What Parts of the House Can You Pressure Wash?
![pressure washer](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210613003709im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/widescreen_large/public/pressure-wash.jpg?itok=_U4FH2BV)
3 pros!
Power washing certain areas of your home requires special care.
While power washing freshens up your siding or concrete steps, a DIY-pressure washing job can easily go wayside. Before beginning a power washing project, consider the following advice to make sure your project becomes a win instead of a wash.
Brick and concrete
![bricks with moss growing between](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210613003709im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/structured_-_full_width_image/public/brick.jpg?itok=pCG5IVrx)
Since bricks are so durable, homeowners should be able to pressure wash them on their own. (Photo by Frank Espich)
Porous brick or concrete is commonly used for building stairs, driveways and patios. Since most of these are built at ground level, rain, snow and ground moisture provide a perfect environment for mildew growth. That’s why it’s very common to see green and black mildew growing on your brick and concrete. Fortunately, power washing removes the mildew and brings back the original color. Since brick and concrete structures are so durable, this is a great project for a homeowner to tackle.
Power washing tips
Use a cleaning agent like Simple Green or a bleach and water solution to kill the mildew spores and help prevent them from growing back so quickly. Soak the concrete or brick first using a low-pressure spray so that the cleaning agent can better absorb.
Consider a sealer you can buy at a local home improvement store that will create a barrier between the concrete and brick and the elements. Although not required, this will help prevent moisture penetration and keep the mildew at bay. Make sure to power wash first, then apply the product according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Don’t be alarmed if a powdery white substance is left behind. It’s just a salt residue that has been drawn out of the brick, and it can be scrubbed off with a dry wire brush.
If there is a damaged area that requires patching, power wash the surface first to remove any loose debris or dirt. It’s imperative to have a clean surface for the patch to properly bind. Once clean, wait a few days before patching, as both brick and concrete require a few days to dry out.
MORE: Home Brick Staining Tips
Vinyl siding
![vinyl siding](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210613003709im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/structured_-_full_width_image/public/vinyl-siding_0.jpg?itok=uTAsxCmZ)
Use a hot water power washer on vinyl siding. (Photo by Summer Galyan)
Vinyl will get dirty just like any other siding material. Spider webs, mildew growth, dirt and chalkiness are the most common issues. Maintaining a consistent power washing schedule every one to three years keeps it clean and looking new. Be sure to follow the advice below if this is a project you would like to attempt yourself.
Power washing tips
Always work from the top down, spraying in a consistent motion. Avoid spraying water directly into windows and doors casings. All it takes is a small gap and a direct spray to allow water to flow into your house. Don’t spray under the bottom edges or seams of any panels as you can easily shoot water behind the siding and into the plywood underneath. Don’t spray upward into your soffits if there are vents. This will spray water directly into the insulation, which can cause mildew growth over time.
A hot water power washer is best for cleaning vinyl, especially if you see small black dots on your siding, which is bug excrement.
If you haven’t power washed your house before, it may be best to leave it to the professionals. You can easily leave lines in your siding if you haven’t learned proper spraying technique.
Wood
![before and after power washing a deck](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210613003709im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/structured_-_full_width_image/public/power-wash.jpg?itok=qJUNh4Ar)
Power washing wood brings back its original color. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member David G. of Sylacauga, Alabama)
Power washing wood is always recommended if you are preparing to stain it. However, some woods are very soft, and if you haven’t had any practice, this may be the time to call a professional washer near you.
Power washing tips
With too much pressure or too little distance, you can easily destroy the wood fibers and leave the wood feeling rough or furry. Be sure to do a test area before you begin to find the desired strength of the power washer. Most will come with a pressure gauge to turn the psi up and down.
The softer the wood, the easier it is to leave a line or shred the wood fibers.
Transparent and semi-transparent stains have little to no opacity so any imperfections will easily show through. Solid stains are basically paint for wood, so they can hide any imperfections caused by power washing.
CHECK OUT: How Much Does Pressure Washing Cost for a House and Deck?
Painted surfaces
![home exterior with lush landscaping](https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210613003709im_/https://media.angi.com/s3fs-public/styles/structured_-_full_width_image/public/exterior-paint_1.jpg?itok=Onkr-Obu)
Pressure wash your home before an exterior paint job. (Photo by Matt Cowan)
Power washing painted surfaces can also be done without damaging the exterior of your home, but it will depend on your overall goals.
Power washing tips
Due to the pressure of the water, paint can very easily be stripped off. If you are planning to paint afterward, this is exactly what you want. The goal of power washing before a paint job is to remove any loose paint or dirt. If you are simply trying to freshen up your home, back off the psi and use more of an overspray than a direct stream of water.
Homes that were painted within the last five years should be fine to wash as long as the work was done well. If you are seeing paint come off in sheets, then there is an adhesion issue and you should hire a professional.
It’s imperative to power wash before any exterior painting project. If you are planning on only painting a small area, then you can probably handle it. If you are planning on painting your whole house, it’s best to leave the project in the hands of a contractor.
RELATED: Pros and Cons of DIY Pressure Washing
Some surfaces require more care then others, so deciding whether to take on a project will depend on your level of skill and overall goals. If power washing intimidates you, contact a professional because the results can often be permanent or expensive to repair.
As of Aug. 31, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.