Planning to clean your deck? Enter the deck size and what one gallon of cleaner covers. You get the cleaner to buy and a time estimate for the job.
Your shopping list
1 galCleaner to buy
1.92 hoursTime needed
192 sq ftArea to clean
Wet the deck first and work with the grain. Keep the nozzle moving so it does not scar the wood.
How to use the Deck Cleaning and Pressure Washing Calculator
- Enter the deck length and width. Add the area of railings and stairs if you will clean them.
- Type what one gallon of cleaner covers, from the label.
- Type how much area you clean in an hour and read the time needed.
The math behind it
Area = deck length x deck width + extra area
Cleaner = area / coverage per gallon, rounded up
Time = area / area cleaned per hour
A worked example
What we typed in
- Deck length: 20 ft
- Deck width: 14 ft
- Railing and stairs area: 60 sq ft
- One gallon of cleaner covers: 150 sq ft
- Area you clean in one hour: 80 sq ft
What we got
- Cleaner to buy: 3 gal
- Time needed: 4.25 hours
- Area to clean: 340 sq ft
Tips from the job site
- Test the pressure washer on a hidden spot first. Too much pressure can scar wood.
- Let the deck dry for a day or two before you stain or seal.
Common questions
How much cleaner do I need for a deck?
Divide the deck area by the coverage on the label. A 192 sq ft deck needs 1 gallon at 200 sq ft per gallon.
How long does it take to pressure wash a deck?
It depends on the wood and how dirty it is. Type your own speed to see a time estimate.
See all Deck Calculators.