EverGlow Exteriors · Des Moines Deck Washing · (515) 642-1986

Deck cleaning in Des Moines runs $150 to $300 for most decks, and doing it right matters more here than almost any other service. Crank a pressure washer on wood and you fuzz the grain, carve wand lines into the boards, and shorten the deck’s life. We clean decks the wood-safe way: the right cleaner, modest pressure, and technique that lifts the gray and green without chewing up the surface.

Iowa decks earn their grime. Freeze-thaw winters drive moisture into the boards and leave a gray, weathered film. The shaded end of the deck grows the same green algae as your north-side siding. Oak tannin drips stain the rails, spring pollen settles into every gap, and by July there’s cottonwood fluff packed between the boards. Composite decks aren’t immune either — they grow mildew in the texture and get slick in the shade.

What’s included in a deck washing

• Deck boards, rails, spindles, and stairs cleaned
• Wood-safe cleaner matched to your surface — cedar, treated pine, or composite
• Algae and mildew killed, not just knocked down
• Gaps between boards flushed of debris
• Furniture moved and put back; plants protected and rinsed
• Honest read on whether your deck is ready for stain or sealer

What does deck cleaning cost in Des Moines?

Most metro decks land between $150 and $300. A basic 12×16 with one set of stairs sits at the low end. Multi-level decks, long rail runs with lots of spindles, and heavy algae push toward the top. If you’re prepping for stain, tell us — the wash is the same price, but we’ll time it so the wood has dry days ahead of it. Exact quote free from a photo or two.

Before and after: metro decks

How the job goes

1. Quote. A photo of the deck and rough dimensions gets you a number, usually same day.
2. Prep. Furniture and grill moved, plants soaked, cleaner applied and given time to work.
3. Wash. Low, controlled pressure with the grain. No wand stripes, no fuzzed boards.
4. Reset. Everything rinsed and put back where it was. Deck’s ready to walk on the same day.

Serving the Des Moines metro

From Kettlestone new builds to shaded backyards along Walnut Creek, we wash decks across the metro: Des Moines, West Des Moines, Waukee, Urbandale, Clive, Grimes, Ankeny, and Johnston.

Deck day pairs naturally with patio and driveway pressure washing or a house wash. We also do window cleaning, gutter cleaning, and roof washing.

Deck cleaning questions we get a lot

Can pressure washing ruin a wood deck?

Absolutely. Too much pressure fuzzes the grain, gouges soft spring wood, and leaves permanent wand marks. That’s why we lead with the cleaner and keep the pressure low. If you’ve seen a deck with stripes carved into it, someone got that wrong.

Should I clean my deck before staining or sealing?

Always. Stain over gray, dirty wood peels early and traps mildew underneath. Wash first, let the wood dry 2 to 3 days of decent weather, then stain. We’ll tell you when your boards are ready.

How often should a deck be cleaned in Iowa?

Once a year keeps most decks in shape — spring is ideal, after the pollen dump and before grilling season. Shaded decks that grow algae may need attention more often.

Do you clean composite decks like Trex?

Yes. Composite gets a gentler approach — mildew grows in the surface texture and responds to the right cleaner, not raw pressure. Manufacturer care guidelines say the same thing, and following them protects your warranty.

Do I need to be home?

No. Backyard access and a working spigot cover it. We’ll move the furniture, wash, put it all back, and text you photos.

Get the deck back before the next cookout

Free quote, same-week openings most of the summer. One photo of the deck is all we need to start.