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Deck, Fence & Dock Cleaning

Wood turns gray and slick as algae and mildew work into the grain, and the wrong pressure gouges the boards permanently. Dirty Details Pressure Washing provides professional deck, fence, and dock cleaning across Wilmington, NC, and nearby New Hanover County. We match pressure and cleaners to wood or composite, clearing built-up grime safely from decks, fences, railings, and coastal docks.

Person pressure-washing a wooden deck beside a coastal house and garden
Person power-washing a wooden fence in a backyard.

WOOD NEEDS A CLEANER TOUCH THAN CONCRETE.

Wood is forgiving in looks and unforgiving under pressure. Too much force splinters the grain, etches soft spots, and leaves fuzzy, damaged boards that soak up more moisture than before. We clean decks, fences, and docks with lower pressure and wood-safe solutions that lift algae and gray weathering out of the grain without tearing it.


Composite gets an even gentler wash. Either way, the surface comes out clean, bright, and safer to walk on, ready to enjoy or to seal.

  • Wood-safe, lower-pressure cleaning
  • Gentle on composite decking
  • Clears algae and gray buildup
  • Ideal preparation before staining
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DECK, FENCE & DOCK CLEANING

MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WORTH STEPPING ONTO AGAIN.

A gray, slippery deck or a green-streaked fence quietly shrinks how much you use your own yard. We bring back the clean, warm surface underneath, clearing the algae and weathering that dull the wood and make it slick. Decks feel inviting, fences look maintained, and docks are safe to walk barefoot again, turning your outdoor space back into somewhere you actually want to spend time.

COASTAL WOOD FIGHTS SALT AND SUN.

Near the water, decks and docks battle salt spray, relentless humidity, and harsh sun that gray the wood and grow algae in the shade. Docks get the worst of it, sitting in brackish air and splash all day. We clean with these coastal stresses in mind, lifting salt film and growth from wood that takes a beating no inland deck ever sees.

WE HAVE LEARNED WHAT SALT WATER DOES TO WOOD.

Across 3 years on the coast, we have cleaned every kind of outdoor wood Wilmington has, from shaded backyard decks to docks standing in the marsh. We know how salt and moisture weather each surface, which boards need the gentlest touch, and how to prep wood so a stain actually holds. Your deck or dock is cleaned by people who understand coastal wood.

WHAT PROFESSIONAL DECK & DOCK CLEANING DELIVERS

A SAFER SURFACE UNDERFOOT

Algae and mildew make wood dangerously slick, especially on damp docks and shaded decks. Clearing that growth restores traction, making your outdoor surfaces far safer for family, guests, and bare feet near the water.

WOOD THAT LASTS LONGER

Trapped moisture and organic growth rot wood from the surface in. Regular cleaning removes them, protecting your deck, fence, or dock and adding years before boards need repair or full replacement.

A REFRESHED, BRIGHTER LOOK

Cleaning strips away the gray film and green stains that age wood, revealing the warm tone beneath. Your deck and fence look cared for again, lifting the appearance of the whole backyard.

PERFECT PREP FOR STAINING

Stain and sealer only bond to clean, open wood. Our cleaning clears the grime and old residue so a fresh finish soaks in evenly and lasts, making it the essential first step before any staining project.

PROTECTED OUTDOOR INVESTMENT

Decks and docks cost real money to build, and coastal weather works against them constantly. Routine cleaning defends that investment, keeping the structure sound and looking good instead of slowly deteriorating unnoticed.

MORE ENJOYMENT OF YOUR YARD

A clean, safe deck or dock invites you back outside. Removing the grime and slick spots means the space is ready for grilling, gathering, or a quiet morning by the water whenever you want it.

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WHAT WE CLEAN

OUR DECK, FENCE & DOCK CLEANING SERVICES IN WILMINGTON, NC

Wood, composite, and coastal docks each need their own approach. We clean every outdoor structure around your property with the method and pressure that surface can safely take.

Power washing a wooden deck, with water spraying across the boards and a worker’s boots visible.

WOOD DECKS

Wood Deck Cleaning

Wood decks gray and grow slick algae in coastal humidity. We clean them with lower pressure and wood-safe solutions that lift buildup from the grain, restoring a bright, safe surface without splintering or fuzzing the boards.

Person pressure-washing a weathered wooden deck with a long hose and cleaner equipment nearby

COMPOSITE DECKS

Composite Deck Cleaning

Composite resists rot but still grows mildew and collects grime in its texture. We clean it gently with the right solutions, clearing stains and slick spots while protecting the manufactured surface from scratching or damage.

Person pressure-washing a wooden fence, revealing a bright orange cleaned section

FENCES

Fence Washing

Fences catch algae, dirt, and mildew that spread green and black streaks across every board. We wash wood and vinyl fencing evenly, restoring a clean, uniform look that sharpens the whole boundary of your yard.

