Get matched with top pressure washers in Philo, IL

It may be necessary to power wash your house, depending on the siding material. Vinyl, composite, or metal siding can hold up to the heat and pressure of occasional power washing, but materials like brick, stucco, wood, and painted materials may get damaged from the high-pressure water. For sensitive materials, consider a soft wash instead of a pressure wash.

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.

Before pressure washing, you can spray your deck lightly with a deck cleaning solution made of equal parts oxalic acid and water. Oxalic acid has a brightening effect that will lighten mold stains and return the deck to its original freshly-sawn look. Allow the solution to sit for about 20 minutes before pressure washing so it has time to take effect.

Combining power and soft washing is a great way to ensure that all surfaces, both fragile and not, get the attention they deserve. Start by power or pressure washing durable materials like vinyl siding and concrete pavement or driveways, then switch the tips on your machine and finish up by soft washing the more delicate elements, like shutters and front doors, for example.