Deck & Fence Cleaning

    A wood-safe wash for decks and fences in Naperville, Chicago, and the western suburbs.

    What deck and fence cleaning does

    A deck or fence weathers. UV light bleaches the surface gray, Chicago humidity feeds mildew and algae in the grain, and pollen, tannins, and ground splash settle into the wood. The wash is a wood-safe soft wash: a biodegradable cleaner loosens the organic growth and lifts the dull, dead surface layer, then a gentle low-pressure rinse carries it off. High pressure is what gouges and furs wood. What remains is uniform, bright, sound wood, with mildew, algae, and pollen out of the grain and an open grain that accepts stain or sealer instead of repelling it.

    The gray film is UV-damaged surface fibers and embedded mildew, not loose dirt. Stain laid over it bonds to the grime instead of the wood and peels within a season. In a freeze-thaw winter, trapped moisture and algae work into checks and joints, accelerating rot, splintering, and loose fasteners. Skipping the cleaning means lost curb appeal, a shorter life for the structure, and the risk of a costly rebuild. Washing that layer off leaves a safer, splinter-free deck for bare feet and pets.

    Wood fences and older decks are soft-wash surfaces. On a homeowner wand, concrete and brick can take 2,500–3,000 PSI, and wood decks want 500–1,200 PSI. Aging wood is a soft-wash job under 500 PSI. A white 40° tip is the gentle setting for fences and painted surfaces. A red 0° tip destroys wood. Start with the nozzle 18–24 inches from the surface and sweep in smooth, overlapping passes. If a stain is not lifting, let the cleaner dwell for 5–10 minutes instead of moving closer or raising the pressure.

    Flat concrete on the same property is a separate driveway and concrete cleaning job.

    Surfaces

    Deck and fence cleaning covers the surfaces below. Composite and PVC boards still trap mildew, algae, and grime in the texture, especially on a shaded north side through a humid summer. The same wash clears those boards without dulling or scratching the surface.

    • Cedar decks
    • Pressure-treated decks
    • Composite decking
    • Wood privacy fences
    • Picket fences
    • Split-rail fences
    • Pergolas & arbors
    • Railings & stairs

    How a deck and fence wash is done

    1. The wood type and condition are checked first. Loose boards and popped fasteners are flagged. Plants, fixtures, and landscaping are covered before any water is applied. Nearby plants are pre-wet and rinsed afterward so detergent runoff does not scorch them.
    2. A biodegradable cleaning solution matched to the surface is brushed or sprayed on and left to dwell so it can lift embedded dirt, without harsh acids or bleach overloads. For a wood deck, an oxygen-based cleaner is the one that does not scorch the fibers the way straight bleach can.
    3. The rinse uses controlled low pressure and a wide fan tip, worked with the grain, and it leaves no etched lines.
    4. On bare wood, a brightener restores the natural tone and reopens the pores. The surface is then neutralized so it is not left too alkaline for stain or sealer to bond.
    5. Rails, post caps, lattice, and pickets are hand-detailed. Debris is cleared from gaps and from between the boards, and the surface is checked for an even finish from edge to edge.
    6. Stain or sealer waits until the wood dries to the right moisture level, usually a couple of dry days, so the finish bonds and lasts. Cleaning also stands alone as a refresh. It does not have to be followed by stain or sealer the same day.

    How often to clean decks and fences

    Decks and fences are cleaned once a year. Wood traps moisture, so a gentle annual cleaning, and resealing the deck every 2–3 years afterward, protects the wood. Over-washing wood strips its finish. Late spring, after the pollen drops, and early fall are the ideal windows in the Chicago area for an annual wash.

    Move the wash up for heavy tree cover or shade, high humidity or a home near water, nearby construction or a busy road, or pollen-heavy surroundings. A fresh wash is one of the highest-ROI moves before listing. For the rest of the house schedule, see how often to wash a house.

    Where deck and fence cleaning is available

    Ernest Power serves Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area, including DuPage, Kane, and McHenry counties, and McHenry. Towns:

    • Chicago
    • Naperville
    • Wheaton
    • Hinsdale
    • Oak Park
    • Downers Grove
    • Glen Ellyn
    • Lombard
    • Elmhurst
    • Schaumburg

    Don't see your area? Call — we may still be able to help.

    Get a quote

    The quote is free and has no obligation. Call (630) 403-0027 or email hello@ernestpower.com. The office is at 1429 Diehl Rd, Suite 200, Naperville, IL 60563. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7 am to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 7 am to 5 pm.

    Send the property details from the contact page. House siding, driveways, roofs, and commercial washing are separate services.

    Ready for a deck and fence wash?

    Call (630) 403-0027