How to Prepare Your Home for a Pressure Washing Service

Most people dread the idea of getting their home pressure washed. It can be a messy process, and it’s hard to know what to do to prepare for it.

In addition to the mess, many homeowners are concerned about the potential damage the pressure washing process may cause.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your home is ready for a pressure washing service and that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

These tips are also for you if you go the DIY pressure wash route. Don’t put yourself at risk of injury; make sure you know what you’re doing before jumping in.

Remove Items That Could be a Hazard

One of the first things you want to do before you (or your contractor) pressure wash your home is to remove any objects from the exterior of your home that may be in the way. 

This includes lawn ornaments, planters, bike racks, grills, and anything else that could be a hazard during the pressure washing process.

Moving these items can help prevent serious injury or damage to your property. Here are some of the most common things that could be hazardous:

Trip Hazards

Trip hazards are one of the most common causes of injury during pressure washing. To avoid trip hazards, remove any loose stones or other objects from the area that will be pressure washed. This will help ensure that your contractor (or yourself) can safely move around the property without fear of tripping over something.

Also, inspect the area for any holes, steps, or other areas that could be a potential trip hazard. If you find any, either fill them in or block them off to avoid accidental trips and falls.

Some of the most common trip hazards are:

By making it easy on your power washing company (and yourself) by preparing the area, you can ensure that everyone involved is safe during the process.

Electrical Hazards

Everyone knows that a thorough pressure washing will use a lot of water. But what many people don’t realize is that this could lead to electrical hazards.

Ensure you turn off any outdoor lights or other electrical appliances before you start pressure washing (power washing).

Roll up extension cords and cover any electrical outlets that may be exposed to water. This can help avoid any risk of shocks or other electrical accidents during the process. Be cautious around power lines, and you’ll stay safe.

You’ve heard it before, and pressure washing is no different. Water and electricity don’t mix!

Fire Hazards

In September 2021, the roof of the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans caught fire while workers were pressure washing it to prepare it for painting.

According to WWL-TV, an individual was sent to the hospital with minor burns after a power washer caught fire and quickly spread. The fire was put out soon after it started.

Although this is an extreme example, it’s a good reminder always to keep fire hazards in mind when preparing your home for a pressure washing service.

Ensure all flammable materials are removed from the area before you start pressure washing. This includes anything that can easily ignite, like gasoline cans and propane tanks.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By managing hazards before you start power washing, you can help ensure that your home and everyone in it stays safe.

If You Can, Remove Plants That Might Get Damaged

Another way you can help your pressure washers (or yourself) is by removing any plants that could be damaged during the process. While it may sound simple, this is one of the most overlooked parts of preparing for power washing.

The pressure from the washer could easily damage plants and shrubs, so it’s best to move these out of the way beforehand. Even if you have an experienced team working on your home, there is no guarantee that they won’t inadvertently damage any plants.

In most cases, pressure washers can clean off surfaces without damaging nearby plants. But sometimes, the high-pressure water jets can disrupt and damage delicate foliage.

While we use eco-friendly cleaning solutions, there’s a chance that the cleaning solution they use could also damage plants.

So, if you have any delicate or valuable plants that you don’t want to be damaged during the pressure washing process, it’s best to remove them from the area before your contractor arrives.

Keep Your Children and Pets Safe

We mentioned them earlier, but it’s important to emphasize that if you have pets or children in the area, you should keep them away from the pressure washer.

Pressure washing can create loud noises and dangerous conditions for kids and animals, so ensure they are safe in a separate room before you start.

Here are some dangers they could face from pressure washing:

By managing these potential hazards before you start pressure washing, you can help ensure that everyone stays safe and your home’s exterior is properly prepared for the job.

Make Sure All Your Windows and Doors Are Sealed Tight

The next step you need to take before you pressure wash your house involves a little prep work. These few steps can help you protect your home’s interior and prevent water from getting inside.

Check Your Windows and Doors

First, make sure that all windows and doors are completely closed and locked before you start pressure washing. This can help prevent water from getting into your home, protecting your walls and floors from water damage.

In addition, double-check for any cracks or gaps in the seals of your windows and doors. Water can easily find its way through even the tiniest cracks, so ensure they are all sealed tight.

Cover Vents and Air Intakes

Finally, cover your vents and air intakes with plastic or a tarp to protect them from water damage. This will help ensure that no water or debris gets sucked into your home’s ventilation system.

Check Your Window Screens

Before you pressure wash (or power wash) your home, you want to remove all of your window screens. The higher psi jets from the pressure washer could cause severe damage to the screens, so removing them and storing them away before you start is best.

Sweep Up the Area to Be Washed

Now it’s time for some elbow grease. Before you start pressure washing, you want to sweep up any dirt and debris that might be in the area.

Wait, aren’t I washing my home with a pressure washer?

Yes, but you don’t want to spray dirt and debris all over your home. Sweeping up the area before you start can help ensure that small rocks and other materials won’t be blasted into your vinyl siding or windows during the washing process.

Sweeping also helps protect your contractor by ensuring they don’t slip on debris while walking around your property.

Soft Washing: A Safer Alternative to Pressure Washing

Want to get your home, concrete driveway, or wooden deck cleaned without the risk of damage from high-pressure water jets? Consider soft washing instead.

Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning technique that uses mild cleaning agents and low-pressure water jets to safely remove dirt, grime, and other stubborn materials from your home’s exterior.

Soft washing is excellent for delicate surfaces like composite roofs and siding, as well as wooden decks that can be damaged by high-pressure water jets.

Contact us today to learn more about our pressure and soft washing services. We will be happy to provide you with a free estimate and help you get your home looking its best!

Good luck with preparing your home for the pressure washing service! With these tips, you’ll be able to ensure everything is in order before the workers arrive. Ask any questions and get an estimated time needed before they start. This will ensure that your home is ready for your pressure washing services. Good luck!

Complete the form below for a free estimate on soft washing your home