Bruno Pugh
Pressure washing is a powerful way to refresh your home’s appearance and prevent mold and grime buildup. If you are preparing for an event or doing annual maintenance, this guide will help you on how to pressure wash like a pro. Let’s walk through 15 essential tips for pressure washing your house the right way.
Know When to Pressure Wash
You don’t need to pressure wash your house every month, but timing matters. If your house looks grimy after winter or covered in pollen from spring, it’s probably time. While once a year is typical, homes in humid or wooded areas may require washing every 6-8 months for optimal cleanliness.
Choose the Right Pressure Washer
For most homes, an electric pressure washer with 2,000 to 3,000 PSI is ideal. It’s powerful enough to clean without damaging surfaces. Gas-powered models are more powerful but unnecessary for smaller homes. Ensure you pick the right match for your home to avoid peeling paint or damaging siding.
Check for Damage Before Starting
Walk around your house and check for any damaged areas that could get worse with high-pressure water. Areas with loose siding or cracks in brick should be repaired before washing. Water can seep into these cracks and worsen minor issues, so a quick inspection will save you headaches later.
Safety First
Pressure washing might look simple, but safety matters. Put on safety goggles to guard your eyes against flying debris hazards and gloves for a secure grip. Keep the spray nozzle pointed away from people, pets, and plants. Also, avoid spraying electrical outlets or any wiring to prevent accidents.
Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains
Have you got mold or tough stains? Pre-treat these areas with water and a mild cleaner mix before pressure washing. This will loosen up the grime and make it easier to remove. If your home’s exterior is prone to mold or algae, you can also use a specialty cleaning product.
Use the Right Nozzle
Nozzles control how intense and focused the spray is. A wider spray (25 or 40 degrees) is ideal for flat surfaces like siding, while a narrower spray (15 degrees or less) targets tough stains. However, be careful with narrow nozzles, as too much pressure can damage paint or siding.
Mind the Windows
Pressure washing glass windows requires caution, as too much force can crack or break them, especially older or single-pane ones. To avoid damage, reduce the pressure when cleaning near windows or hand wash them for safety. This way, you’ll get a fresh and clean look without risking any breakage.
Work from Top to Bottom
When washing your house, always start from the top and work your way down. This will prevent dirty water from dripping onto clean areas and create more work for you. For a flawless finish, start with the eaves and gutters, move to the siding, and finish at the house’s base.
Keep a Consistent Distance
Standing too close to a pressure washer can damage it, but standing too far will not get things clean. The ideal distance is 6 to 12 inches from the surface. You can practice in a small area first and adjust until the dirt is washing away without siding your paint.
Don’t Forget the Gutters
Gutters can collect a lot of grime over the seasons, so give them some attention. Pressure washing them from the ground can help remove debris, mold, and mildew, but be gentle. You don’t want to blast them off your house, so wash them thoroughly in a lower-pressure setting.
Check the Weather Forecast
Make sure you check the weather before starting your pressure washing job. You’ll want a dry day with mild temperatures so the house has time to dry off properly. Avoid washing on windy days, which can cause overspray, or right before rain, which can put your hard work to waste.
Use Eco-Friendly Detergents
Choose eco-friendly, biodegradable options when adding soap or detergent to your pressure washer. These are gentler on your plants, lawn, and the environment. Look for ones designed for pressure washing so that they can effectively clean without harming your home or surroundings and give you a safe and thorough clean.
Be Gentle with Wood Surfaces
Wood siding, decks, and fences require a lighter touch. High-pressure streams can strip wood or even cause splintering. Use a lower-pressure setting or a fan spray to clean wood surfaces without damaging them. You may also reseal decks and fences after washing to protect the wood from weather.
Work in Sections
Divide your house into sections and tackle them one at a time. This will help you prevent missed spots and give you a manageable pace at which to work. Working in smaller areas ensures you stay calm, and you can see your progress as you move around your home.
Rinse Well
Once you’ve washed the entire house, it’s important to rinse thoroughly. Start from top to bottom to effectively remove any remaining soap or detergent. Use a broader spray to ensure all cleaning products are thoroughly rinsed away, leaving your home with a fresh and spotless finish that gleams.