How Do I Pressure Wash My House Without Damaging It?

Do you want to give your house a deep clean but don't know where to start? Pressure washing is a great way of achieving sparkling results, but as with any do-it-yourself job, it can also be risky if done improperly. Knowing the right way to pressure wash your home could save you time and money in the long run - avoid costly mistakes by learning how to safely and effectively use this powerful force for spotless walls! In this blog post, we'll discuss everything you need to know about properly pressure washing your house. From what tools you need and safety measures that must be taken, find out exactly how to achieve cleaner results without damaging your home's exterior surfaces.

Is It Bad To Power Wash Your Home?

We regret that we must sound a note of caution before you break out the pressure washer. Incorrect pressure washing techniques can cause expensive structural damage to a home.

To begin with, you risk damaging your home's siding if the pressure washer is too powerful and has an extremely high PSI (over 1500).

Water damage is another major concern. Water can easily penetrate the walls of some dwellings, especially those constructed of wood or brick. In the absence of rapid evaporation, this will lead to decay and mildew.

Lastly, you risk letting water into your attic if you direct the spray upwards. 

If you need help cleaning up your house, a garden hose and some soap will get the job done if it takes longer. However, pressure washing remains a good idea if done properly.

House Pressure Washing Essentials

Now you're thinking about power washing your house. But first, let's make sure we have everything we need. Everything from:

• You'll need detergent to make cleaning your home with a pressure washer easier and faster. Also, whether your home is clad in vinyl, concrete, cement, or anything else, you should get a detergent designed for that particular material. To protect the neighbouring grass, wildlife, and flowers, we advise using a gentler recipe for the environment.
• Pressure Washer: A pressure washer is, of course, required, but not just any old pressure washer will do. A pressure washer with 2.3 gallons per minute (GPM) will be fairly powerful, with an average of 2,600 PSI. In that scenario, you'll want to keep your distance from the house's siding when you pressure wash it. If unsure, go with a lower PSI—between 1200 and 1600—for wood or aluminium siding. Vinyl, along with other durable materials, can withstand greater PSI. A soap tank is essential for storing soap or detergent.
• We advise investing in a brush attachment to make cleaning easier, especially when eliminating filth and buildup. You may desire an extension wand for the same reason.
• Use a 25 to 40-degree nozzle point to provide a larger stream of water when cleaning a house. More of the siding can be protected from the elements at once.
• Wearing protective eyewear or its equivalent, as well as thick, strong clothing, is highly recommended.
• Water damage to ventilation systems can be prevented with plastic sheeting. It's also a good idea to cover adjacent plants, shrubs, or furniture to keep them safe.

What You Should Do Before Pressure Washing Your Home

Some things to consider before you start power washing include the following:

• It is time to don your safety gear.
• Take away the furniture or cover it. Remember the grass, bushes, and blossoms.
• Please cover the vents.
• Stay off the ladders. As the side of your house would be slippery, and you shouldn't use power tools on a ladder, their use is unnecessary and poses a serious safety risk.
• Ensure the length of the extension hose you're using won't let it come in contact with any electrical wires.
• Make room around you. Take out everything that isn't necessary, including furniture, power equipment, bikes, and more. Also, make sure no small children or animals are in the area.
• Inquire whether or not lead paint has been used in the interior of your home. Before we start pressure cleaning, you need to contact a specialist to remove it.
• Get your home checked out by a pro if you suspect or know it contains asbestos. If asbestos is present, it should not be disturbed with a power washer because of its potential health risks.
• Avert potential danger by switching off all outside appliances and plugs. If you spray them in the wrong place, you could create a spark or even harm your home's electrical system.

Preparing Your Home For A Power Washing

• Start a few feet away and work your way closer to the wall until the wand moves smoothly from side to side at the ideal distance.
• When power washing, start at the top and work your way down to avoid getting unclean water on the parts you still need to clean.
• Don't aim the spray nozzle at any electrical fixtures or glass windows when you operate the spray. To avoid flooding, make sure all windows were closed and weather-stripped.
• Don't let the power washer sit in one location for too long or risk gouging the wood or damaging the siding.
• Loose paint can be easily removed with a 15 to 25-degree nozzle. A wider-angle nozzle can help you clean your home's exterior without repainting it afterwards.

