Need advice: Best pressure washer for cleaning my old wooden deck before staining?

Hey all, I'm tackling my 20-year-old cedar deck this weekend. It's got years of grime, some mildew in shady spots, and I want to clean it thoroughly before applying new stain. I've got a cheap electric pressure washer (like 1500 PSI) but it barely makes a dent. Should I rent a gas one, buy something better, or is there a trick with my current setup? Don't want to damage the wood but need some serious cleaning power. Thanks!

Dave, skip the rental hassle. For decks, you don't need crazy PSI - too much and you'll gouge the wood. I use a 2700 PSI gas washer with a 25-degree nozzle on my jobs. Key is the GPM - get at least 2.5 gallons per minute to rinse properly. Look at the Simpson or Generac models. And ALWAYS test on a hidden spot first. Your electric one is basically a toy for light dirt.

Tim's right about not going too hard. I wrecked a client's deck once with a 3000 PSI when I was starting out - left marks like tiger stripes lol. Now I use a surface cleaner attachment for decks, makes it way more even. Also, mix some oxygen bleach cleaner in a downstream injector, let it sit 10 mins, then pressure wash. Works magic on mildew without harsh chems.

For cedar specifically, keep it under 2000 PSI max. I'd recommend an electric upgrade actually - the newer Greenworks or Ryobi 2300 PSI models are surprisingly decent, quieter, and no gas fumes. Pair with a fan tip nozzle and work WITH the grain, not against it. And wet the plants nearby first so runoff doesn't shock them!

All good points. Since it's old cedar, I'd actually suggest a soft wash approach first before breaking out pressure. Use a pump sprayer with deck cleaner, scrub lightly with a stiff broom, then rinse with garden hose. If that doesn't cut it, THEN use pressure on lowest setting. Preservation over power for vintage wood. My two cents!