IMO, I think that washing the deck is one of the best ways to keep it in good shape.:2cents: However, the deck wash out fittings don't seem to do a good job, and they invariably leak. I use a piece of steel pipe with holes drilled in it, bolted to a piece of galvanized strap to clean the deck. It does a good job!

 

Here's what I use. It's for a 21 inch walk behind, but you could easily change dimensions to suit.