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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.

Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where it will be stored. If it's kept in a location where temperatures could drop to freezing, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage to the machine. To prevent this, you can add antifreeze to the pump. While emptying the machine with compressed air is an alternative, it can be a tedious process and may not remove all the liquid. If you can store the pressure washer in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, regardless of storage conditions, it is good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before storing it for the winter.

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. 

On average, pressure washing a house can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours. The time frame to pressure wash or power wash your home, fence, or other property depends on the size of the project and the complexity and accessibility of the areas that need cleaning. Part of the time required to complete the job includes setup and removal of equipment needed. A two-story house with a steep roof may require working from scaffolding or a ladder, likely adding to the time required to finish the project.