure.
"Smaller models will work, but you'll definitely appreciate a canyon-cleaning stream of a mid- to large-sized model versus a small water pick," says Randazzo.
Are layers of moss and stains hiding the essence of your driveway, fence and walkways? The perfect tool to help is a power washer. If you already own a power washer great, if not you can rent power washers for about $50 to $70 a day. A great way to save some cash is to split the cost with a friend and share the washer. Now when you're choosing a washer, keep in mind that they come in many pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. For most smaller jobs you'll only need one with a PSI of 1500 while larger jobs require a PSI of 3000. Be sure to notice that the wand comes with varying tips for different jobs. Fan tips spray the water in a fan shape and are good for cleaning items that are closer to you, such as walkways, patios and driveways. Spear tips direct the water in a straight line and are super to use when cleaning siding or items that are much hard to get close too. The water is usually supplied to the pump by a basic household garden hose and then pressurized by a gasoline or kerosene fueled engine. The water is then forced through a wand, just like those you'd see in a do-it-yourself car wash. Water pressurized up to 3000 PSI should not damage intact paint but it will blast away layers of dirt, moss, mildew and debris. Be sure to wear safety goggles, the stuff will fly everywhere. When you begin to wash, make a couple of test passes to see how close to hold the tip of the nozzle to the surface. Really stubborn stains might need a 2nd or even 3rd pass to get the job done. Be very careful when spraying around foliage, since a blast can easily shred your plants or flowers. Spraying old mortar or pebble based surfaces can be a bit tricky too. Don't get so close that mortar or pebbles break away. Before you turn the pressure washer back in, take the time to quickly clean a few more outdoor items like decks, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, the garage floor and even garbage cans.