Get matched with top pressure washers in Tchula, MS

While power washing isn't a requirement before you stain a fence, it can make the job much easier and faster while reducing manual labor requirements. The stain will not work if the wood is full of dirt and dust, so power washing, sometimes called pressure washing, is a fast and effective way to prepare the wood for staining. Remember that you need to stain or repaint relatively soon after the wood has dried so that there isn’t time for dust and dirt to build up again. 

On average, pressure washing a house can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. The time frame to pressure wash or power wash your home, fence, or other property depends on the size of the project and the complexity and accessibility of the areas that need cleaning. Part of the time required to complete the job includes setup and removal of equipment needed. A two-story house with a steep roof may require working from scaffolding or a ladder, likely adding to the time required to finish the project. 

You should never use bleach in a pressure washer. While bleach is effective at killing mold and mildew, it is a potent chemical that can corrode the machine's seals and nozzles, destroying it from the inside out. Additionally, pressure washing with bleach sprays the chemical into the air, which is dangerous if inhaled and can kill nearby plants, flowers, or harm animals that ingest it. If you need to remove mold or mildew, it is best to hire a professional who will use a safe and effective cleaning agent.

Yes, pressure washing a wood deck can be a good idea as it effectively lifts ingrained dirt, mold, and mildew, improving the deck's appearance and longevity. However, it must be done carefully, as it's easy to damage the wood, especially softwoods. To pressure wash safely, use a lower pressure setting and a wide, 40-degree fan pattern nozzle (often white). Keep the nozzle at least a foot away from the wood surface and maintain constant motion, avoiding hovering in one spot to prevent gouging.