To clean a terrace, some homeowners choose a washing machine with a pressure range of 1,300 to 2,400 psi, the same as for washing a car. Get product recommendations from HGTV publishers, plus unmissable deals and discounts. If you are planning to buy a pressure washer to clean covers, you should opt for a pressure washer with at least 3000 PSI of power. The reason behind this is that it would be quite difficult to clean the terrace with a 2000 PSI pressure washer compared to a 3000 PSI power one.
If you only want to clean small areas, such as cars, driveways, patios, and other small areas, 2000 PSI is sufficient, but it's not acceptable if you want to do the main job of cleaning covers. Using a pressure washer with a higher PSI is recommended if you have to clean a large platform or if you are trying to remove oil or grease from the concrete floor. A pressure washer will remove dirt and contaminants embedded in the wood at the same time as spraying on a deck stripper to clean old finishes. Removing cleaner residue is much easier with a pressure washer than with a garden hose, as it expels the cleaner out of the wood rather than simply diluting it.
Applying too much pressure or holding the tip too close to the wood can damage the surface. Choosing the right pressure washer and operating it with the correct pressure setting are the first keys to properly washing a platform. However, if you are going to use a pressure washer, the next section will tell you the correct techniques. Rinse the coating with clean water at very low pressure (approximately 500 psi) to remove any excess stripper or polish (photo).
Use a cleaning solution to scrub the dirty terrace before removing foam and dirt with a pressure washer. Routine pressure washing will keep the terrace free of dirt accumulation, dislodge leaves and other debris trapped between the boards, and help maintain the beauty (and safety) of the terrace. Brush over persistent mold or other stains several times instead of increasing pressure or trying to scrub the wood hard. It will help you clean different surfaces and it will also save you time and money in the future, since you won't have to buy another pressure washer soon after buying this one.
When you're sure you have the correct pressure setting, work from the house to the outside and make sure you keep a constant distance while keeping your arm steady and sweeping, working with the grain of the wood. If washing produces soft, raised wood fibers, you will need to sand them before staining the freshly cleaned platform.
