You might think you can grab a pressure washer and clean pretty much anything with it, but power washing can actually cause damage such as cracking, peeling, and mold growth if done improperly. Read on to learn how you can avoid power washing damage.
Know The Difference Between Power Washing And Soft Washing
Did you know there are different types of “pressure washing”? If you’re trying to get a brick patio or your driveway clean, for example, we recommend actual power washing, because brick, stone, and concrete surfaces are robust and can handle the intensity of a higher pressure wash. But if you’re trying to get something like a shingled roof or your vinyl siding clean, it’s best to stick with soft washing. Soft washing is a gentle (yet still effective) method for cleaning because the water dispenses at a lower pressure and isn’t as harsh.
Avoid Pressure Washing Sensitive Areas/Materials
While many areas of your home benefit from the power of pressure washing, others just can’t handle either pressure or soft washing and need to be cleaned some other way. Some examples of things you need to avoid pressure washing include:
- Vehicles
- Light fixtures
- Electrical fixtures
- Vinyl siding cracks
- Asphalt shingles
When In Doubt, Let A Professional Handle It
Of course, one of the best ways to avoid costly damage is to let a professional handle your pressure washing needs. A professional will know what PSI to use and can determine if the surface needs a power wash or a soft wash. They can also adjust their technique if the surface they’re trying to clean isn’t suited to pressure washing.