Maintaining the exterior of your home is just as important as the interior. Over time, grime, mildew, mold, and dirt accumulate on your home’s exterior walls, making your house look dull and worn out. One of the most effective and efficient ways to clean the outside of your home is by pressure washing. Whether you want to restore your home’s shine or prepare it for painting, pressure washing is a powerful tool for cleaning. In this blog, we will look into how to pressure wash a house, discuss its benefits, and help you choose the right equipment for the job.
What is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is the process in which a high-powered stream of water is used to get rid of grime, dirt, mold, mildew, and other unwanted particles from various surfaces like exterior walls, driveways, decks, and patios. The method doesn’t use any harsh chemicals or scrubbing for hours. The flow rate measured in liters per minute determines the cleaning performance of a pressure washer. A higher flow rate is used for stubborn stains.
The benefits of pressure washing include saving time and effort as compared to traditional scrubbing, preventing long-term damage to your home’s surfaces, and ultimately boosting the property’s value.
How Much Does it Cost to Pressure Wash a House in San Diego?
There are a number of variables that affect the cost of pressure cleaning in San Diego. Some of them are – the size of your home, labor costs, whether you have a multi-story or single-story house, the kind of home exterior you are having, and the repair work that your home’s exterior might need before pressure washing. You can consult professional pressure washers in San Diego to know the exact cost. It is ideal to hire professional pressure washers as they come with expertise and their own equipment to clean your home in the best manner.
6 Steps to Pressure Wash a House
Pressure washing can seem intimidating at first, but by following a structured approach, you can effectively and safely clean your house. The steps involved here are –
Choose a pressure washer
The first and foremost tip on how to pressure wash a house is to choose the right pressure washer. Generally, the pressure washer with the lowest PSI (Pounds per square inch) and the widest spray pattern are effective. However, some tips to keep in mind are –
- Vinyl siding houses can withstand pressure washers with pressures between 2500 and 3000 PSI. So, consider a medium—or heavy-duty pressure washer for them.
- Materials like stucco, soft-grain, and aluminum can work well with a less powerful washer or light-duty pressure washer that has a pressure of 1200-1500 PSI.
- If you have a wooden deck in your home, you can consider pressure washing, but you must follow the instructions to prevent damage to the wood. It is advisable to use the washer at a low setting with a fan spray nozzle. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the wood type. Refrain from using a pressure washer on a composite deck, as it can damage the deck.
Wear safety gear
What to use to pressure wash a house? Pressure washing a house requires you to wear safety gear. Before putting on the safety gears, eliminate the items like light fixtures and ACs to protect them from any damage. Standing on a ladder while using a pressure washer can cause you to lose your balance. So, don’t stand on it. The distance between a pressure washer and electrical wires should be at least 6 feet away and never spray water into outlets. Cover the electrical socket by using duct tape or close the covers before washing. Now, wear safety gears like work gloves, safety goggles and non-slip footwear to start the process of pressure washing.
Set up the pressure washer
You have selected the pressure washer. Now, set it up for the cleaning. Connect it to a water source (It’s a garden hose in most cases) and ensure all the connections are secure. If you are mixing a cleaning detergent, add it to the washer’s tank. Now, adjust the nozzle. Before operating the pressure washer, test it against the house to ensure the pressure is appropriate and won’t damage the surface.
Start from the bottom to up
Start the pressure cleaning from the bottom of the house and then to the way up. Following this approach causes the water to run down the side of the house, and this way, you won’t miss any section in terms of cleaning. Spray in a horizontal manner in a side-to-side motion. Maintain a 45-degree angle when spraying roof overhangs and gutters. One thing to remember here is that avoid power washing your home if it has been painted with lead paint.
Rinse with clean water
The next on the list of how to pressure wash a house is rinsing with clean water. When you have completed cleaning the surface thoroughly, switch to a lower-pressure nozzle and use clean water to rinse the home. Again, follow the same approach of working from the top down to eliminate any remaining soap, debris, or dirt. This is a vital step in residential pressure cleaning to avoid streaks and to ensure that the surface is completely free of detergent.
Let it dry
You have pressure-washed your whole home. Now, turn it off and allow the exterior to dry naturally. Also, store the pressure washer properly as per the owner’s manual. Drying can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day, depending on the weather. Don’t touch or paint the surfaces until they are fully dry to avoid unwanted marks or smudges. Letting the home completely dry ensures a spotless finish.
How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer?
The first step in choosing a pressure washer is to find out the purpose you want to use it for. They mainly fall into 2 categories – electric and gas-powered. Electric pressure washers are mainly used for cleaning cars, outdoor furniture, and small patios, and they are lightweight and quieter. Whereas gas-powered models are preferable for cleaning large driveways, decks, or heavily stained surfaces. Assess the pressure level and water flow according to the surfaces you want to clean.
Also, consider different features like hose length, portability, and adjustable nozzles. A longer hose is suitable for flexibility and ease of movement, especially when the area is large. Take into account storage and mobility features—look for models with wheels or compact designs if portability is a priority. Lastly, the warranty and customer support offered by the manufacturer should be considered to ensure long-term reliability and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Pressure washing is a fantastic way to restore the beauty of your home’s exterior. With the right equipment and proper technique, you can effectively remove years of dirt, mold, and grime. It’s an essential part of home maintenance that not only enhances curb appeal but also prevents long-term damage to your home. If you want the same for your house, welcome to San Diego Expert Pressure Washing And Window Cleaning. Our team will wash your home in the best way possible and guarantee 100% work satisfaction. Whether you want pressure cleaning, soft washing, window cleaning, or window screen repair, we are there for you. Contact us to know more.
