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Wood deck half cleaned of gray mildew beside a privacy fence

Wood cleaning in Lakeland, FL

Deck pressure washing in Lakeland and fence restoration

Humid Florida air turns wood gray and green. We clean decks and fences at pressures wood can take, so boards are not scarred.

  • Decks, rails, steps and wood fences
  • Mildew and gray weathering removed
  • Ready for stain or sealer once dry

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

What does deck and fence cleaning involve in Lakeland?

Wood outdoors in Central Florida is under attack from the sun, the rain and the humidity. Cleaning a deck or fence means removing mildew, algae, dirt and the gray, dead surface layer that weathering leaves behind, without tearing up the wood fibers.

For deck pressure washing Lakeland properties, that usually means lower pressure than you would use on concrete, a fan tip held at a steady distance, and a cleaning solution for mildew. Some jobs also use a wood brightener after cleaning to bring back a more even color. The crew works along the grain, because cross-grain passes can leave marks.

Fences get the same care, on both sides where access allows. Vinyl and composite fences and decks need a different, gentler approach, and we can clean those too. It helps to tell us the material when you call.

What problems do wood decks and fences have here?

Most outdoor wood in this area is pressure-treated southern yellow pine, with some cedar and composite boards. Pressure-treated wood resists rot, but it does not resist surface mildew. The usual issues are:

  • Green and black mildew on boards that stay damp, especially in shade or near a pool or lake.
  • Gray weathering on boards that get strong sun.
  • Slippery algae on steps and low boards, which is a real safety issue.
  • Tannin staining from oak leaves left lying on the deck.
  • Old stain or paint that has flaked and left patchy areas.

Cleaning cannot fix rot, loose fasteners or cracked boards. If a board is soft, a screwdriver pushed in will tell you. Replace those boards first, and a good crew will tell you when they see them.

What changes the price of cleaning a deck or fence?

We quote after we know the details. These factors have the biggest effect:

  • Size. Deck square footage, and linear feet of fence for fences.
  • Fence height and sides. Six-foot privacy fences with two faces take longer than a short picket fence.
  • Wood condition. Soft, splintered or heavily weathered boards need more care and time.
  • Old finish. Removing flaking stain or paint is extra work.
  • Details. Rails, balusters, stairs and tight spaces under the deck add time.
  • Brightening or follow-up. Extra steps change the total.

If you also want your house or roof washed, we can often do it in one visit. Read about house washing or roof cleaning if you want to combine jobs.

A medium deck is often a half day to clean. A long fence can take a full day or more. Heavy mildew, old stain or many railings add time.

Wood needs to dry before it can take stain or sealer. In a dry week, that might be a day or two. In Florida's wet season, with daily storms and high humidity, it can take longer. A simple test is to sprinkle water on the boards. If it soaks in quickly, the wood is usually dry enough. If it beads, wait.

Before the visit, move furniture, grills and planters off the deck. Cover or move anything that should not get wet near a fence. We will protect plants along fence lines and by the deck. Do not stain on the same day as cleaning. If you plan to hire someone else to stain, tell us so we can finish the job in a way that suits their product.

When should you call, and is it time to replace instead?

Call when the surface is slippery, when boards look gray or green, or when you plan to stain or seal. Spring, once the heavy pollen has dropped, is a common time. Dry stretches in fall and winter are good for drying and finishing. Fence cleaning is also popular before a sale or before a homeowners association inspection.

A clean deck with sound boards can last many more seasons. A deck with soft posts, rotting joists or loose rails needs repair first, and cleaning alone will not help. If you are unsure, send photos and describe the problem. We will tell you if cleaning makes sense or if a carpenter should look first.

If you are thinking about the whole outside of the house, our driveway and concrete cleaning pairs well with a deck wash, and our home page lists every service we offer in Lakeland.

What you can expect

1

Free written quotes

2

Local crews

3

Safe soft-wash methods

4

Fast scheduling

Request deck and fence cleaning

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

No obligation.

Step 1 of 3

What needs cleaning?

Questions about pressure washing in Lakeland

Can pressure washing damage a wood deck?

Yes. Too much pressure, a narrow tip or a tip held too close can gouge the wood and raise splinters, leaving a fuzzy surface. Softwoods like pine are especially easy to mark. We use lower pressure, a wide tip and steady passes with the grain to protect the boards.

Should I stain my deck right after cleaning?

Wait until the wood is fully dry. That can take a day or two in dry weather and longer in humid or rainy Florida weather. Applying stain to damp wood can cause peeling and uneven color. Check the stain label for its own drying advice.

Can you clean a vinyl or composite fence?

Yes. Vinyl and composite are cleaned with a gentler method to remove algae and mildew without scratching the surface. These materials still grow green in shade and near sprinklers. Tell us the material when you ask for a quote so we choose the right approach.

Will cleaning remove old stain or paint?

It may remove loose, flaking finish, but it will not strip solid coatings evenly. Complete stain or paint removal is a separate, slower process that needs different products and more labor. We will tell you what we can do, and what the quote covers, before we start.

Does cleaning fix rotten boards?

No. Soft or rotten wood needs repair or replacement. Cleaning can make the problem easier to see. If we spot rot, loose fasteners or unsafe railings while working, we will point them out so you can have them fixed by a carpenter or handyman before the surface is stained or sealed.

How often does a wood fence need cleaning?

It depends on shade, water and trees. Many wood fences in Central Florida look better with a cleaning every year or two. Fences next to sprinklers, shaded by oaks or backing onto a lake may need it sooner. Adjusting sprinkler heads away from the fence helps.

How it works

  1. Send photos or request a visit

    Tell us what needs cleaning.

  2. Get a written quote

    Clear price before any work starts.

  3. We clean and tidy up

    Rinse, check and leave the site clean.

Ready when you are. Call now or request a quote online.

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