Pressure-Washing Your Home: Dos And Don'ts

It is feasible to clean outside or backyard hard surfaces without specialised equipment, but the results won't be as good. Pressure washing was developed to remove filth and dirt from exterior surfaces because conventional methods were ineffective. On top of that, cleaning an outdoor area is a completely different animal than cleaning an indoor area.

Cleaning the outside of your home with a pressure washer is ten times more effective at removing the hard dirt and chemicals from prolonged environmental exposure. However, you should only use pressure to clean your house if you are confident in your abilities. The truth is that improper use of such a powerful tool can damage your home's exterior. You shouldn't be scared to give pressure washing your home a try on your own, but you should study up first to ensure you're operating the equipment properly and safely and that you end up with the results you want.

What To Do When Pressure Washing Your Home

• Do-it-yourselfers using pressure washers should begin with a low setting until they gain experience and confidence before increasing the pressure. Even then, it would help if you didn't crank up the machine. Otherwise, you risk ruining the material or coating. Instead, check the area after each increase in pressure to determine the optimal level at which the surface is being cleaned.
• When operating a pressure washer, it's important to keep both arms and hands steady. Learning to operate the machine takes some time, so it's smart to take a few practice swings somewhere open and safe before diving in.
• When using a pressure washer outside your home, you should never stop the machine. For this reason, you should move it about every two to three seconds. Sweeping the water around ensures that the water pressure is distributed uniformly throughout the surface.
• Remember to keep a safe distance when you pressure wash the outside of your home. You should stand at least two feet back when washing siding and painted surfaces.
• Be sure your pressure washer won't cause any damage to the surface by first trying it out in a hidden spot. After the apparatus has been put through its paces, inspect the surrounding area for signs of denting, etching, and peeling.
• If a fixture is not water-resistant, remove it or disconnect it. Waterproof tape should be applied over outdoor outlets to prevent water damage.
• Before you begin pressure washing the exterior, you should clear the area around your property, sometimes known as the "splash zone." Keep sensitive things away from potential danger.
• To safeguard your garden and plants, improvise some stilts and cover them with plastic. If you want to avoid damaging the dirt or mud around your house, point your pressure washer in the other direction.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning; instead, use a sensible solution. Depending on what you're attempting to get rid of, there may be good alternatives to using harsh chemicals to eliminate outside contaminants.
• Cleansing solutions should be applied to start at the bottom and work their way up; rinsing should be performed reversely, beginning at the top and working its way down.

Pressure Washing Mistakes To Avoid

• While machinery is in operation, increasing water pressure could cause serious damage. You could accidentally dent or spray a substance if its power suddenly exceeded your control.
• Wait to blast the surface with water until you've given it a trial run on a hidden patch. Even a little rise may damage the paint and other finishes. Thus it is important to conduct tests first.
• Please avoid using water at a very high temperature. The pressure of the water makes this tool useful for cleaning outdoor materials and surfaces, even though hot water is typically recommended for eliminating difficult filth by loosening and reducing it using heat.
• Don't spray every spot with the same nozzle. Since the various pressure washer attachments are designed to clean either large or small areas, their water pressures also vary.
• Don't clean windows with a pressure washer (even on a low setting). When pressure is exerted in this way, it can easily break or weaken the seals on exterior windows. After you're done pressure washing the house, take your time washing the windows by hand.
• Using a wide spray angle will reduce the force exerted on the surface. For best effects, spray the dirt straight towards and perpendicular to a surface. Consider utilising a pivot nozzle and raising pressure when pressure cleaning an area where the sprayer can be held straight.
• Avoid using an overly concentrated cleaning solution unless essential. A gentle cleaning solution is all that is required, provided that the water pressure is high enough.
• Only pressure wash your own home if you are an expert in the necessary skills and handling of a machine. It's important to keep in mind that a high-powered pressure washer can cause serious harm if used improperly.

Conclusion

Misuse of a pressure washer can cause serious and costly damage to a house's structure. If the PSI of your pressure washer is too high, it could cause damage to the exterior of your home (over 1500). Another big issue is flooding. The lack of quick evaporation will cause the situation to deteriorate and get mildewed. A pressure washer with 2.3 GPM will have an average of 2,600 PSI, which is quite strong.

