Project education
Washing a Fence or Deck Before You Stain
New stain on dirty wood does not hold well. Cleaning first removes mildew, dirt and loose old finish so the stain can soak in.
Gentle on wood
Wood fibers can be raised or gouged by too much pressure. Washing wood uses lower pressure and the right nozzle, kept moving with the grain.
Old finish
If the old stain is peeling, it may need to come off before new stain goes on. Ask whether that is part of the job.
Let it dry
Wood needs to dry fully after washing. Check the stain maker's directions for timing and weather; humid days slow drying.
Plants and hardware
Cover plants near the fence line, and note gate hardware, lights and anything attached to the wood.
Composite decks
Composite boards are not stained, but they still benefit from cleaning. Follow the manufacturer's care directions.
Next step
Tell us whether you are cleaning a fence, a deck or both, and we will help you plan it.