Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Prepping deck for stain

PT Deck is 5 years old and was stained 4 years ago. I waited 1 year for the Thomson's seal to wear off, then used Olympic deck cleaner with a pump sprayer and hosed it off. When deck dried a day or so later I sprayed & brushed on Cabot semi-transparent deck stain. I was very happy with the results.

Deck is looking really worn, and I need to stain again by end of summer or early fall before wood wears any more. I have a new pressure washer and was going to use to clean & remove any stain left on the deckboards. What kind of cleaning solution should I use in the pressure washer? I think sears may sell some general purpose cleaners meant for pressure washers, but want to make sure it's the correct cleaner for a wooden deck. Also, would the pressure washer alone be enough prep for restaining?

Thanks.

I don't use a deck wash, I just use diluted bleach. I don't have a pressure washer, but that only makes your job easier. I hose the deck down, spray on the bleach solution, scrub it with a brush and then hose it clean.

I've never used the solution siphon feature on my pressure washer. Some chemicals can have adverse effects on the pump. Like Mitch I always use a pump up garden sprayer to apply the cleaner. Bleach/water solution is also my preference.

So I guess I could use the pump sprayer to apply the cleaning solution and use the pressure washer to spray off the cleaner, which should be quicker than a regular hose.

Thanks.

Sounds good to me.