8 Great Home Pressure Washing Tips for Beginners

Pressure washers, also known as power washers, make cleaning your home’s exterior areas easy by using pressurized water to get rid of dirt, dust, and grime in no time. Many call a power washing company to get the job done, but buying and operating the tool yourself can be a valuable investment for homeowners as long as they know how to use a pressure washer. The tool can do more harm than good if misused. Follow these pressure washing tips to make your home shine. 

1. Read your pressure washer manual. 

After buying the washer that’s right for you, read all the manuals and materials that come with it. Most manuals include step-by-step instructions for setting up and using the power washer, as well as warnings and precautions for potential dangers.  

2. Know what you can clean with a pressure washer. 

It may be tempting, but your power washer shouldn’t be your go-to device to clean every dirty surface or object. This is especially true for items with signs of cracking or paint chipping away.

Here’s our reference guide on how to use a power washer: 

OK to Wash with a Pressure Washer 

• Home exteriors. Power washers are highly effective on vinyl and brick surfaces, particularly on newer homes. Proceed with caution on older brick homes, as they’re more likely to get weathered down with pressure.  

• Wood decks. Keep settings as low as possible to remove mildew and dirt without causing any structural damage.  

• Fencing. Often quick to get dirty, vinyl and wood fencing can be revived with a power washer.  

• Driveways and garage floors. A blast from a power washer can loosen stains and improve curb appeal fast. 

Not OK to Wash with a Pressure Washer  

• Electrical panels and meters. Water can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.  

• A/C unit. Another potential electrical hazard, avoid your outdoor air conditioning unit when washing.  

• Windows. With the correct technique, windows can be cleaned with a power washer, but it’s best not to take the risk.  

• Lead paint. Particles can be toxic when sent into the air.  

Don’t forget to clean out the gutters! Here are our top gutter maintenance tips to add to your to-do list.  

3. Wear the right gear. 

Pressure washing can be messy and loud, so take the right precautions with your clothing. Put on goggles or sunglasses, long pants, and closed-toed shoes to prevent injuries and stop water and debris from getting into places they shouldn’t.

Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can also be useful if your machine is noisy.  

4. Know your angles. 

Power washing is all about angles. Use a wide angle as you begin to wash, so less pressure is applied to surfaces. Avoid aiming at objects with an upward angle, as this can cause damage and chips.

If those angles aren’t possible, make sure you’re at least perpendicular to the surface you’re trying to clean and spraying from side to side.  

5. Ease into each wash. 

Every item you spray with a power washer will clean differently. Even for the most experienced users, it’s important to start each washing session about 10 feet away from the object.

As you get a feel for how much cleaning is actually happening, move in closer until you see a good amount of unwanted residue starting to fall off without signs of wear and tear. Finding that sweet spot is a process, but once you’re there, power washing is a breeze. 

6. Avoid using a ladder. 

While it’s best to try and wash objects from an upward angle, don’t do so at the risk of your own safety. As the nomenclature suggests, power washers pack a punch, and using one on a ladder to get to a chimney or roof can pose serious dangers.

Instead, consider purchasing a heavy-duty or extra-heavy-duty power washer that can reach those high surfaces from ground level, especially if you live in a multi-level home.

7. Be mindful of surface sensibility. 

Different surfaces around your home may respond differently to the force of a pressure washer. Before using it, understand the sensitivity of the material you are cleaning.

For instance, delicate wood siding or shingles may require soft washing, while robust concrete or brick surfaces can handle a more robust pressure. Adjust the settings on your power washer accordingly, ensuring that you tailor the force to match the resilience of the specific surface.

8. Emphasize electrical safety. 

When using a power washer, prioritize electrical safety. Avoid using indoor extension cords outdoors and always connect your power washer to a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet.  

Keep the power cord away from water to reduce the risk of electric shock. By following these precautions, you facilitate a safe and incident-free power washing experience for both yourself and your home. 

Prioritize your home's electrical safety by preparing for power outages using our guide! 

Pressure Washing Tips and Backyard Decorating Ideas 

The transformative potential of power washers extends far beyond the mere removal of dirt and grime. Once you understand how to use a pressure washer, these versatile tools can breathe new life into various areas of your home, from the gleaming exterior walls to the intricate details of backyard structures like fences and decks.

By mastering our pressure washing tips, you'll enhance the effectiveness of your cleaning efforts and safeguard your home from potential damage. Check out our article, “5 Ways to Spruce Up Your Backyard on a Budget,” for additional tips on keeping your outdoor space sparkling clean and stylish. 

How to Use a Power Washer FAQs

How do you use a pressure washer step-by-step?

You should always check the manual of your specific unit to learn how to use a pressure washer, but typically, the step-by-step process is:

1. Prep the area you're going to wash, removing or protecting anything you don't want to get wet.
2. Put on the appropriate safety gear (boots, goggles, glasses, etc.)
3. Adjust your nozzle for the proper pressure setting.
4. Attach a hose to the pressure washer.
5. Start washing!

How much does it cost for pressure washing?

If a homeowner chooses a professional pressure washing service over a DIY job, they can expect to pay a professional $60-$100 an hour for their work.

Do I have to put soap in a pressure washer?

While it's not required, mixing water and detergent on your initial pressure washing spray is highly recommended to get the best cleaning results.

Can you leave a pressure washer running without spraying?

You shouldn't leave your pressure washer running if it isn't spraying. An idle pressure washer can damage the water pump and cause it to overheat.

How long should I pressure wash?

The amount of time it takes to pressure wash will depend on the space you want to clean. Spraying a small area can take just a few minutes, while spraying a whole home, depending on its size, can take hours.