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.
Virtually any material in your basement can absorb and hold onto musty odors, including building materials like wood framing, insulation, drywall, and flooring, as well as cloth furniture, clothes, area rugs, cardboard boxes in storage, and more. If you’re looking to get rid of the musty smell in your basement, it’s a good idea to remove or replace these items and address the underlying moisture issue for the fastest results.
It’s possible to DIY upholstery cleaning, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional. If you use aggressive cleaning solutions or are too rough with the material while trying to clean it, you could do permanent damage that demands repair or a full replacement. This issue is especially risky with more delicate materials, like leather, silk, and rayon. Some upholstery needs to be dry cleaned, and knowing how and when to use different cleaning methods is paramount for avoiding damage. A professional upholstery cleaner will know what products and methods are safe to use.
To get urine smell out of a fabric couch, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Gently dab the solution on the affected spot and let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it dry. For stubborn smells, especially if your pet likes to pee in the same spot, it’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaner versus choosing the DIY route. A pro can use an upholstery steam cleaner to get the dried urine smell out of the fabric.
You’ve tackled the pee stain on the carpet, but that smell still lingers in the air. Yuck! Fortunately, you can use certain sprays to help remove the odor. A homemade baking soda spray, made with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle, can help remove the smell of pee. You can also use an enzymatic cleaner directly on the pee stain to deodorize it.
The Spalding, NE homeowners’ guide to carpet cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Sometimes, you need to give your carpet a deep clean. This guide breaks down the best way to clean carpet to make your floor sparkle and remove hidden dirt.
Dirty carpets harbor dirt and bacteria, making your home look drab and unkempt. This guide shares what to use to clean carpets like a pro without the price tag.
Some homeowners wonder if professional carpet cleaning is worth the cost. We break down the pros and cons so you can decide what works best for your home.
