How to Pressure Wash a House
Homeownership in Dayton, OH is rewarding at times, but on other occasions, it’s a significant responsibility. For example, you’ll have to keep the interior of the house clean, which involves chores such as sweeping, mopping, doing the dishes, and dusting countertops. Keeping your home’s inside tidy is difficult enough; having to keep its exterior clean is a whole other beast. That’s because all exterior surfaces on your property will accumulate over time. If you’re on this page, you’re probably trying to learn how to pressure wash a house—and we’re ready to teach you.
At American Pro Wash, we are highly experienced in the pressure washing and house washing process. We know how to do this work right, and with this blog, so can you. Of course, keep in mind we’re always a phone call away if you would rather schedule an appointment with our pros!
Why Your House Needs to Be Washed
What makes house washing so necessary anyway? While you might have some neighbors who don’t bother cleaning their homes’ exteriors, this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Over time, your home’s exterior surfaces will gather a significant amount of debris, including dirt, pollen, algae, moss, and mold. As this grime accumulates, it will make your house look significantly worse. This reduced curb appeal will even reduce property value, which is especially worth keeping in mind if you are planning to sell the home in the near future.
Did you know that surface debris can damage your home’s exterior over time? This is because particles of debris will grind against its surfaces, gradually eroding them. To adequately prevent significant surface damage—and to save money on repairs—we recommend cleaning your home’s exterior at least once per year.
Should I Try DIY House Washing?
Should you clean your home’s exterior on your own? Make no mistake about it. This work is difficult. However, with the right preparations, you can absolutely clean your home’s exterior on your own. You can even save money this way because you won’t have to pay for professional services.
However, bear in mind that doing your own house washing requires a significant amount of your time and energy. So, make sure you have an opening in your schedule. We recommend giving yourself as much as six hours to complete the project. (It’s better to have too much time than not enough!)
What Will I Need For House Washing?
If you’ve decided to wash your home’s exterior on your own, that’s great! Part of learning how to pressure wash a house is purchasing all the necessary equipment. So, let’s take a look at what you’ll need for the project.
- Pressure Washer. A pressure washer is a versatile piece of equipment that pressurizes water and sprays it through an attaching hose. This machine includes a dial that will let you choose the desired water pressure.
- Cleaning Solutions. Some debris is stubborn, but fortunately, you can weaken this unwanted grime with cleaning solutions. We recommend sodium hypochlorite for its efficacy and eco-friendliness.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. By covering sensitive parts of your body, you’ll reduce the risk of being injured by pressurized water.
Different Surfaces Require Different Techniques
A home exterior involves many different surfaces. From porches, patios, and driveways to the outside walls themselves, there is a lot of work to do. However, bear in mind that different structures and surfaces will need to be cleaned in different ways. We’ve included several examples below for your consideration. Be sure to check the web if you are ever unsure about how much water pressure to use!
- Chain Link Fence: 500 – 1,000 PSI
- Hardwood Deck: 1,200 – 1,800 PSI
- Brick Patio: 1,500 – 2,500 PSI
- Concrete Driveway: 2,000 – 3,000 PSI
When washing the home’s exterior wall, you should almost always use the soft washing process. Soft washing uses between 150 and 350 PSI to gently remove debris from delicate exteriors, including those made of brick, stucco, vinyl, wood, and other materials. What happens when this isn’t enough force to remove stubborn debris? Use cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, to break down this grime so it can be more easily rinsed away. Simply apply a thin layer of the cleaning solution to the surface. Then, wait fifteen minutes before rinsing it off. This should provide you with stunning results.
House Washing Tips and Tricks
Looking for extra ways to make your house washing experience easier? We’ve included a few tips and tricks for you to keep in mind during your appointment.
- Protect Your Property. Before pressure washing your home’s exterior, take some time to protect your property. Move any objects, such as furniture and decorations, away from the surfaces that need to be washed. You may also need to cover flower beds and other parts of your landscaping with tarps or drop cloths.
- Test Before You Spray. As tempting as it is to plow straight into the pressure washing process, it’s best to literally test the waters first. Choose an out-of-the way part of the surface and spray it to confirm that you have selected the best water pressure level for the job. This prevents needless accidents.
- Work Methodically. No need to work in a spiderweb pattern. By simply washing dirty surfaces in rows, it will be easier for you to keep track of what you have already cleaned and what still needs your attention.
Need Full-Service House Washing?
Does the outlined house washing process intimidate you? If so, maybe you’re not cut out for the do-it-yourself process. Great news, though. You don’t have to do this work because our professionals are prepared to do it for you! At American Pro Wash, soft washing is one of our specialties, and we can make your residential property look its best again. Contact us online and let us know about your home—that way, we can give you a free estimate. Then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment!