Why prep work matters
Stain only lasts as long as the prep behind it. Dirt, algae, and old loose stain left on the wood keep a new coat from bonding properly, which is one of the most common reasons a fresh stain job peels or wears unevenly within a year. A proper power wash lifts out grime and graying from UV exposure, and a light sanding afterward opens the wood grain back up so new stain can actually soak in.
Power washing is also useful on its own, without a stain job to follow, for homeowners who just want a deck or fence cleaned up for the season.
Michigan prep concerns
Pressure matters more than people expect — too much PSI on soft woods like cedar or pine can gouge the surface and leave a fuzzy, damaged texture that actually holds stain worse than before. Michigan's damp spring weather also means algae and mildew show up more on decks that sit in shade or under trees, and a wash alone won't always get rid of it; sometimes a cleaning solution needs to sit before rinsing. After washing, the deck needs real drying time — usually a few dry days minimum — before stain can go on, which is why prep and staining are often scheduled a few days apart rather than back-to-back.