Pressure washing is an effective and efficient way to clean the exterior of your home, removing dirt, mold, mildew, and other grime that can accumulate over time. Whether you’re planning to pressure wash your siding, deck, driveway, or even your roof, preparing your home beforehand is crucial to ensuring a successful and safe cleaning process. Proper preparation not only protects your property but also ensures that the pressure washing yields the best possible results.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do to prepare your home for pressure washing, ensuring that both your home and landscape stay intact and beautiful throughout the process.
Why Preparing Your Home is Important
Before diving into the preparation steps, it’s important to understand why this stage is so critical. Our fellow pressure washing friends at Ohio Pressure Wash, Inc. has provided us with important reasons why pressure washing preparation is important.
- Preventing Damage: High-pressure water can cause significant damage if not used carefully. Loose materials, fragile surfaces, or electrical hazards can become problematic if they aren’t properly addressed before pressure washing.
- Efficiency: Properly prepping the area ensures that you get the best cleaning results in the least amount of time. A clutter-free work area means fewer interruptions and a faster cleaning process.
- Protecting Plants and Landscape: Water, chemicals, and cleaning agents can potentially harm plants or other landscaping features. Preparing your home allows you to safeguard your greenery and prevent unnecessary damage.
With these benefits in mind, let’s get started with the step-by-step preparation process.
Step 1: Inspect and Assess Your Home’s Exterior
Before setting up your pressure washer, take a good look at the areas you plan to clean. Different surfaces may require different levels of care, and identifying any potential problem areas beforehand can help prevent damage.
- Check for loose or damaged materials: Examine your home’s siding, deck, or roof for any loose boards, nails, or cracks. High-pressure water can exacerbate these issues, causing more damage. Secure any loose materials or consider repairing them before pressure washing.
- Assess for mildew or mold: Mold and mildew often accumulate in shaded areas, particularly on siding or decks. These areas might need special treatment with cleaning agents designed for mold removal.
- Look for fragile or delicate areas: Window screens, light fixtures, vents, and other delicate features may be vulnerable to high-pressure water. Mark these areas to avoid spraying them directly or consider removing them if possible.
Step 2: Clear the Area
Next, it’s important to remove any obstacles or items that could get in the way of the pressure washing process. This will help avoid accidental damage and give you a clear path for cleaning.
- Move outdoor furniture: If you’re pressure washing your deck, patio, or the side of your home, make sure to relocate outdoor furniture, grills, potted plants, and any other items that may obstruct the work area.
- Protect outdoor décor: Remove or cover any decorations such as wall hangings, potted plants, or garden ornaments that could be damaged by high-pressure water or cleaning agents.
- Clear vehicles: If you’re washing your driveway, garage, or any area near your car, park vehicles in a safe location away from where the cleaning will take place.
- Cover electrical outlets and vents: Any exterior electrical outlets, light fixtures, or vents should be covered with waterproof plastic sheeting or electrical tape to prevent water from getting inside.
Step 3: Protect Plants and Landscaping
Pressure washing typically involves the use of cleaning solutions, and while most are safe for homes, they can be harmful to plants. It’s important to protect your landscape to prevent damage to your garden, lawn, and other plantings.
- Water plants beforehand: Thoroughly water your plants and lawn before starting the pressure washing process. Well-hydrated plants are less likely to absorb harmful chemicals from the cleaning solution.
- Cover delicate plants: Use plastic sheeting or tarps to cover any delicate plants, shrubs, or flowerbeds located near the areas you plan to pressure wash. This will help protect them from overspray and cleaning agents.
- Rinse plants afterward: Once you’ve finished pressure washing, rinse your plants with clean water to wash away any soap or chemicals that may have landed on them.
Step 4: Choose the Right Cleaning Solution
Depending on the type of surface you’re cleaning, you may need a specialized cleaning solution. Different surfaces—such as wood, concrete, or vinyl—may have specific cleaning needs. Choosing the right solution ensures that your home is effectively cleaned without causing damage.
- For siding: A mixture of water and a mild detergent is usually sufficient for cleaning siding. However, if there’s mildew or mold buildup, you may need a cleaning solution designed to kill mold spores.
- For wood decks or fences: Use a wood cleaner that is designed to be gentle on natural wood while lifting dirt and stains. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage or discolor the wood.
- For driveways or concrete surfaces: Heavy-duty degreasers can be effective in removing oil stains and grime from concrete. Be sure to select a cleaner that is safe for use with a pressure washer.
Step 5: Set Up Your Pressure Washer Properly
Once your home is prepped, it’s time to set up the pressure washer. Whether you’re using an electric or gas-powered pressure washer, ensure that everything is connected and functioning properly.
- Choose the correct nozzle: Pressure washers come with various nozzles that determine the intensity and angle of the water spray. For general cleaning, use a wider nozzle, such as a 25-degree or 40-degree tip. Narrower nozzles produce a more concentrated and forceful spray, which can damage delicate surfaces.
- Test on a small area: Before going full steam ahead, test the pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous area to ensure the pressure level is appropriate for the surface you’re cleaning. If the water pressure is too high, adjust it accordingly to avoid damaging your home.
- Check for leaks: Ensure that all connections, including the water hose and pressure washer fittings, are secure and free of leaks.
Step 6: Start Pressure Washing Safely
Once your home is prepped, you can begin the pressure washing process. Follow these safety tips to ensure both effective cleaning and safe operation.
- Maintain a safe distance: Keep the nozzle at least 6-12 inches away from the surface you’re cleaning to avoid causing damage. For more fragile surfaces, increase the distance as needed.
- Use a sweeping motion: Move the nozzle in a consistent, sweeping motion, overlapping each pass to ensure even cleaning. Avoid holding the spray in one spot for too long, as this can cause damage to the surface.
- Be mindful of direction: When washing walls or siding, start from the bottom and work your way up to avoid streaks. For driveways or patios, work in sections and spray in the direction that allows water to drain away from your home.
Step 7: Rinse and Clean Up
After pressure washing, it’s essential to thoroughly rinse away any cleaning solutions or grime that may have been loosened during the process.
- Rinse with clean water: Go over the cleaned surfaces with a low-pressure water spray to remove any remaining soap or residue.
- Inspect the area: Check your work to ensure that all surfaces have been properly cleaned and no damage has occurred. Look for any areas that might need a touch-up or additional rinsing.
- Store equipment safely: Once you’ve completed the job, properly drain and store your pressure washer and hoses. Rinse out any nozzles or attachments to prevent future clogs.
Conclusion
Preparing your home for pressure washing is a critical step in ensuring that the process goes smoothly and safely. By following these preparation steps, you can protect your home, landscape, and outdoor features while achieving a spotless clean. With the right equipment, cleaning solutions, and a well-prepped work area, pressure washing can revitalize the exterior of your home, leaving it looking fresh and pristine.