So I’ve had a lot of decks this season so far. Just wondering what every bodies method is for a basic wash of a deck that has no stain.
BermudaOne Pressure Washing & Restorations
Richmond, VA
804-617-1488
Almost the same as basic wash for everything else. Downstream a slightly hot house wash mix, easy on the surfactant. Dwell. Rinse at about 450 psi from about a foot away.
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So you use SH on wood?
BermudaOne Pressure Washing & Restorations
Richmond, VA
804-617-1488
If they want it clean, yes. Rinse well afterward.
3 gal sh
2gal h2o
5 oz simple cherry
Nick Giordano
CleanPro
636-686-7137
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Ok cool thanks!!
BermudaOne Pressure Washing & Restorations
Richmond, VA
804-617-1488
I have never been able to clean a deck by downstreaming, unless it was painted or sealed. Maybe we’re not thinking about the same thing.
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Good point Josh.
We would assault the deck you show with roof mix but it would be described as nasty, neglected, not maintained, way over due.
Which is not what I pictured when op asked about Basic Deck Wash.
Our basic wash is a gentle clean up in between stainings by (other) professionals.
Normal house wash mix with maybe a bit more SH. Dwell for 10 mins. Rinse with soft pressure, like 600 PSI or less.
Sh deff dries out the wood and gives it that un natural gray color. I use f-10 which is a percarbonate cleaner and f-8 neautralizer/brightener. You can get them both from bob at pressure tek.
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That would be a waste of time and money, wouldn’t it?
When I was a deck guy, I wouldn’t dare use SH on wood. That’s only because it was early on and it wasn’t acceptable in many pros eyes. There were debates every day. I opted for sodium percarbonate and oxalic or citric acid as a neutralizer. NOW. Some of the same pro guys that are still doing it advocate SH when used responsibly. I have tried it on the few wood fences and decks we see here in Fl. and it works just fine. Just don’t make the mix too hot or you will fuzz up the deck. Do not let it dry, keep the wood wet and it will clean up nice. When you are done, downstream a batch of oxalic acid and you are golden. I think a basic house wash mix and the proper dwell time will do just fine.
That’s exactly the info I needed. Thank you so much!
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I use Renew-All from Southside Equipment. I mix it at 10:1 for basic cleaning and apply with a pump up sprayer to already wet wood. Let dwell 10-15 min and rinse. It works great and can used at 3:1 as a stain stripper. I have never had much success with using a regular house wash but then again I haven’t done many decks that were already fairly clean. Most of the time the deck is trashed when they finally want it clean.
Hi Tim please explain to me since im a begginner… actually almost a begginner… what is a hot house wash mix and what surfactant do you use;
Also, since im looking for a pressure washer to do mainly softwashing…which machine should i get… knowing that I will be using it 2 or 3 times a month to complement my window washing; I was thinking of the dewalt direct drive at 4gpm and 4200psi; I really appreciate it… any other advice would be welcomed… thank you…billy
Billy,
A hot house wash mix is just strong. What is in your regular house wash?
I use Roof Snot and eLemonater for soap/surfactant.
The machine you refer to is ok for homeowner use but would limit professional growth…
I’m not Tim but by “hot” he means the ratio of sodium hypochlorite to water. For instance 2 gallons of 12% SH to 3 gallons of water is fairly standard. 50/50 SH to water is "hotter and 3 gallons SH to water is a really “hot” mix.
As far as the Dewalt machine goes it’s fine for what you want to do but it actually not a Dewalt. It’s a Honda motor with a [COLOR=#000000][FONT=Verdana]Triplex Pump. My advice is figure out your budget first and then look at the suppliers in our industry like Southside Equipment, KEC Supplies, Pressure Tek, Powerwash.com or any of the others who could more than likely get you a better machine and help you set it up for downstreaming which is what you would have to do with the Dewalt anyway. Their ads are always at the top of the page.[/FONT][/COLOR]
Tim, I dont got a house wash mix … im really just starting now …im clueless about the whole thing… Im getting ready from now for next year since here in Montreal winter is on its way. Last year I got a window washing contract with the pressure washing … i gave the pressure washing out to a friend of a friend… im thinking that next year i could do both … it woul be worth it even if i only got this 1 house!! so im looking to learn and invest in a machine… but since im in Canada I dont have access to getting a machine delivered to me.from the USA … Im willing to invest about 1500$… for the machine… what do you think Tim …thanks
Thanks for the help much appreciated Steve…
I think somebody in Canada sells commercial grade machine. This is a perfect time to start setting up for next year. Begin reding now. Get a big ole notebook and start educating yourself. You’ll be ready come spring.
