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ELEVATION EXTERIORS 616-229-0625

Soft-Wash Service

Deck Cleaning & Wood Brightening

A grayed-out deck usually isn't worn out — it's oxidized and dirty. Washing plus a brightening step restores the wood's natural color and preps it for stain. Text a photo for a flat-rate quote.

★ 5.0 on Google · 39 reviews Plant-safe soft wash No high pressure on shingles Fully insured Flat-rate quote, up front Owner-operated crew

A grayed-out deck usually isn't worn out — it's oxidized and dirty. Washing plus a brightening step restores the wood's natural color and preps it for stain. Text a photo for a flat-rate quote.

Get your free quote
Tell us what needs cleaning. A photo helps us quote fast — most come back the same afternoon.

Our guarantee: streak-free, or we re-clean within 7 days — free.

Free, no obligation — we reply with a flat quote. Prefer to talk? Call 616-229-0625.

Why decks go gray

Wood greys mostly from UV oxidation — sunlight breaks down the lignin in the wood — not from dirt. Mildew then colonizes the damp, shaded boards on top of that. A plain wash removes the dirt and mildew; a brightening step (an oxalic-acid solution) reverses the UV oxidation and pulls the original color back out of the wood. The brightening is what separates a real deck restoration from a quick rinse.

Wash, brighten, seal — three different things

It helps to know what each step does:

  • Wash removes dirt, mildew, and loose gray surface material.
  • Brighten opens the grain, neutralizes, and restores the natural wood tone — and preps the surface to take stain evenly.
  • Seal / stain closes the grain and protects against weather.

We offer wash and brighten. If you're planning to stain afterward, brightening first is what makes the stain go on evenly.

The right pressure for the wood

Decks need a careful touch. Softwoods like cedar require lower pressure than treated pine, and composite decking (Trex, TimberTech) has its own manufacturer cleaning rules — standard pressure washing can fuzz or damage the surface. We match the method to the material so you don't trade dirt for damage.

FAQ

Deck Cleaning & Brightening questions

Can a gray deck be restored or does it need replacing?

A gray deck usually just needs cleaning and brightening, not replacing. Graying is surface UV oxidation — a brightening treatment pulls the natural wood color back out. Send a photo and we'll tell you what's realistic.

Should I clean my deck before staining it?

Yes. Washing and brightening removes the gray oxidized layer and opens the grain so stain absorbs evenly. Staining over a dirty or oxidized deck leads to blotchy results and poor adhesion.

What homeowners tell us

5.0 from 39 verified Google reviews

Work done well. Windows even clean when done. Lots of dirt and moss removed from 2 story with soft pressure and cleaner without going on roof! Would recommend highly.
Jan A. Verified Google review
Tre did a great job on my home. He communicated well and was kind and easy to work with. I highly recommend this service to everyone in need of power washing services.
Lynn M. Verified Google review
While living in the woods has its charms, a moss covered roof and moldy siding isn't one of them! Amazing job on the roof and siding. Highly recommend! 10 out of 10!
Melissa P. Verified Google review

Read all 39 reviews

See it for yourself. Text a photo.

Get a flat-rate quote for deck cleaning & brightening — most come back the same afternoon, no site visit required.

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