Pressure Washing your House the Right Way

Pressure washing or power washing, involves using a high velocity water spray to clean dirt and debris from surfaces. From removing mold and mildew on siding, to prepping your home for a fresh coat of paint, a thorough pressure washing can help restore your home’s curb appeal. The following guide will teach you how to pressure wash your home safely and efficiently.

Supplies

Tools

Pressure Washer
Garden Hose
Pressure washer foam blaster

Materials

Cleaner of choice
Duct tape
Tarps
Safety Glasses

The Pressure Washing Process

Step 1: Choose a Pressure Washer that is Best for the Job. Normally, the spray power of pressure washers ranges from 1,200 to 3,000 psi. The level of water pressure you use depends on the material your house is constructed of. Softer housing materials such as wood, aluminum and stucco, require a 1,200 to 1,500 psi model with a wide spray nozzle to prevent damage. Alternatively, stronger surfaces like vinyl, get a better clean with a more powerful 2,500 to 3,000 psi model.

Step 2: Prep the Area and put on Safety Gear. Before you begin power washing, it’s best if you remove or cover items like light fixtures and air conditioners to protect them from damage. The best method of protection is to cover them with tarps or garbage bags and tape them shut with duct tape. Also, take note of the locations of windows and electrical outlets to ensure you avoid them while pressure washing.

Step 3: Set up Your Pressure Washer. Using a water bucket or foam cannon, mix water and a cleaning detergent that includes mildewcide according to manufacturer’s instructions. Next, attach your pressure washer to your garden hose and choose the appropriate nozzle. Now, before going to town on your siding you need to test your pressure washer. To do so, step back about 3 feet from your home and lightly test the pressure against the house. Adjust pressure as needed to remove dirt, mold and mildew without damaging the home’s exterior.

Step 4: Clean from the Bottom up. Now that your solution is mixed and you’ve tested your water pressure, it’s time to get to work! With a side to side motion, start power washing at the bottom of the house and work your way to the top. Working this way ensures that no spots are missed.

Step 5: Clean up and let the House Dry. Once you have finished washing your home, turn off the pressure washer and disconnect it from the hose–follow the owner’s manual for storage instructions. Using your garden hose, rinse the excess soap from the sides of your home. Also, remember to remove all tarps and duct tape. Keep in mind, if you plan on painting you must allow your home’s exterior to dry completely–this could take 2 or more days.

Call Terry’s Plumbing

Learning how to pressure wash a house is an effective way to ensure your house looks its best, especially if you want to prepare it for a fresh coat of paint. But doing so is impossible without a hose hookup. Need help adding one? Call Super Terry for a consultation today!