4 Rules to Pressure Washing Your House

Pressure washing provides a deep clean that a bristle brush simply cannot match. However, there are a several rules you should follow if you are planning to pressure wash your house.

1. Safety: Safety is always one of the first things you should be concerned about when tackling any project. There are many kinds of pressure washers available. Gas-powered washers are often more powerful and used for deep cleaning the sides of a house. Electric-powered pressure washers are typically used on smaller areas, such as decks or sidewalks. It’s common knowledge that water and electricity do not mix. Take precautions to protect power cords. Additionally, ensure any ladders that may be used are properly secured and on flat ground. A pressure washer applies water at jetting speeds. Be aware of this while using it from atop a ladder. The power of the water can propel you backwards if the ladder is not properly secured or you are unprepared for the force.
2. Keep It Outside: Be sure to all doors and windows are shut. Nobody looks forward to blasting water into an open bedroom and damaging furniture, electronics, interior paint not meant to stand up to blasting water, or cleaning up any of the other things an accidently open window can lead to. Turn off power to outdoor electrical outlets if possible to prevent accidentally soaking a live channel. If you cannot turn them off, outdoor outlets typically come with covers. Be sure to close them.
3. Know Your Nozzles: There are many different nozzles available for pressure washers. This is not a “one size fits all” situation. Depending on the job, angle of use and material being cleaned – different nozzles may be required. A wide-spray nozzle, for example, may be ideal for rinsing a surface. However, it would not be best used for removing stains from iron.
4. Use Common Sense: Select cleaning products intended for your specific purposes. Wood cleaner on vinyl siding is not recommended. Have a plan for your pressure washing. Clean gutters before washing the sides of your home. Start from the top and work your way down when washing your house’s siding. This will prevent you from having to rewash surfaces and allow for gravity to naturally pull dirty water down. (Note: Apply the cleaning solution from the bottom up to allow the dirtier surfaces to soak in the mixture longer.) Start out slow to allow yourself to become accustomed to what works best for your home. Starting with the strongest pressure is not recommended. While it can help remove dirt faster, it can also damage your home.