Deck Cleaning & Pressure Washing

Deck-specific cleaning that lifts mildew, algae and gray weathering without damaging wood fibers or composite surfaces.

Deck Cleaning

Cleaning Done Right, Not Just Fast

Plenty of companies advertise a cheap, $99 "blast-and-go" pressure wash — but generic high pressure on the wrong setting can strip wood fibers and drive water into seams it shouldn't reach. We do it differently: deck-specific cleaning products and controlled pressure — generally 1,500 to 3,000 PSI through a 25° or 40° nozzle for wood surfaces — to lift mildew, algae and gray weathering safely, whether it's a wood deck, a Trex composite deck, a fence, or a boat dock.

Every deck gets tested on a small, inconspicuous area first, and we never let the wand sit in one spot long enough to gouge the wood. Once the surface is clean, we rinse away all soap and cleaner residue and let the deck dry completely before any sealant or stain goes down — skipping that drying step is one of the most common reasons a fresh coat of stain fails within a year.

Composite and Trex decking needs an entirely different approach than wood. Early-generation composite without a protective cap can mildew and stain if it isn't cleaned semi-annually, while newer high-performance Trex lines like Transcend, Enhance and Lineage generally only need soap and water or a gentle wash. In every case, excessive pressure can damage uncapped composite boards, so we adjust our pressure and technique to the specific material we're working on.

  • Safe for wood & composite decking
  • Removes mildew, algae & gray weathering
  • Controlled PSI & nozzle selection by material
  • Prepares surface for staining/sealing
  • Fence, dock & play set cleaning available
  • Landscaping & nearby furniture protected during cleaning
Common Questions

Deck Cleaning Questions We Hear a Lot

Three decades of cleaning Southeast Michigan decks means we've heard just about every question there is.

Why can't I just rent a pressure washer and do it myself?
You can, but it's easy to overdo it. Holding a wand too close or too long in one spot — especially on soft woods like cedar, or on uncapped composite decking — can gouge the surface or strip away wood fibers permanently. We use deck-specific cleaning products and match our pressure and nozzle to your exact decking material, which is the main reason a professional clean looks and lasts differently than a DIY job.
How is cleaning a composite deck different from cleaning wood?
Composite decking without a protective cap can develop mold and mildew spots that need a composite-safe cleaner and a semi-annual cleaning schedule. Newer capped composite lines, including current Trex Transcend, Enhance and Lineage boards, usually only need soap and water or a gentle wash. Either way, too much pressure can damage the surface, so we never treat a composite deck the same way we'd treat bare wood.
How often should I have my deck professionally cleaned?
Most Michigan decks do well with a cleaning once a year, ideally in spring before staining season or in fall before winter sets in. Decks under heavy tree cover or shaded by the house tend to collect more mildew and algae and may need attention more often.
Can you clean fences, docks and play sets at the same time?
Yes — we regularly clean fences, boat docks, Rainbow play sets and exterior teak furniture in the same visit as a deck cleaning, since it's more efficient than scheduling separate trips for each.