Pressure Washing Best Practices Every Homeowner Should Know

Every year when spring and summer roll around, people get excited to clean up their house. They resolve to spray down their decks to remove excess pollen or dust buildup. They imagine how good their house will look without the cobwebs, bug nests, and other unpleasant accumulations it's built up. 

There's no question that pressure washing can accomplish all these tasks and more. One day's pressure wash work can work wonders on your driveway or house. However, to receive the best benefits, you must understand pressure washing best practices. 
Fortunately, we're here to give you just that! Read on to learn all you need to know about pressure washing practices.
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​Pressure Washing House Work

Most people who own or rent a pressure washer do so to clean their house's exterior. Doing so is an excellent idea; however, if done poorly, you can end up causing damage to your home. When you decide to pressure wash a house, follow these tips. 

First, lay tarps around the house perimeter. This trick helps protect any plants around the house and collect fallen paint chips. Please note that a home built before 1977 may include lead paint that you must deliver to a hazardous waste facility.

Second, don't hold the sprayer directly to the siding. Doing so will drive dirt into the siding that you want to wash away. Instead, aim the sprayer at a 45-degree angle to your siding and stand at an appropriate distance. 

​Third, work on small areas rather than wide sweeps. Start washing from the bottom and work your way up, using broad, overlapping strokes. When you rinse off the siding, work your way from top to bottom using the same kinds of strokes.

Pressure Washing Driveway Work

People often neglect to power wash their driveway, but doing so has several benefits. It can add value to your home by providing an extra aesthetic appeal. Additionally, it removes nasty stains that become an eyesore after a while.
There are two preliminary steps you must take before pressure washing your driveway. First, sweep off the driveway. Get any fallen leaves off of the concrete, along with excess dirt or dust layers. 
Next, scrub the concrete with a degreasing spray. Spray this mixture onto the concrete about six inches from its surface and scrub it in. Once you've done this, you can use the pressure washer to finish the job.

Pressure Washing Best Practices:

Avoid These SurfacesThere are some things you should never pressure wash. First and foremost among these are windows. Turning a pressure washer on a window can cause it to crack or shatter. 

Also, avoid electrical panels and meters, regardless of their location. Pressure washing can force water into cracks and openings, thus causing damage to your wiring. This mistake can result in expensive repairs.

Hire Professionals for a Guaranteed Positive Experience

If you observe these pressure washing best practices, you can expect a positive outcome. Your house or driveway will likely have a sheen it hasn't seen in years. However, experienced professionals can make your home look brand new.
If you want the best possible look for your home, consider hiring our professional pressure washing services. We offer affordable rates and world-class customer service, so request a free estimate today!