Deck Cleaning & Power Washing Lake Forest, IL

Deck cleaning for Lake Forest homes

Lake Forest has estate properties, historic homes and mature old-growth lots, and that shapes how we approach deck cleaning here. In practice that means deep shade that keeps wood damp.

With Lake Michigan close by, decks and fences here hold moisture longer in the mornings. We schedule the wash early in the week so there is time to dry before stain goes on.

Our deck cleaning is a wash, not a blast. We use a sodium percarbonate cleaner to lift the growth and oxidation, then a low-pressure rinse with a fan tip held well off the boards. A 3,000 PSI pressure washer with a narrow tip will cut grooves into cedar and leave fuzz on pine. That damage is permanent.

How the job goes in Lake Forest

1. Cover and pre-wetPlants, siding and light fixtures around the deck get wetted or covered. We check for loose boards and popped nails before we start.
2. Apply the cleanerA percarbonate wood cleaner sits for 10 to 15 minutes and breaks down mildew, algae and the gray layer. Stubborn spots get a scrub brush.
3. Low-pressure rinseUnder 1,000 PSI with a wide fan tip, working with the grain. The rinse is only removing what the cleaner already loosened.
4. BrightenAn oxalic-acid brightener neutralizes the cleaner and restores the natural wood tone, especially on cedar and redwood.

Other work we do in Lake Forest

Homeowners here also ask us about Deck staining in Lake Forest, Fence staining in Lake Forest and Pergola & gazebo staining in Lake Forest. See everything on the Lake Forest service area page, or read the full deck cleaning guide. We also cover nearby Green Oaks, Highland Park and Highwood.