When warmer months arrive, you’ll want to spend as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors. If you have decking installed, it creates the perfect place to gather with loved ones and soak up the summer sun. However, decking can be susceptible to mildew growth and wear over time.

One of the best ways to maintain your decking and keep it clean is to wash it yearly. Power washing is a popular choice for cleaning and preserving decking, as it removes stubborn buildup of contaminants like mildew. Discover our guidance on how often you should get your deck washed and uncover the benefits of professional power washing.

Decking Maintenance and Cleaning Timeline

Clean and well-maintained decking requires annual maintenance, especially if your area is more susceptible to harsh weather conditions. Here is your recommended decking maintenance and cleaning timeline:

Spring: This season is the best time to schedule a comprehensive treatment and get your decking ready for summer. Use this time to organize your patio furniture, power wash your decking and reseal its coating.
Summer: During high-traffic months, avoid significant maintenance and keep to light surface cleaning. Sweep up dirt and leaves regularly during this time to prevent buildup, and avoid scheduling sealing or coating appointments during hotter months.
Fall: Since decking is often used most during the summer, it will need proper maintenance at the end of the season. Fall is the ideal time since you can prepare for harsh winter weather.
Winter: Winter is not the ideal time for significant maintenance. Sweep as regularly as the weather permits and watch for moisture buildup.

When to Clean Your Decking More Often

While a seasonal guide will work for most homeowners, some decking conditions may require more frequent cleaning and maintenance. The following factors also impact how often to get your deck washed:

Climate: If you live in an area with higher rainfall and snowfall or hotter summers, you may need to treat and clean your decking more frequently to prevent moisture buildup. Power washing removes contaminants like mildew that result from moisture buildup, while preventing new buildup from collecting.
Landscape: Decks under or near dense vegetation are susceptible to increased dirt buildup from leaves and wildlife. If your decking is under a tree, for example, you will need regular maintenance and cleaning to extend its lifespan.
Age: Older decking with cracks and crevices can collect moisture, dirt and grime more easily. Keeping your decking clean as it ages also prevents buildup from masking more significant damage.
Material: Your decking material will dictate how often to clean it. Wooden decking requires more frequent cleaning and maintenance due to the risk of moisture buildup.

Is It Safe to Power Wash Your Deck?

Not all power washing is the same. While pressure washing can pose potential disadvantages for decking, the professionals at Perfect Power Wash use the soft washing technique to remove dirt from your decking with safe pressure and biodegradable cleansers. Pressure washing is an effective way to strip paint and other materials. Soft washing, on the other hand, utilizes appropriate pressure and relies on high-quality cleansers to gently lift dirt and grime.