Your deck looked great when it was first stained, but after a couple of seasons, especially with Nebraska’s weather, you’re starting to notice dirt, mildew, and patches that feel slippery after a rain. Maybe you’ve thought about renting or buying a power washer to clean it off, but something keeps holding you back. You’ve probably heard stories of people who power-washed their deck only to find that the wood got fuzzy, the stain peeled off, or worse, the boards splintered. Now you're stuck wondering: Can I power wash my deck without damaging it?
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve worked with hundreds of Omaha-area homeowners to keep their decks looking beautiful. We’ve seen what happens when decks are cleaned too harshly, and we’ve also seen what happens when they’re never cleaned at all. With decades of experience in residential painting and staining, we understand the balance between effective cleaning and protecting your wood.
By the end of this article, you’ll know how to use a power washer correctly, how to clean your deck with the help of a proper deck wash, and how to avoid common mistakes that damage the stain or wood. This guide is written specifically for Omaha homeowners who want to maintain their deck without creating more work or costly repairs.
Between the spring and summer storms, Midwest humidity, and windy dust, decks in Omaha take a beating. Even if your deck was properly stained a year or two ago, it’s probably picked up some grime.
You might notice:
That’s why power washing seems like a simple fix. With one blast of water, you expect the dirt to lift and your deck to look brand new again. But, believe it or not, there is a wrong way to power wash. You could risk damaging the wood and ruining the stain if not done correctly.
A power washer by itself won’t give you the best results. That’s where a proper deck wash comes in.
Deck wash is a cleaning solution designed to loosen dirt, kill mildew, and lift stains, without needing to blast the surface with pressure.
There are a few types of deck wash products available:
Using a deck wash allows you to do less with your power washer while getting better results.
This is the most important part. Too much pressure can strip away stain, dig into the grain of the wood, or cause “furring,” which makes the surface look fuzzy and feel rough.
If you're renting a power washer, make sure it has adjustable pressure and choose the lowest setting, ideally under 1,000 PSI for softwoods like cedar or pine, which are commonly used for decks in Omaha.
If your power washer doesn’t have a pressure adjustment, step back. The closer you are to the wood, the more pressure it will receive. Hold the wand at least 18 inches away to start, and slowly move closer only if necessary.
A 40-degree tip is ideal for cleaning wood. It creates a wider spray pattern, which spreads out the pressure and prevents concentrated damage. Avoid using narrow-angle tips (like 0 or 15 degrees), which can easily etch or gouge your boards.
You also don’t want to hold the nozzle still in one spot. Keep your motion steady and sweeping, following the grain of the wood whenever possible.
We’ve seen it many times: someone wants to save time, so they crank up the pressure and blast away. Here’s what can go wrong:
Once the stain is gone, your deck is no longer protected from the sun or moisture. And if the wood surface is damaged, it will need to be sanded before any new stain can be applied. That means more time, more labor, and more money.
Not necessarily. In Omaha, it depends on the kind of stain you have and the exposure your deck gets.
These tend to hold up longer and may only need cleaning every couple of years, unless there’s visible mildew or dirt buildup. Still, use caution with power washing, since these finishes can still lift if the pressure is too high.
These finishes are thinner and soak into the wood. They wear down more quickly, especially in sun-exposed areas. Power washing too frequently can accelerate that wear and leave patchy spots.
Instead of defaulting to power washing every season, look for signs your deck needs to be cleaned:
Absolutely, but always allow time for the wood to dry, usually 24 to 72 hours, depending on weather and humidity. Wet or damp wood won’t absorb stain properly, which can lead to premature failure or blotchy results.
If your deck has been power-washed (gently), it’s also a good idea to inspect the surface closely:
Cleaning is an important part of deck staining prep, but too much pressure causes more problems than it solves. This is why professional painters often handle the prep themselves, so nothing is skipped, and the finish lasts longer.
Absolutely. If your deck is only slightly dirty and you’re not ready for a full stain refresh, a garden hose with deck cleaner can work well.
For lightly soiled decks, this can help maintain the surface without putting your stain or wood at risk.
Can I power wash my deck without damaging the stain or wood?
Yes, but only if you’re careful. Power washing is a tool, not a shortcut. When used correctly, it can safely clean your deck without stripping away the stain or harming the wood. But when used incorrectly, it can shorten the life of your deck and lead to costly repairs.
That’s why many Omaha homeowners either:
At Brush & Roll Painting, we’ve helped Omaha homeowners care for their decks since 1996. We understand Nebraska’s climate, know which products hold up, and make sure every surface is prepped the right way, because prep is what makes a stain job last.
If you’re ready to bring your deck back to life the safe way, click the button below to get a quote.
Still deciding? Try our Deck Staining Pricing Calculator to estimate what your project could cost before committing.