To make your deck area safe, railings are installed along the deck surface. Not only deck railing provides protection but also enhances the outlook of your space with a unique touch.
There are so many types of railing available in the market. Although the deck along railings is easy to install, they utilize a big portion of your budget so you wouldn’t want to destroy it at any cost.
To keep them maintained and in real glory, one must follow general cleanliness rules. As addressing the issue in time is better than curing the aftermath later.
Below in this article, we’ve briefly addressed the issue and explained all the aspects you may follow to keep the deck railings clean without any damage.
Especially, when exposed to weather severity railings get beaten along the deck surface. In such situations, general cleaning might not work and you’ll opt for pressure cleaning.
Before you pressure wash the deck railing you must know how to use a pressure washer on the railing. Otherwise, you may damage or splinter the deck railing. Keep on reading to learn more about it.
Also Read: 5 Best Electric Pressure Washers For Deck Cleaning and Washing
Know the type of railing:
Before cleaning the deck railing, you must know what type of railing you are facing. As different styles are cleaned with different approaches and react differently.
Here are the types of deck railing commonly available in the market.
-
Wood
Wood railings are most commonly used in deck space. To clean wood railings you can either use deck cleaners for gentle cleaning. Or if the condition of the railings is worsened you can pressure wash them at low pressure with wider angle nozzles.
Always start from the bottom and then move upward to observe the performance of the washer. Whether it is cleaning the surface without splinters or not.
If the pressure washer is causing splintering it means that you are exerting too much pressure, you have chosen the wrong nozzle type, or lastly, you may have kept the washer too close to the wood railing.
Ensure to keep a distance between riling and the washer of at least 10 inches.
-
Composite
Composite railings are a combination of wood and plastic and are very delicate. Never exert harsh pressure on such railings.
You can use a degreaser to remove grime from it. If the stains are rigid, use a soap nozzle as it does not throw high pressure and will be safe to use on composite railings.
-
Vinyl
Vinyl railings are getting more fame day by day as they do not require high maintenance. Remove the dirt and use a damp cloth or spray water through a garden hose to clean it.
Vinyl railings also withstand pressure washing at low pressure. In most cases, you won’t require that much extensive cleaning.
But if it requires pressure washing then use a fan-tipped nozzle at low pressure.
-
Aluminum
Aluminum railings are easy to clean and can also stand pressure washing. But ensure your safety as water may reflect.
Keep the distance between the pressure washer and aluminum railings. And similarly, start from a low setting and then may increase the pressure depending on the situation of the railing.
How To Pressure Wash the Deck Railing
Deck railings that haven’t been cleaned for a long time can undergo pressure washing. But you have to be very careful while doing it as it may damage the railings in the process.
Pressure wash the deck railing with fan-tipped nozzles on low pressure. Then you may increase it slowly by observing the condition of the railing. If it starts splintering do not increase the pressure.
Also, ensure a general rule of thumb and keep a minimum distance of 10 inches in between the railing and washers.
General washing:
Step 1:
Start by sweeping the grime and dirt away from the railing using the usual cleaning approaches. Start from one corner and then move forward in a pattern. If you follow this technique, you will get quick and better results.
Step 2:
Use a garden hose or any other convenient water supply to rinse off the railing with clean water. Spray water in corners for thorough cleansing.
Step 3:
If there are any tough stains to deal with you can use mild soap or cleaners to get rid of them. Watch your surface spots you’ll notice stains melt off easily without putting much effort.
Step 4:
After cleaning it properly with water and soap, dry the railing with a towel or other drying fabric. Do not leave it damp for a longer time.
Best practices:
- Avoid placing heavy objects along the railing.
- Don’t exert high pressure on deck railings.
- Clean regularly deck area. Do not let debris and grim stay on it for a long time.
- Avoid using sharp objects or scratch sheets.
- Avoid using bleaches or rough cleaners.
FAQs:
-
How to deal with mold and algae?
Green buildup in the form of mold and algae looks unpleasant to the eyes. To remove them you can use foam cleaning pads to scrub the grime down. Or you may also use pressure washers with low settings to remove them with water pressure.
Conclusion:
Cleaning deck railing is a fragile job you have to be careful doing it. You can avoid extreme cleansing if you maintain its cleanliness regularly. It also depends on the material of the deck. Each type behaves differently with the different cleansing methods.
Before using chemical or pressure cleansing, make sure the surfaces are compatible with your opted option. As long you follow guidelines you can save the railing from any damage.
Related Articles:
How to Pressure Wash The Deck Before Painting or Staining?
