Pressure washing is an excellent solution for removing dirt and grime. However, some surfaces shouldn’t be pressure washed. When you schedule cleaning services with Perfect Power Wash, a trained technician will determine on-site whether soft washing or pressure washing is the better solution.
We’re covering 10 things you shouldn’t pressure wash in this article so that you understand when pressure washing is and isn’t appropriate.
Power Washing Basics
While it seems simple, there’s somewhat of a science to power washing, and hiring a professional reduces the risk of damage and liability. Understanding the basics can help you see why:
- Applying pressure: The high water pressure associated with pressure washing can mean a higher risk of damage. Certain materials can handle a higher amount of pressure than others.
- Distance and proximity: The closer the power washing wand is to an object, the more force and pressure are applied. For example, if you use a lot of pressure just a few inches from your wooden deck, it could crack and splinter. Standing too far away from an object could result in grime being left behind.
Potential Risks of Pressure Washing Surfaces That Shouldn’t Be Pressure Washed
Because of the required pressure, some hazards are involved in washing the wrong surfaces. Keep the following risks in mind:
Electrical Damage
External electrical fixtures should never be pressure washed but may be soft washed in some instances. The pressure associated with soft washing would not cause electrical fixture issues with the proper sealing.
Surface Damage
Some surface materials are more susceptible to damage when exposed to high water pressure. These include:
- Vinyl siding: Using high pressure on vinyl could strip the protective sealant, leaving an uneven appearance to the siding.
- Paint: Painted surfaces are prone to chip, peel or discolor with applied water pressure.
- Roof shingles: Shingles can lose their granules, detach or break if immense pressure is applied.
- Windows: Glass is fragile to pressure and should not be power washed. At Perfect Power Wash, we wash windows without excessive pressure using soap and a gentle rinse.
Alternative washing options will ensure these surfaces aren’t damaged. The pros at Perfect Power Wash use the appropriate pressure for each property surface.
Surfaces That Should Be Soft Washed Instead of Pressure Washed
Soft washing is a technique used to clean exterior surfaces without high water pressure. With this technique, a biodegradable cleaning solution removes moss, mold, lichens, dirt, mildew, algae and grime from surfaces without causing damage. These surfaces should be soft washed rather than pressure washed:
- Vinyl siding
- Roofs
- Concrete that’s under three years old
10 Surfaces You Should Never Pressure Wash
Some surfaces should never be pressure washed. Here are 10 examples.
1. Outdoor Furniture
Though your outdoor furniture will likely get dirty throughout the year, pressure washing is not the best solution. High water pressure can strip the finish off of wood, break glass and cause paint to peel, so you’ll want to stick to hand-washing these surfaces.
2. Plants
It’s a given that living things should never be pressure washed, and that includes people, pets and plants. You may think it’s killing two birds with one stone to “water” your plants while pressure washing your home’s exterior, but doing so could cause a lot of damage to your flowers. Instead of power washing plants, grab a hose or a watering can.
3. Interior of Gutters
Debris accumulates in gutters, and they’re often stained by grime and built-up dirt. Besides looking unappealing, debris and buildup can clog the downspouts and leave you with a dysfunctional gutter. Cleaning your gutters is important, but it must be done properly. Using a pressure washer is risky because you could damage the PVC plastic. We safely scrub gutters as part of our services.
4. Vehicles
Never attempt to power wash vehicles. High water pressure can cause the metal to dent and damage your vehicle’s paint. Using a garden hose and nonabrasive cleaning materials is the best way to clean your car.
5. Windows
Glass surfaces like windows should never be cleaned with high pressure. Use a squeegee, cloth or sponge when washing your windows. Better yet, trust a professional power washing technician who knows what pressure can safely be applied to your glass surfaces.
6. Electrical Meters and Panels
To avoid costly repairs and damage, avoid pressure washing electrical meters and panels. If the electrical surfaces are not properly maintained, water can seep into cracks and cause significant issues.
7. Painted Surfaces
You shouldn’t power wash painted surfaces unless you intend to strip the paint off completely. Even so, the high water pressure could damage the surface beneath, in addition to removing the paint.
8. Air Conditioners
High water pressure can damage an air conditioner’s delicate fins, which restricts airflow and possibly shortens the life span of your equipment. Instead, you can use a garden hose, vacuum or rag to clean your air filters and keep your unit in good condition.
9. Patio Awnings and Shades
Awnings and shades are often made of vinyl and fabric, which may tear under the force of high-pressure water. Sweeping away the debris with a broom, scrubbing your awning with a cleaning solution and rinsing it with a hose is a better solution. If you want to have your awnings and shades professionally power washed, call the Perfect Power Wash team at 833-868-8873, and they can help determine if your awning or shade can be safely washed.
10. Light Fixtures
As with electrical meters and panels, while they’re built to withstand weather, light fixtures are not made to withstand high water pressure. If improperly sealed, water seeps into the components, possibly causing electrical damage. Even more likely is the water causing bulbs or fixtures to crack and break.
Choose Perfect Power Wash for Your Residential Cleaning Needs
While it seems simple on the surface, power washing is best left to the professionals. If you’re looking to revamp your property, trust the qualified team at Perfect Power Wash. We’ve completed over 300,000 home exterior cleaning jobs, and we have the experience to effectively power wash your property surfaces.
Call us at 833-868-8873 for your free quote. You can also learn more about how becoming a Perfect Power Wash Annual Member can help you keep your home looking beautiful year after year. We can’t wait to hear from you!
