The Dos and Don’ts of Power Washing Siding

Power washing siding of your home’s exterior is a great way to clean it and restore its original look. However, there are some dos and don’ts you need to follow in order to make sure the job is done safely and correctly.

1. Do start by using a ladder to reach the second story of your home

If you’re cleaning more than one level of siding, use a ladder to climb up onto the roof, then slowly descend into each section that needs power washing. This makes sure your safety is taken into consideration at all times.

2. Don’t try to power wash very high or low gutters

Your gutters are probably made of metal or plastic, which can be easily damaged if exposed to pressure washer sprays for too long; there’s also the risk of them falling apart under pressure! If they do need cleaning before paint peels off them, contact an experienced contractor who knows how to clean gutters without damaging them in order for that to happen safely.

3. Do wear protective clothing

If you’re on a ladder, make sure you’re wearing the right footwear and the appropriate workwear to avoid injury. It’s also recommended that you wear safety glasses in case there is any flying debris or falling objects while power-washing siding.

4. Do pay attention to weather conditions before beginning your project

Wear sunscreen if it’s warm out, bring along sunglasses if it’s sunny, dress for rain if necessary, etc.; make sure you pick weather-appropriate clothing so your exterior power washing session isn’t cut short because of the weather.

5. Don’t power wash in the rain

Power washing siding, while it’s raining, is a really bad idea! The pressure washer will most likely cause water to drip off your windows, possibly damaging them in the process, and there’s also the risk of electrocution that comes with using electricity when it’s wet outside.

6. Do consider hiring professionals for large-scale projects

If you’re planning on cleaning more than one level of siding or if you have many windows, you may want to hire a professional pressure washer crew rather than trying to power wash everything yourself. Not only can they get things done faster and more efficiently than someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, but they can also do a lot of safety checks before starting the job to make sure everything is safe and secure.

7. Don’t use detergent cleaners with power washers

It’s recommended that you use clean water instead, as other kinds of cleaners can damage your siding over time. Using soap isn’t just bad for siding but it’s bad for landscaping too!

8. Do consider renting or buying a pressure washer if you have more than one level of siding to clean

A pressure washer gun will help you get things done faster so you’ll be able to save both time and money on this project. The rental process usually takes less than 30 minutes so it won’t take up much of your day either, especially if you live in a city where there are lots of pressure washer-rental places to choose from.

9. Don’t let your power washer get too close to windows or plants

You don’t want the siding on your home to end up with big dents in it! If you’re not sure how far is too far when using a power wash sprayer, err on the side of caution and give yourself plenty of distance between it and anything that can be damaged by exposure to pressurized water.

There are many more dos and don’ts when it comes to using power washers on exterior surfaces, but the ones mentioned above will get you started!