Deck & Fence Cleaning in Portland, ME

Deck and fence cleaning matters more in Maine than in drier places. A deck that sits under snow for months and then through a wet spring comes out gray, green in the shade, and slick underfoot, and board fences along a property line hold moisture where they meet the ground. With July highs around 80 degrees and only a few months of real deck weather, most people want the boards clean by Memorial Day.

Wood needs a lighter touch than concrete

Softwoods like pressure-treated pine and cedar are easy to damage. Too much pressure, or a nozzle held too close, raises fibers so the surface looks fuzzy when it dries, carves lines along the grain and wears away the edges of boards. We use a cleaning solution to loosen mildew and algae, low pressure with a wide fan, and long, even passes along the length of each board. On weathered gray wood a wood brightener can bring back color after cleaning.

Composite decks

Composite boards do not go gray like wood, but they do grow mildew and collect pollen, leaf stains and grime in the textured surface. Each composite brand publishes its own care instructions, and we follow them for your boards when the brand is known, starting with a mild cleaner and soft brushing and keeping pressure low.

Getting ready to stain or seal

Stain sticks to clean, dry wood. If you plan to stain, the deck should be washed first to remove mildew, dirt and loose old finish, then left to dry for at least a couple of dry days, longer after a damp spell. HomeGuide lists washing, staining and sealing together at about $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. We handle the cleaning and prep; if staining is on your list too, mention it during the visit and it goes on the quote.

Fences along the lot line

Board fences, picket fences and lattice usually look worst at the bottom, where splashback and snow keep them wet. Both sides need cleaning for an even look, which means access to the neighbor's side. We ask you to arrange that before the job. Vinyl fences clean up with a soft wash and rinse; wood fences get the same light-pressure treatment as decks.

Railings, stairs and what is underneath

Railings, balusters and stairs take more time than open boards, and HomeGuide prices them separately: about $65 per staircase and $2.50 to $3.50 per linear foot of handrail. We clean them with the deck so the whole structure matches. While washing we also point out soft boards, loose railings, popped nails and rusted fasteners, which are common on decks near salt air.

Plants and runoff

Decks often sit over garden beds. We wet or cover plants below, keep solution from dripping onto them, and direct rinse water onto lawn rather than toward the driveway and street.