Get matched with top pressure washers in Oakes, ND

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. 

Most deck lumber is softwood that you can easily damage with the spray from a power washer. Most power washers, though, have a lower pressure setting that’s relatively safe for deck materials if you’re careful to hold the nozzle at least a foot from the surface and continue moving without hovering in one area. 

The amount of pressure required to wash your siding depends on the material. Vinyl siding, as well as brick and stone exteriors, can handle high pressure of 2,500 to 3,000 psi, especially if you’re not worried about damaging paint. Wood and aluminum siding needs a gentler approach and shouldn’t face more than 1,500 psi.

The best soap for a pressure washer is a mild multi-purpose cleaning agent. Mild dish soap works, but make sure to dilute it with a 1:4 ratio of soap to water to avoid clogging your machine. Sometimes you won’t even need a detergent when using a pressure washer. It all depends on how grimy your furniture is to start with.