How to Pressure Wash a House

Pressure washing is a technique that utilizes high velocity water jet to clean the exterior of a house. A house typically contracts dirt and chalk-like deposits due to continuous exposure to the external environment. This accumulated layer gives the house a dull appearance. To keep the house clean and beautiful, intermittent cleaning is required. Using a pressure washer to do this task is a good and easy option. It not only removes dirt, but also helps in getting rid of mold and mildew. This power washing method can be used on metal, vinyl, and few types of masonry sliding materials. However, it is not fit for brick or wood siding. Therefore, one must check which siding material has been used for the house and only then decide whether this method will be feasible for cleaning or not.

Pressure Washing Your Home

Step 1: Before Getting Started

• Before starting the cleaning business, a few things must be sorted out. Close all the doors and windows of the house to prevent water from entering.
• Switch off main electricity lines and specifically the ones supplying to the exterior of the house.
• To protect exterior lights from water, cover them up with plastic and seal them using tape.
• If the house has damaged areas, repair them before starting the cleaning process.
• Cut overgrown vegetation surrounding the house so that accumulated mold and mildew is visible and easy to clean.
• If you have any kind of furniture placed in the exterior of the house, shift it inside to prevent damage due to water and strong detergents used for pressure cleaning.

Step 2: Preparing the Pressure Washer

• For proper cleaning, use the best pressure washer for home use, as the choice of washer depends on the housing material. Soft housing materials need 1200-1500 psi models, while stronger materials require 2500-3000 psi models to avoid any kind of damage.
• Fill the detergent solution in the soap holding tank of the pressure washer, or if it does not have one, insert the hose of the siphon tube in the detergent bottle.
• Attach the pressure washer's water inlet to the water source and place your hand in front of the stream to check the pressure exerted by it.
• The pressure should be sufficient to wash out dirt and mold without causing any damage.

Step 3: Cleaning Process

• Choose one side of the house at a time for cleaning. Clean on a bright sunny day when the winds are low.
• Switch on the washer, press the button and wait till the detergent solution comes out.
• Once it begins flowing out, start cleaning from the bottom and move upwards. Cleaning upwards will prevent soap solution from passing through dry portions of the house which results in the formation of visible streaks that do not go away easily.
• Fire the detergent jet for 5-10 seconds on a particular area to soak up the dirt and remove it easily.
• Carry out this procedure on the entire area of that side of the house.

Step 4: Rinsing Process

• Switch to high-pressure mode prior to rinsing.
• Rinsing must be done from the top to bottom of the house. This will leave the cleaned portion undisturbed once you have moved down.
• To rinse the walls, place the washer nozzle at an angle of 45 degrees to the wall surface and spray the jet of water.
• Move side to side, to wash out detergent solution from the walls which might appear as patches if not rinsed properly.

Once you finish one side of the house, move to the next side but make sure not to clean it under direct sunlight. Always carry out the cleaning process on the side that has shade. If you intend to paint the house after cleaning, let it dry for two days before applying paint. Pressure washers are also available on rent and can be used to freshen up the look of a house.