Should I power wash my deck and fence (townhouse) or pay someone to do it?

The association says I need to power wash my fence and deck. If I do it, can I just use water or should I use chemicals? What size hose should I buy? How long should it take? Anything else I would need to know? Oh yes, is a $130 power wash machine OK?Should I power wash my deck and fence (townhouse) or pay someone to do it?
I use plain water to clean my deck %26amp; house. It does a very good job for me. I use a 3/4 inch garden hose to supply the machine with enough water as to not starve the pump. As for the machine you suggest, $130 must be for an electric pressure washer. I have used them with limited sucess. They have limited power and burn out quickly for me. I prefer a gasoline powered machine with 2500 psi. It does a fantastic job, is not too powerful for my needs and I have had it 3 1/2 years now without any problems.


PS stay away from the yellow ';Karcher'; machines. (had very bad luck with them)Should I power wash my deck and fence (townhouse) or pay someone to do it?
I had rather have it done professionally.





Ask the association who they recommend. Sometimes they can get a price break for you.
You would probably be better off hiring someone who knows how to use a power washer. These things can put out a powerful knife-like spray, and if you hold the nozzle too close or don't move it right you could rip out half the wood and end up with raised grain that looks very weatherbeaten.
Hire someone. Shouldn't cost more than $75-100.