The safe range for PSI in wood or aluminium siding is between 1200 and 1600. In order to keep soap or detergent accessible, a soap tank is required. It's strongly suggested that heavy, sturdy clothing and protective glasses be worn. Due to the inefficiency of traditional cleaning procedures, pressure washing was created to clean exterior surfaces. Please have an asbestos removal expert come to your property before we begin pressure cleaning.

Keep in mind that power cleaning can be dangerous, so make sure no pets or young children are around. When it comes to eliminating the hard dirt and chemicals that have built up on the exterior of your property from lengthy exposure to the elements, a pressure washer is 10 times more effective. However, the exterior of your property can be damaged by improperly using such a strong tool. DIYers should start with a low pressure until they gain experience and confidence, at which point they can increase the setting. When you sweep the water around, you're spreading the water's weight out across the whole surface.

When cleaning siding or painted surfaces, you should keep at least two feet of distance. In the event that a fixture is not watertight, it should be taken out of commision. When applying cleaning solutions, it is best to begin at the base of the structure and work your way up.

Content Summary

• The use of a pressure washer should be approached with caution, and we apologise for having to say so.
• Misuse of a pressure washer can cause serious and costly damage to a house's structure.
• To begin, if the pressure washer is too strong and has a very high PSI, you may cause damage to the siding of your home (over 1500).
• Another big issue is flooding.
• Some homes, particularly those made of wood or brick, are vulnerable to water damage because of how quickly water can seep through their walls.
• The lack of quick evaporation will cause the situation to deteriorate and get mildewed.
• Last but not least, aiming the spray upwards can cause leaks in your roof.
• A yard hose and some soap will do the trick if you need assistance tidying up the house.
• However, if done correctly, pressure cleaning can still be beneficial.
• House Essentials for Pressure Washing You are currently considering giving your home a good power washing.
• Let's check our supplies first, though.
• To make quick work of cleaning your house with a pressure washer, you'll need detergent.
• In addition, it's important to use a detergent made specifically for your home's exterior material, whether it's vinyl, concrete, cement, or something else entirely.
• We suggest switching to a more environmentally friendly formula to spare the nearby grass, wildlife, and flowers.
• High-Pressure Cleaner: Of course, a pressure washer is essential, but not just any old pressure washer will do.
• A pressure washer with 2.3 GPM will have an average of 2,600 PSI, which is quite strong.
• In this case, it's best to avoid getting too close to the house's siding when you pressure wash it.
• In case of doubt, choose a lower PSI for wood or aluminium siding, between 1200 and 1600.
• Vinyl and similar long-lasting materials may tolerate higher pressures than less sturdy ones.
• In order to keep soap or detergent accessible, a soap tank is required.
• If you want to save time and effort when cleaning, particularly when removing grime and buildup, you should use a brush attachment.
• For the same reason, an extension wand may appeal to you.
• In order to produce a more substantial water stream while cleaning the house, a nozzle point of 25 to 40 degrees is recommended.
• It is possible to shield a larger area of the siding from the weather at once.
• You should definitely use safety glasses or something like, along with some heavy, sturdy gear.
• Plastic sheeting can be used to protect ventilation systems against water damage.
• To ensure the safety of nearby vegetation and furnishings, it is recommended that you cover them as well.
• Preparations to Make Ahead of Time for a Power Wash Residence, Yours Before you start power washing, you should think about the following.
• Put on your safety equipment now.
• Either remove the furniture or cover it up.
• Don't forget the trees, flowers, and grass.
• Close the vents, thank you.
• Don't climb any ladders just yet.
• You shouldn't use power tools while perched on a ladder, and the side of your house is probably too slippery to walk on to get the job done.
• Make sure the extension hose you're using won't touch any live wires if it's too long.
• Create some breathing room.
• Get rid of all the extra stuff, like unused pieces of furniture, bikes, and power tools.
• Also, ensure there are no pets or toddlers nearby.
• Inquire as to whether or not any of the paint in your home contains lead.
• We need to get a professional to take care of that before we can start pressure cleaning.
• If you know or think that asbestos is present in your home, you should have a professional inspect it.
• Power washing a surface where there may be asbestos could expose workers to the carcinogen.
• Turn off any electrical devices and outlets outside to eliminate any potential hazards.
• You could cause a spark or even damage your home's electrical system if you mist them in the wrong spot.
• Begin a few feet away and gradually go closer until you reach the perfect distance at which the wand can be moved easily from side to side.
• If you want to keep the water you're using for the power wash as clean as possible, it's best to start at the top and work your way down.
• If you want to avoid damaging your electrical devices or windows, you shouldn't point the spray nozzle in that direction.
• It would be best if you closed and weather-stripped all of the windows to stop the water from coming in.
• If you leave the power washer in one spot for too long, you could gouge the wood or damage the siding.
• Using a nozzle with an angle between 15 and 25 degrees, peeling paint can be quickly and easily removed.
• Cleaning the outside of your house using a wider-angle nozzle will save you time and money on repainting.
• leaning outside or backyard hard surfaces without specialised equipment is possible, but the results won't be as excellent.
• In order to remove the tough dirt and chemicals that have built up on the exterior of your property from lengthy exposure to the elements, a pressure washer is 10 times more effective than a regular hose.
• Pressure cleaning is effective, but only if you are sure of your skills.
• The truth is that if you use such strong equipment incorrectly, it can cause exterior damage to your house.
• You shouldn't be afraid to try pressure washing your own home, but you should prepare yourself by learning the proper techniques and safety precautions.
• When using a pressure washer for the first time, do-it-yourselfers should start with the lowest setting and work their way up.
• Still, you may improve the situation by not giving the machine full throttle.
• If you don't, you could peel off the coating or damage the substance.
• Instead, you should inspect the region after increasing the pressure to find the sweet spot for cleaning the surface.
• Keeping both arms and hands steady is essential while using a pressure washer.
• Getting the hang of the machine takes time, so before diving in, it's good to take a few practice swings in a safe, open area.
• A pressure washer should never be turned off while being used in the outside environment.
• Since this is the case, you should nudge it every three seconds.
• When you sweep the water around, you're spreading the water's weight out across the whole surface.
• When using a pressure washer, it is important to remember to remain a safe distance from the walls of your home.
• When cleaning siding or painted surfaces, you should keep at least two feet of distance.
• Test your pressure washer in an inconspicuous area first to be sure it won't damage the surface.
• After putting the equipment through its paces, make sure it hasn't damaged its surroundings by denting, etching, or peeling.
• In the event that a fixture is not watertight, it should be taken out of commision.
• Taping over outdoor outlets with waterproof tape will protect them from rain and snow.
• If you plan on using a pressure washer to clean the outside of your home, it's important to clear the "splash zone" around your house beforehand.
• Don't put fragile goods in risky situations.
• Your garden and plants will be protected if you improvise some stilts and cover them with plastic.
• The pressure washer should be pointed away from the dirt or mud around the home if you don't want to damage it.
• When cleaning, use a solution that is gentler on the environment.
• There might be better options than utilising harsh chemicals to get rid of outside contaminants, depending on what you're trying to get rid of.
• While using a cleaning solution, it is best to apply it from the bottom up, and when rinsing, the process should be reversed, starting at the top and moving down.
• Increasing the water pressure while machinery is running could result in costly repairs.
• If you lose control of a powerful material, you might dent it or spray it on accident.
• Don't go soaking the surface with water unless you've first tested it out in a concealed area.
• The paint and other finishes could be ruined by even a slight elevation increase.
• Hence, preliminary testing is essential.
• If possible, cool the water down a bit before using it.
• Even though hot water is normally advised for removing tough dirt by loosening and decreasing it using heat, the pressure of the water makes this equipment effective for cleaning outdoor materials and surfaces.
• Don't use the same nozzle to spray down the whole lawn.
• Different pressure washer attachments have different water pressures since they are made to clean different sized surfaces.
• Avoid using a pressure washer on glass surfaces (even on a low setting).
• It is easy to damage or weaken the seals on external windows when pressure is applied in this way.
• Wash the windows by hand once you've finished pressure washing the house.
• The pressure applied to the surface can be decreased by using a broad spray angle.
• The dirt should be sprayed in a direction that is perpendicular to the surface you intend to clean.
• When cleaning with a pressure washer in an area where the sprayer can be held upright, you may want to use a pivot nozzle and increase the power.
• Cleaning with a very concentrated solution should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
• A mild cleaning solution and adequate water pressure are all that is needed.
• If you don't have extensive experience with pressure washing and handling a machine, you shouldn't do it at home.
• Remember that a powerful pressure washer might cause significant injury if used incorrectly.