Can I Power Wash The Outside Of My House? | DIY Pressure Cleaning

Many Perth homeowners think that pressure washing their home’s exterior is an easy task that they can do themselves.

I suppose that would depend on your time, energy, and strength. For this reason, many people prefer to leave this job to professionals, such as House Washing Perth, but if you believe you can do it yourself, it’s understandable.

I would like to offer some do’s and don’ts, as well as tips and techniques, for making this dirty job a simple one so you get optimal results in a minimum amount of time.

Pressure washing is quite satisfying. You get instant improved curb appeal and something about removing dirt and debris is so gratifying!

Is It Safe to Pressure Wash the Exterior of a House?

If you keep safety measures in mind, it can be safe.

Using a pressure washer on your home isn’t like washing your car with a bucket of water or with your garden hose!

Remember to remove all items from around the home to prevent damage from power washing. This includes window screens, sliding door or door screens, outdoor furniture, potted plants, etc.

Using a cleaning solution is a personal choice. Many people go with plain water, but if you use some type of cleaning solution to remove stains, always choose one that is biodegradable, especially if you have stormwater drains on your property.

Stormwater drains will allow the run-off and other contaminants to soak into the ground and groundwater, so let’s keep things environmentally safe by using safe and biodegradable cleaning products.

It’s always good to remember that pressure washers are high-powered machines. The high-pressure water stream they create can fling things back at you, pets, and family members, so always use the right equipment and follow all safety instructions.

By wearing protective clothing, especially goggles, and reading the instruction manual that comes with your pressure washer, you can avoid irreversible damage to your home and your body!

Is it Safe to Pressure Wash Weatherboards?

Often, yes, you can.

Avoid high-pressure water and go for lower settings, no more than 1500 PSI.

Stay a safe distance (at least 45 cm) to avoid damaging the surface.

Use an eco-friendly cleaner and avoid leaving too much water on the surface. Use a squeegee or a towel to remove excess water if necessary.

Top Tips and Techniques for Pressure Washing

1. Pick the correct pressure washer for your needs.
2. Use the correct nozzle. (Read the instruction manual!)
3. Prep the house well by removing potted plants and patio furniture. Cover shrubs, electrical outlets, windows, and doors, and remove window or door screens.
4. Keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and don’t use the highest setting unless you’re familiar with the machine.
5. Use a sweeping back-and-forth motion from top to bottom.
6. Work in sections.
7. If you use a cleaning solution for washing, rinse immediately afterwards.

Is it Safe to Pressure Wash Painted Surfaces?

Not usually. If you want to remove or strip off the paint, yes, pressure washing will do a great job. High-pressure water is perfect for removing chipped or peeling paint.

Otherwise, you can use your power washer on the lowest setting in an inconspicuous area and see how well it cleans.

Most people use a large brush and a garden hose to protect the paint.

What is Safe to Pressure Wash and What Isn’t?

For those new to pressure washing, especially pressure washing painted surfaces, here is a short do and don’t list.

It is Safe to Pressure Wash:

• Concrete, brick, and stone
• Outdoor furniture made from sturdy plastic, metal, or aluminium (Keep in mind that some plastics may have been weakened by the sun, so use a low-pressure setting.)
• Vinyl siding (Again, a low setting is recommended.)
• Most wood fences or decking. It is recommended that you test a small area first.
• Metal surfaces on your home exterior, such as rain gutters, fencing, and flashing
• Softer surfaces, such as outdoor rugs and cushions. Most outdoor rugs and patio chair cushions are made from PVC or canvas and can be cleaned using water pressure. You can test a small area first to ensure the colour does not come off with your pressure washer.
• Hard surfaces, such as stone walkways, PVC fencing or pillars, Composite gazebos or decks, can often benefit from high-pressure washing.

It is NOT Safe to Power Wash:

• Electrical outlets or fuse boxes. All electrical items should be removed or completely covered and even then, avoid using too much pressure near them.
• Asphalt shingles (roofing). Asphalt shingles are water resistant, but using a pressure washer can remove and damage them!
• Damaged, old, or very worn wooden items. If the material appears in poor condition, such as a deck with dry rot, don’t even attempt to use a pressure washer.
• Painted Surfaces. If you plan on stripping the paint surface, yes, pressure washing will easily remove loose paint. For simple cleaning, however, excessive pressure will chip the paint. If you want the area clean but don’t want to repaint, you can try an inconspicuous area of the home exterior to see how it holds up. Otherwise, use a brush and a garden hose.
• Windows. To avoid damaging window seals or even cracking glass, we don’t recommend pressure washing. Use the garden hose instead.
• Vehicles. Some machines are designed with pressure washer accessories just for vehicles to avoid damaging plastic, weather-stripping, and paint. Look for a machine that says it is safe for vehicles.

I hope you found this article helpful. Please feel free to share it with your friends and family, and may your summer days be filled with pressure-washing fun.