Power Washing: What To Clean and What To Avoid 

May 31, 2022

Power washing, also referred to as pressure washing due to the high water pressure used, can clean surfaces of grime, dirt, debris, chipped paint, mold, mildew, grease, mud, and dust. It is such a powerful tool that can breathe fresh air into almost every surface it touches…almost. 

There are some surfaces where power washing tools should not be used as well as some surfaces where power washing should be carefully conducted due to the overpowering pressure of the water. 

Let’s take a look at what power washing can help clean around your home, as well as places where power washing tools should not be used. 

power washing

Word to the Wise

Before you rent a power washer from your local hardware store in the hopes of doing a quick once over of your home and property, think twice. Sure, it looks easy enough to wash your home’s exterior surfaces, but handling a power washer does take some finesse, patience, know-how, and strength. 

Inexperienced pressure washers can make some costly mistakes. For example, using the wrong nozzle or pressure level can result in damaged wood, gouges in concrete, cuts in stone walkways, and marks that will not be covered easily. Choosing the right cleaning product for the type of surface or level of grime is also an important decision. Sometimes trusting in a company that has experience in using the tools can be well worth it in the end. 

clean deckTo Clean or Not To Clean 

You may be tempted to clean just about all of your outdoor surfaces with a power washer, but as we stated earlier the pressure of the water combined with the cleaning solution can be too much for some surfaces. 

General areas that you can use a power washer on include the exterior of wood shingled homes that need heavy duty cleaning of mold, mildew, and other particulates that have collected and baked on to the sides of your home through the heat of the sun. 

Also included in commonly power washed areas are decks that are made of composite or wood. Just be careful with composite as it is slightly softer and can get etched if pressure is left on one spot too long. 

Concrete walkways, driveways, patios, and outdoor entertaining areas can also be power washed to remove the grease from outdoor kitchen areas, cars, or general wear-and-tear from use. 

Places where you will want to avoid using a power washer include: the roof of your home and automobiles. Power or pressure washing can take the granules off of an asphalt roof and literally destroy it. The pressure is too much for the pieces to withstand and you risk having to repair or replace the roofing. If you have stains on the roofing shingles talk to your local contractor about solutions that can remove stains such as blue green algae, mold, moss, and tree sap. 

If you need a surface power washed at your home, talk to our specialists at Jerry Enos Painting to schedule an appointment. 

 

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