How much does deck cleaning cost? [October 2025]

How much does deck cleaning cost?
 

Deck cleaning is a service that usually involves pressure washing (also known as jet washing) to remove moss, mould, algae, and general dirt from timber or composite decking boards. Most gardeners will offer deck cleaning as one of their garden maintenance services. 

The cost of deck cleaning will mostly vary depending on the size of your deck, as well as other factors. On average, deck cleaning can range from £30 to £200+, including VAT. Most professionals charge per hour but some may charge per square metre. 

What other factors affect the cost of deck cleaning?

There are a few other factors that will affect the final cost of deck cleaning, including when you book, who you book with, the condition of your deck and the type of deck material. 

1. When you book
 

During peak gardening seasons (spring and summer), gardeners will typically charge a higher rate as demand spikes. So, it's usually cheaper to get your deck cleaned during the autumn and winter months. 

Bookings during unsocialable hours, like at weekends, bank holidays and early mornings will generally be charged at a premium. 

2. Who you book with

Larger, more established gardening companies will usually charge more than independant gardeners. Despite the higher cost, using a gardening company will often come with several benefits, such as a wider variety of slots available throughout the year, a customer support team at hand in case anything goes wrong and instant online quotes. 

3. Condition of the decking

Decks with heavy moss, algae, or embedded stains will require more time than decks that are already regularly maintained. Severely neglected decking might also need sanding or re-oiling afterwards, which most gardeners will be able to add on to your service at an extra cost. 
 

4. Type of decking material

Wood decking (especially softwoods) tends to need more gentle handling compared to composite or hardwood decking. These materials may not be able to withstand high-pressure washing and may require soft-washing or specialist cleaning products, which could bump up the price due to the added labour time.

Wood decking also typically needs to be cleaned more frequently than composite decking as it's less water resistant and therefore more prone to absorbing moisture. 

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Why is it important to clean decking?

Decking is particularly prone to becoming slippery when wet, especially when covered in algae or moss. ^[1] So, regular cleaning helps reduce the risk of slips and falls.

Frequent cleaning also helps to preserve the wood or composite material, preventing rot, discolouration and decay. Without regular cleaning, grime and biological growth can weaken the surface, causing costly long-term damage. Therefore, it's typically more cost efficient to clean your decking regularly than fork out for repair costs later down the line. 

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How often should you clean decking?

For most homes, cleaning your decking once or twice a year is usually enough. An annual deep clean in spring will help prep the space for summer use, while a second clean in autumn or early winter can remove fallen leaves and prevent slippery build-up.

Decks in shaded or damp areas may need more frequent cleaning every 3 - 4 months, to stay safe and looking in good shape. Similarly, high-traffic areas or those exposed to pets, BBQs may require more regular cleaning.

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Can I clean decking myself?

While it’s possible to clean decking yourself, it’s often more challenging than it looks - especially when using a pressure washer. If not used carefully, pressure washers can damage softer woods by etching lines into the surface. They can also strip away protective coatings, stains, or sealants, leaving your deck vulnerable to moisture, rot, and colour fading over time.

A safer DIY alternative is to use a stiff-bristled brush and a specialised deck cleaner to scrub away dirt and grime by hand. Although this method is more labour-intensive and may struggle with deeper stains or algae, it’s much gentler on delicate surfaces.

For the best results - particularly if your decking hasn’t been cleaned in a while - it’s often worth hiring a professional. They have the right tools and expertise to restore your decking safely and effectively.

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How do I look after my decking after a professional clean?

Keeping your decking looking clean all year round, means regular maintence between deep cleans is essentional. To keep your decking looking fresh after a professional clean, you should:

• Sweep regularly to remove leaves, dirt, and debris before they settle.
• Rinse using a garden hose after storms or heavy rain to avoid staining.
• Apply decking oil or sealant if recommended, especially for timber decks - this protects the surface and extends its lifespan.
• Spot clean stains promptly using a suitable cleaner for your decking material.
• Check for regrowth of moss or algae in damp areas, and treat early before it spreads.
   

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Where can I get a quote for deck cleaning?

Most gardeners offer deck cleaning, patio cleaning and driveway cleaning as part of their services. It's worth starting your search by looking through local groups on social media - these pages often have recommendations along with photos of previous work. Your local garden centre should also be able to reccomend a great gardener or provide deck cleaning services directly. 

Or, if you prefer to book through a trusted services, you can use a professional tradesperson service, like Housekeep. Just let us know what you need, and when -  we’ll give you an instant quote and arrange for a highly rated gardener to come at a time that suits you.
 

Sources

1. RHS: Structures - winter maintenance

Written by Georgina Shepherd & Henry Paterson

Georgina is one Housekeep's home services experts. She's interviewed thousands of the UK's best cleaners and tradespeople - so whether you need advice on a stubborn stain, or you're looking for tips to find the perfect plumber, Georgina's got you covered.

With years of experience in the industry, Henry has delivered talks at industry events including the Ideal Home Show and regularly features as an industry expert for publications including the Sun, Mail Online, Martha Stewart and many more.