Patio & Deck Cleaning
Material-specific cleaning for wood decks, composite surfaces, concrete patios, pavers, and stone — eliminating algae, moss, and stains so your outdoor space is safe and ready for summer.
Outdoor Surfaces That Look and Feel Brand New
Portland’s mild, wet winters are paradise for algae, moss, and mildew. By the time spring arrives, most decks and patios are coated in a slick green film that makes walking hazardous and entertaining embarrassing. Leaf tannins have stained the wood, UV exposure has turned cedar silver-gray, and moss has worked its way deep between paver joints. We bring outdoor surfaces back to life using the right method for each material — soft washing for wood and composite to prevent grain damage, pressure washing for concrete and stone that can handle the force, and specialized treatments for tricky surfaces like Trex and stamped concrete. Whether you are prepping for a summer of backyard barbecues or getting your deck ready for a seal-and-stain refinish, we handle the heavy lifting.
Why Our Approach Works on Any Outdoor Material
Different surfaces demand different techniques. We match the method to the material every time.
Material-Specific Methods
Cedar gets soft washed at low pressure. Concrete gets full-power surface cleaning. Composite receives gentle treatment that won’t void your warranty.
Slip Hazard Elimination
Green algae on wood and stone is dangerously slippery when wet. We remove it completely, restoring safe footing across your entire outdoor space.
Moss & Algae Treatment
Beyond surface cleaning, we treat the biological growth at its root to slow regrowth and keep your patio or deck cleaner through the next rainy season.
Stain & Seal Preparation
Planning to refinish your deck? Proper cleaning is the essential first step. We remove old finishes, open the wood grain, and leave a surface ready to accept stain.
Wood Color Restoration
UV rays and rain turn natural cedar and pine a dull gray. Our cleaning process strips away the weathered layer and reveals the original warm wood tone underneath.
Composite-Safe Process
Trex, TimberTech, and other composite brands require low pressure and specific cleaning agents. We follow manufacturer guidelines so your warranty stays intact.
How Patio & Deck Cleaning Works
Every project starts with understanding your surface and ends with a space you actually want to use.
Surface & Material Assessment
We identify your surface material, assess the type of staining (algae, tannin, grease, mildew), and determine the correct pressure level and cleaning solution for the job.
Pre-Treatment Application
A biodegradable cleaning solution is applied and given time to break down organic growth at the cellular level. This loosens moss roots, dissolves algae, and lifts embedded stains.
Clean & Rinse
Wood and composite surfaces are soft washed at controlled pressure. Concrete and stone are cleaned with a surface cleaner for even, streak-free results. Every joint and edge is addressed.
Post-Treatment & Review
An optional post-treatment inhibits regrowth for months. We walk the finished surface with you, confirm results, and discuss sealing or staining if you want additional protection.
Portland’s Short Outdoor Season Deserves a Clean Deck
Portland homeowners get roughly four months of reliable outdoor weather — mid-June through mid-October. That is a narrow window to enjoy your deck, patio, or outdoor kitchen, and nobody wants to spend the first weekend of summer scrubbing algae on their hands and knees. The problem starts in October when the rains return. Fallen leaves from Oregon’s bigleaf maples deposit tannins that stain wood surfaces dark brown. Moisture that never fully dries between storms feeds a steady expansion of green algae and moss. By April, most untreated decks are coated in a slick biological layer that is genuinely dangerous to walk on — especially when morning dew settles on top of it.
Scheduling a professional cleaning in late spring means your outdoor space is ready the moment warm weather arrives. No wasted weekends, no rental equipment, no risk of damaging your deck with the wrong pressure setting. We handle the transformation in a single visit, and many clients pair the cleaning with our seal-and-stain service to lock in protection for the season ahead.
Wood, Composite, and Stone: Why One Method Does Not Fit All
The biggest mistake homeowners make with outdoor surface cleaning is using the same approach on every material. A pressure washer set for concrete will destroy a cedar deck board in seconds — blasting away the soft grain and leaving permanent furrows in the wood. Conversely, the gentle approach needed for composite decking won’t make a dent in stubborn concrete algae. Here is how we tailor our process to each surface:
- Cedar and pine decks — Soft washed at 500-800 PSI with wood-safe cleaning solution. Opens the grain for stain absorption without splintering or furrowing.
- Composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) — Low-pressure wash with manufacturer-approved cleaners. No harsh chemicals that could discolor or warp the boards.
- Poured and stamped concrete — Full-pressure surface cleaning at 3,000+ PSI with a rotating surface cleaner for even, streak-free results.
- Pavers and flagstone — Pressure washed with attention to joint sand preservation. We re-sand joints as needed to maintain structural integrity.
- Bluestone and natural stone — Moderate pressure with pH-neutral solutions to avoid etching or discoloration on acid-sensitive stone.
Slippery Decks Are a Liability — Not Just an Inconvenience
A deck covered in green algae is not merely unsightly; it is a genuine safety hazard. When wet, algae-coated wood becomes as slippery as ice, and Portland’s constant drizzle means your deck is wet more often than it is dry from October through June. Falls on slippery outdoor surfaces account for thousands of emergency room visits annually in Oregon, and homeowners can be held liable when guests are injured on their property. Beyond the human cost, insurance claims for slip-and-fall injuries can increase your premiums or even jeopardize your coverage. Regular deck cleaning eliminates the biological layer responsible for the slick surface and restores the natural traction of the underlying material. For households with children or elderly family members, maintaining algae-free outdoor surfaces is not optional — it is a basic safety measure. We recommend annual cleaning at minimum, with a mid-season treatment for shaded decks that see heavy moss growth.
Patio & Deck Cleaning FAQ
Answers to the questions Portland homeowners ask most about outdoor surface cleaning.
Will pressure washing damage my wood deck?
Not when done correctly. We soft wash wood surfaces at 500-800 PSI — a fraction of the 3,000+ PSI used on concrete. Our technicians maintain consistent distance and angle to clean thoroughly without furrowing, splintering, or raising the grain. The key is matching pressure to material, which is exactly what we do.
Can you safely clean composite decking like Trex?
Yes. Composite decking requires low pressure and specific cleaning agents to avoid discoloration or surface damage. We follow manufacturer guidelines for all major composite brands, including Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon. Our process removes algae, mold, and stains without voiding your product warranty.
How should I prepare my deck or patio for summer?
Schedule a professional cleaning in late April or May so the surface is ready when warm weather arrives. Remove furniture and planters beforehand if possible — we can work around them, but a clear surface means faster, more thorough results. If your wood deck needs staining, cleaning should happen first so the stain adheres properly.
What causes the green algae that makes my patio slippery?
Green algae thrive in Portland’s mild, damp climate. Shaded surfaces that stay moist are especially vulnerable. The algae feed on organic debris like leaf residue and airborne particles, forming a biofilm that becomes extremely slick when wet. Regular cleaning removes the existing growth, and our post-treatment slows recolonization.
Should I seal or stain my deck after it has been cleaned?
For natural wood decks, absolutely. Cleaning opens the wood grain and removes old finish, which creates the ideal surface for fresh stain or sealant to penetrate deeply. We recommend allowing 48 hours of dry weather between cleaning and staining. We offer seal-and-stain services that pair seamlessly with our deck cleaning.
How often should outdoor surfaces be cleaned in the Portland area?
Once a year is sufficient for most patios and decks — ideally in spring before outdoor living season. Heavily shaded surfaces or areas under trees may benefit from a second cleaning in fall after leaf drop. Concrete driveways and walkways with persistent moss may also need biannual attention to stay safe and presentable.
Transform Your Outdoor Space
Request a free estimate for your deck, patio, or outdoor living area. We will assess your surfaces, recommend the right approach, and provide an honest quote.
Serving Portland, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Tualatin, Hillsboro, Gresham, Milwaukie, Oregon City, West Linn, Happy Valley, Clackamas, Wilsonville, Sherwood, and surrounding communities throughout the greater Portland metro area.