[mark sr]

I always wet the deck down and then using a pump up garden sprayer apply a bleach solution to the deck [will add TSP if needed] let it set and pressure washer before it dries. Stubborn areas may take a second treatment and/or scrubbing with an old broom. The bleach both helps clean and lighten up the wood. If you use a commercially prepared deck cleaner you'll likely also need to use a wood brightener to get rid of the dark.


It's better to do the bulk of the cleaning with bleach/detergent and just use the PWer for rinsing. As you now know it's easy to damage the wood with too much pressure.


Depending on the wood and weather I usually give a minimum of 2-3 days prior to applying the stain.