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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.

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. 

If your epoxy application ended up a bit messy and left spills behind, there are several ways to clean epoxy off of a concrete floor. You can use a power washer with at least 3,000 PSI. However, it may be easier to use a scraping tool or an acidic cleaner, like vinegar, to remove unwanted epoxy. 

If the entire floor has epoxy and you want to remove just excess epoxy stains, these methods could still strip parts of the epoxy floor. Move carefully and in small areas to minimize damage, or call a pro for an expert finish.

Always begin by removing large debris, leaves, and branches from your lawn to make room for the rest of your lawn maintenance checklist. Move on to mowing, weeding, and edging in the spaces between your lawn and garden. Lastly, clean off all hardscapes, porches, and patios for a fresh and tidy appearance.