Is your home’s exterior dirty, grimy, and looking older than it should? Pressure washing your exterior makes your home more attractive and keeps it well-maintained.
As a professional and reliable pressure washing company in Roanoke, Virginia, and beyond, Neighborhood Wash highlights a step-by-step guide on preparing your house for a pressure wash to ensure a safe and thorough cleaning process.
Assess the Exterior
Before starting the pressure washing process, inspect the house’s exterior for damage or areas that need special attention. Check out for loose bricks, cracks, chips, or damaged siding. You want to repair or replace any damaged components or sections before pressure washing begins.
Clear the Surrounding Area
Remove or cover any outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, or other items that may succumb to water damage during the pressure washing process. Remember to cover plants and landscaping to protect them from cleaning solutions used in cleaning.
Keep children and pets out of the way, and consider moving your vehicle to the driveway to minimize any risk of damage.
Close Windows and Doors
Close all windows, doors, and vents tightly to prevent water from entering the house and causing potential water damage. As you close these openings, check the seals and weather stripping for gaps that may allow water to seep into the house.
Identify Water and Electricity Sources
When preparing your house for a pressure wash, locate outdoor sources of water and electricity and ensure they work perfectly. When using an electric pressure washer, ensure you plug it into an outlet with a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and keep the power cord away from water and other liquids.
Inspect the area surrounding the house and unplug any extension cords or electronic appliances. Most exterior electric outlets feature hinged covers, but you may need to cover any exposed outdoor lights and electrical outlets with plastic or tarp.
Pre-Cleaning the Surface
Just as painting requires you to prime the surface, preparing your home for a pressure wash calls for pre-cleaning. A light cleaning before pressure washing the surface will rid your home’s exterior of dirt, loose debris, and cobwebs. Remember to wear safety gear and goggles, then use a stiff brush, scraper, and mild detergent to remove loose debris, cobwebs, and peeling paint.
Remove stubborn stains with a suitable detergent and let it work on the stain before scrubbing the affected area with a brush and rinsing thoroughly with a garden hose. A pre-clean also allows you to inspect the surface for potential repairs before proceeding with pressure washing.
Consult With Neighborhood Wash Professionals Today!
While you can always rent out a pressure washer and clean your home’s exterior yourself, doing the job well requires professional expertise and equipment. Safety matters as well, especially when dealing with difficult or risky areas.
At Neighborhood Wash, we use only top-quality tools and equipment and time-tested strategies to guarantee exceptional results. Call our friendly Neighborhood Wash experts at (540) 595-8008 for questions about preparing your house for a pressure wash or to request a free quote for pressure washing services.