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You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

Pressure washing shou sugi ban siding is generally not a good idea. The charring process used in creating shou sugi ban siding involves burning the wood's surface to achieve its unique appearance and enhanced durability. The charred surface is delicate, and pressure washing can easily damage it. Instead of pressure washing, you can clean it with a soft brush or broom to remove loose debris, followed by a mixture of mild soap and water applied with a soft cloth or sponge.

It takes about 15 minutes per each side of an exterior house to apply detergent and 15 minutes to remove it, so you’ll need roughly two hours for the whole job. However, that length of time may decrease or increase depending on the size of your home, so always budget a little more than expected to ensure you don’t end up rushing to get it done.

These parts of the house are okay to pressure wash:

• Natural wood decking that is not stained or painted

• Siding made of vinyl, aluminum, and cement

• Concrete

• Most children’s toys

• Outdoor furniture

• Trash cans and recycle bins