Pressure washing a house is a great way to reduce mold, mildew growth, remove dirt and grime buildup. Pressure washing your house can be done easily if you have the right supplies and techniques. This post will cover what you need to know about pressure washing a house in a step-by-step guide.
What is the Correct pressure for Home Pressure Washing
The most important thing you can do to ensure the safety of your home is to make sure that you are using the proper pressure for home pressure washing. The correct pressure range is between 2000 PSI and 3000 PSI. If you are using a lower PSI, you may not be able to remove dirt completely from your home and it could cause damage instead of cleaning it. Use of excess pressure, can damage surfaces such as siding and windows.
Steps for Pressure Washing a House
If you want to pressure wash your house, follow these steps:
- Ensure you cover the greenery surrounding your house, then seal all doors and windows
- Use a washing solution to prepare your house
- Fit your pressure washer with the proper nozzle and prepare for action
- Spray and scrub siding from bottom to top, working in 10-foot-wide sections
- Wear your goggles while doing a pressure wash test on the area you have scrubbed.
- Pressure wash from top to bottom the area you have scrubbed
Cover surrounding greenery and seal doors and Windows
When pressure washing your home, you’ll want to cover surrounding greenery with plastic sheeting. Place a few buckets filled with water at the base of plants and shrubs. This will help protect them from getting drenched in high-pressure water streams, which can cause damage or even kill them. Also, make sure all doors and windows are sealed shut; this allows for proper ventilation inside the house while you’re washing it outside. You can also open up doors and windows while using your pressure washer so there won’t be any backdrafts of stale air.
Prepare your house washing solution
You should use a solution that is safe for the environment and family. Before you begin pressure washing, make sure your siding is free of debris or dirt. Doing this ensures no damage will be done while you’re performing your pressure washing task. When pressure washing, make sure you use a solution that is safe for the grass in your yard so it doesn’t burn them or fade them out too quickly.
Fit your pressure washer with the proper nozzle and prepare for action
When it comes to pressure washing your house choosing the right nozzle is very important. Nozzles are different sizes and shapes, and they each do different things. For example, if you want to remove some mildew from your wood siding but not damage it completely, you’d use a flat nozzle that won’t create too much pressure or force on the surface of the siding. If you’re looking for something more aggressive, say, cleaning away grime from a car or boat then an angled wand would be better suited for those purposes. You can also use other types of nozzles depending on what kind of surface needs cleaning; for instance, a high-pressure washer with a soap tip would be useful when trying to remove dirt from concrete surfaces like driveways or sidewalks while leaving behind minimal damage.
Spray and scrub your house from the bottom to top in a 10-foot-wide sections working style
When you perform pressure washing on your house, you have to spray and scrub the house from bottom to top for efficient cleaning. This will help prevent water from splashing against the surface of the house and dirt from sticking to it. Working in 10-foot wide sections will make it easier for you to get into tight corners and hard-to-reach places that may need extra attention. Ensure you wear protective eyewear, rubber gloves, and non-slip shoes while spray washing your house during a pressure wash.
Wear your goggles while doing a pressure wash test on the scrubbed area
Before you spray, you should do a pressure wash test on the scrubbed area. This will help ensure that you have set the pressure to the right level and will also help determine whether or not your nozzles are working properly. When performing this test, make sure that:
- You are wearing protective eyewear and rubber gloves
- The hose is disconnected from the spigot or faucet
- Your face and body are protected from being sprayed with water (in other words, don’t get too close)
Work from top to bottom, power washing the scrubbed section
Now that you’ve scrubbed the house, power wash from top to bottom. Work in 10-foot-wide sections, using a ladder to reach areas above your head. For this step, you’ll want to make sure that your pressure washer is set on low pressure and that it has a soap dispenser.
FAQs
How long does it take to pressure wash a house?
It will take you anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to pressure wash a house, depending on its size, how dirty it is and the type of surface you are cleaning. You need to consider things like:
- The size of your house (a small home will take less time than a large one)
- How dirty it is (if there’s years’ worth of grime caked on the walls, you’re going to have more work than if it’s just dust)
- The water pressure at which your pressure washer operates (a high-pressure unit will get done faster than a low-pressure model, even if they’re both set to the same level)
When is the best time to power wash your house?
Power washing your house is best done early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid windy days, rainy days, and hot sunny days. Excessive sun can lead to damage on the paint on your house if it’s too bright. It should also be noted that oftentimes power washing companies ask that people wanting a pressure wash should hire a professional for a sound job.
Do I need soap to pressure wash my house?
Yes, to pressure wash your house you will need soap. Soap helps remove dirt and grime from the surface of your home, as well as break down grease, oil and other organic materials. A pressure washer without soap can still clean your house but it won’t perform at its best. Soap also prevents build up of dirt and grime over time, which means that in addition to cleaning the house now with a pressure washer with soap (or detergent), you’ll be able to keep it clean for longer by using a high quality detergent regularly after each cleaning session.
What do I spray on my house before pressure washing?
When you want to pressure wash your house, it is important that you ensure the use of the proper cleaning solution. There are many different types of soap available for use in pressure washing, some of the most popular ones are:
Detergent Solution: A detergent solution is typically a mixture of water and a mild cleaning agent (such as dish soap). The use of detergent for pressure washing ensures breaks down of dirt, grime and other stains on the exterior surfaces of your house. This type of cleaning product is safe for both people and pets if they get into contact with it while it is still wet.
Safe Cleaning Product: A safe cleaning product should not contain any harsh chemicals that could harm anyone who comes into contact with them while they are still wet or dry (in case someone touches an area covered by residue from an old application). The best way to find out whether or not something contains harmful ingredients is by reading its label carefully before purchasing it at your local hardware store or online retailer.
What should you not do when pressure washing?
One thing that you should never do is use bleach or vinegar. These common household cleaners can damage the surface of your house, causing it to peel and flake over time. You should also avoid using acid, paint thinner, gasoline, kerosene and diesel fuel. your home’s siding or roofing materials because these substances will corrode them over time. Alcohol can be used for cleaning purposes but must be handled with care as it may contain trace amounts of acetone which can cause irritation when applied directly onto skin or inhaled in large quantities.
Can I use bleach to pressure wash my house?
If you are going to use bleach, remember that it is not recommended for pressure washing. Bleach can cause damage to the surface of your house. If there are children or pets in your home, do not use bleach because it could be harmful to them as well.
Conclusion
Pressure washing may seem difficult, but when you have the required tools and supplies it becomes pretty easy. The most important thing to remember is safety, as you want to make sure that everyone involved with the job is safe from harm. Keep in mind that while pressure washing may seem like a simple job, there are many aspects that need to be considered before starting. It is important that you do your research before tackling any project so that you don’t end up making unnecessary mistakes along the way.
