Get matched with top pressure washers in Carleton, MI

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.

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.

Deciding whether to buy or rent a pressure washer depends on your budget and how often you plan to use it.

• Renting: The daily rental cost typically ranges from $40 to $175. Renting can be more cost-effective for a one-time project.

• Buying: The purchase price for a pressure washer can range from $100 to over $1,000. More specifically, electric models generally cost between $100 and $400, while gas models run from $300 to $600.

If you anticipate using a pressure washer multiple times a year, buying one is often a better long-term investment. When purchasing, remember that a higher-quality machine will likely deliver better and more reliable results.

You should never use bleach in a pressure washer. While bleach is effective at killing mold and mildew, it is a potent chemical that can corrode the machine's seals and nozzles, destroying it from the inside out. Additionally, pressure washing with bleach sprays the chemical into the air, which is dangerous if inhaled and can kill nearby plants, flowers, or harm animals that ingest it. If you need to remove mold or mildew, it is best to hire a professional who will use a safe and effective cleaning agent.