Person walking on a wooden dock with a cane beside a calm waterfront and distant hills

DOCKS & PIERS

Dock & Pier Cleaning

Docks take constant salt, splash, and marine growth that leave them slick and stained. We clean decking, boards, and railings for safe footing over the water, clearing the buildup that coastal exposure piles on daily.

Person staining a wooden pergola on a deck overlooking a green backyard garden

PERGOLAS & RAILINGS

Pergola & Railing Cleaning

Railings, pergolas, and posts collect grime and cobwebs at every joint. We detail these structures along with the deck, clearing buildup from the spots that a broad wash misses so the whole area looks finished.

Person power-washing a wooden deck beside a house on a sunny day

PRE-STAIN PREP

Pre-Stain Preparation

A lasting stain starts with clean, open wood. We wash and prepare the surface so old residue and grime are gone, giving your new stain or sealer the clean base it needs to soak in evenly.

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THE WORD ON OUR WORK

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY.

Clients tell us they started using their decks and docks again after we cleaned them, and that the wood looked years younger. That kind of feedback is why homeowners across Wilmington trust us with their outdoor spaces.

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faq

frequently asked
questions.

The questions Wilmington homeowners ask most about cleaning decks, fences, and docks, from safe pressure on wood to prepping a surface for stain.

  • Is pressure washing safe for a wood deck?

    Yes, when the pressure is controlled. High pressure splinters and gouges wood, so we use lower pressure with wood-safe solutions. That approach lifts algae and grime from the grain without damaging the boards.

  • Can you clean composite decking?

    Absolutely. Composite still grows mildew and traps grime despite resisting rot. We clean it with gentle pressure and appropriate solutions, removing stains and slick buildup while protecting the manufactured surface from scratches or fading.

  • Can you remove the green algae from my deck and fence?

    Green algae is common in Wilmington's humid, shaded yards. Our cleaning solutions kill it at the root rather than just rinsing the surface, so the wood comes clean and stays clearer for longer.

  • Can you clean my deck before I stain it?

    Cleaning first is the ideal step before staining. Stain bonds only to clean, open wood, so we wash away old residue, grime, and growth to give your fresh finish the base it needs to last.

  • Do you clean docks exposed to salt water?

    We do. Coastal docks face salt, splash, and marine growth that leave them slick and stained. We clean the decking and railings for safe footing, clearing the buildup that constant waterfront exposure creates every day.

  • Will cleaning damage or discolor my wood?

    No. We match pressure and solutions to the wood so cleaning brightens rather than harms it. In fact, removing gray weathering and algae usually reveals a warmer, more even tone hiding underneath the buildup.

  • How often should I have my deck or dock cleaned?

    Once a year suits most coastal decks and docks, though heavily shaded or waterfront wood may need it sooner. Dirty Details Pressure Washing cleans wood safely for homes across Wilmington, NC, keeping surfaces protected from moisture and rot.

  • Why should I choose Dirty Details Pressure Washing for deck and dock cleaning?

    Dirty Details Pressure Washing tailors pressure to each surface, cleans wood and composite safely, and knows how coastal salt weathers docks. Homeowners across Wilmington, NC, rely on our licensed and insured team for outdoor spaces done right.

LEARN MORE →

LEARN MORE →

LEARN MORE →

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HOW WE WORK

FROM GRAY TO GREAT, HERE IS HOW.

STEP 01

ASSESS THE WOOD

We inspect your deck, fence, or dock to identify the material, its condition, and any loose or damaged boards, then set the safe pressure and solutions each surface needs before we begin.

STEP 02

PREP THE AREA

We clear the surface of furniture and pre-rinse nearby plants and landscaping. This preparation protects your greenery and lets us clean the wood thoroughly without anything in the way.

STEP 03

APPLY WOOD-SAFE SOLUTION

We apply cleaning solutions suited to wood or composite, letting them break down algae, mildew, and gray weathering in the grain rather than relying on force that would damage the surface.

STEP 04

CLEAN WITH CARE

Using controlled, wood-safe pressure, we clean the boards, railings, and joints evenly. The measured approach lifts buildup from the grain while keeping the surface smooth and free of splintering.

STEP 05

RINSE AND DETAIL

We rinse away all loosened growth and hand-detail railings, corners, and posts. This step makes sure the whole structure is clean, not just the broad, easy-to-reach surfaces.

STEP 06

INSPECT FOR STAIN-READINESS

We review the finished wood with you and confirm it is clean and, if you plan to stain, properly prepped. You approve the results before we consider the job complete.

➜ GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

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GET YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

RECLAIM YOUR DECK AND DOCK, FOR FREE.

Safe, clean, inviting outdoor wood is within reach. Dirty Details Pressure Washing cleans decks, fences, and docks across Wilmington, NC, and nearby coastal communities. Reach out through our contact page for your free estimate.

WHAT YOUR FREE ESTIMATE COVERS:
  • A full wood and surface assessment
  • Wood-safe cleaning pricing
  • Composite and dock options
  • Pre-stain preparation if needed
  • Licensed and insured service
  • A clear, no-pressure quote