That silver-gray on an untreated deck is UV-damaged surface fiber plus mildew. It comes off with low pressure and the right cleaner — brightening the wood back toward its natural color.
Pushed too hard, the same job furs the grain: the soft summer wood blows out and the hard grain stays, leaving a surface that feels like a cat's tongue and drinks stain unevenly forever.
Slower and gentler is the only correct answer on wood. It takes longer. That's the job.
If you're staining afterward, the wash is the most important part of the whole project. Stain applied over mildew seals the mildew in, and it'll bleed back through within a season.
Wood also needs to dry properly before stain goes on — usually 48 hours of decent weather. If you're hiring someone to stain, get them on the calendar with that gap in mind and tell us the date so we can time the wash.
Proof
Questions
We don't stain. We clean and prep it properly so whoever does stain it gets a surface that will hold, and we're happy to coordinate timing with your stainer.
Usually. Composite mildews in shaded, damp spots — people are often surprised, since it's sold as low-maintenance. It cleans up well with low pressure and the right solution.
Most residential decks are a half day. Larger multi-level decks with railings and stairs can run longer — railings and balusters are where the time goes, not the deck floor.
What people say
Matthew at Williams Pressure Washing Co. did a fantastic job on our home. He cleaned our driveway, patio, PVC fence, and the north side of our house, completely getting rid of all the built-up algae and grime. His attention to detail is top-notch. He was extremely careful around our landscaping—even moving potted plants further away than we already had. Highly recommend!
Excellent work and a great price. Services exceeded expectations!! They took excellent care of the flagstone and brick. The exterior of the house has never looked better. Thank you!
Also available
Soft wash for vinyl, brick, stucco and hardboard. Removes the green and black growth that Georgia humidity puts on every north-facing wall.
See house washing →Those black streaks are algae eating your shingles. Low-pressure treatment kills it at the root without walking your roof into an early replacement.
See roof soft washing →Surface-cleaned, not wand-striped. Oil, rust, clay stains and the algae that makes a walkway slick after rain.
See driveways & concrete →Free estimate, same-day answer, no sales visit.
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