Frequently Asked Questions
Is high pressure water blasting bad for timber decks?
Short answer: yeah, it can be, which is exactly why we don’t use it. High-pressure water blasting can chew into timber, lifting the grain and leaving boards rough, fuzzy, or even splintered. Not ideal. At Chemwash Rotorua, we use a low-pressure wash combined with a purpose-made, biodegradable detergent. It’s tough on dirt, mould, and grime, but gentle on the wood itself. The goal is simple: make your deck look great without knocking years off its life.
My deck’s gone grey, can the colour actually come back?
Most of the time, yes. That grey or dark look is usually just a build-up of grime and weathering sitting on the surface. Our soft-wash process lifts that layer away and reveals the natural timber colour underneath. Plenty of Rotorua homeowners are genuinely surprised at how close their decks and fences look to new once we’re done.
Will it get slippery again after the next bit of rain?
Not anytime soon. Slippery decks are usually caused by mould and algae. A proper clean removes those, which means a surface that’s not only brighter, but safer too. If you’ve got kids running around or you like having mates over, this alone makes a deck clean well worth it.
Should I clean my deck before staining or painting?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common reasons people call us. Cleaning first helps stains and paints soak in properly, go on evenly, and last longer. Skip this step and you’re far more likely to end up with patchy coverage or peeling down the track.
Are your products safe for pets and plants?
Yep. We use biodegradable detergents that are safe around people, pets, and gardens. We also rinse as we go and take care to avoid overspray. As a precaution, we recommend keeping pets inside while we’re working, mainly so they don’t wander through the work area. We’ll let you know when everything’s all clear.
What does deck or fence cleaning cost?
There’s no one-size-fits-all price. It depends on the size, condition, and access. That said, our quotes are always free, fast, and no-obligation. Most customers tell us the cost is a lot more reasonable than they expected, especially once they see the results.
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