Patio & Deck Cleaning

The problem

Outdoor living space is the part of a Bay Area home people actually use, and it's also the part that goes gray and grimy fastest. Decks in particular pick up a film of mildew and weathering that makes a perfectly sound deck look like it needs replacing when it really needs cleaning.

Wood decks need the gentlest approach we offer

Wood splinters and furs up under pressure, and pressure will strip stain unevenly, which leaves you with a worse-looking deck and a refinishing job you didn't plan on. Wood decks get low pressure and the right cleaning solution, working with the grain, so the board surface stays intact.

Composite decking

Composite doesn't rot but it does grow mildew in the texture of the board, particularly on shaded sides. It cleans well at low pressure with the right solution. Most composite manufacturers specify a pressure ceiling, and exceeding it can permanently mar the surface.

Paver and stone patios

Same principle as paver driveways: the joint sand holds everything together and excessive pressure removes it. We clean at controlled pressure and can re-sand afterward. Natural stone gets adjusted again depending on how soft the stone is.

The right time to do it

Spring, before you start using the space, is when most people book. If you're planning to stain or seal a wood deck, clean first and let it dry fully — usually a couple of days — because sealing over a damp or dirty deck traps the problem underneath.