Best pressure washers near Ellington, MO

The answer to how often you should pressure wash your house is the same no matter whether your siding is wood, metal, or vinyl. Plan to do a project like this once a year with occasional hand cleanings in between to remove unexpected dirt—like debris from an especially violent storm or droppings from birds flying overhead.

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to acquire the right pressure washer tips and cleaning solutions for the job. In particular, you’ll need tips that are capable of lowering the pressure from a max of 3,500 PSI to between 150 and 300 PSI. As for the cleaning solution, look for options that are clearly marked for soft washing rather than pressure washing. 

The recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for cleaning vinyl siding can vary, so it's best to consult the manufacturer's guidelines. Generally, vinyl siding can handle high pressure, from 2,500 to 3,500 PSI. For comparison, more delicate materials like wood and aluminum siding should not face more than 1,500 PSI. To safely disperse the pressure on vinyl, use a tip with a wider spray span, such as a green (25-degree) or yellow (15-degree) nozzle. For routine cleaning of light dirt, a garden hose with a spray nozzle may be sufficient. Always exercise caution to avoid using excessive pressure that could damage the siding.

Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where you store it. If you can keep it in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, if the machine will be stored in freezing temperatures, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage. To prevent this, add antifreeze to keep it in good condition. While some suggest emptying the machine with compressed air, this can be a tedious process that may not fully drain the liquid. Regardless of storage conditions, it is also good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before winter storage.