5 Things You Should Never Pressure Wash

By David Jones

Nothing beats the strength of a pressure washer for heavy-duty cleaning duties around the house. 

With the push of a button, this convenient gadget can quickly and effectively remove dirt, grime, and even stubborn stains. Also, you won’t have to exert as much physical work.

Although a pressure washer can handle even the toughest home chores, it should never be used on certain surfaces.

Doing so may create more damage than good by scratching or otherwise harming surfaces. In the worst-case scenario, you might hurt yourself if you misuse a pressure washer.

Let’s go through some of the things you should never pressure wash.

Things You Should Never Pressure Wash

  • Windows

Although it may be tempting to use a power washer to quickly remove built-up grime from windows, you should never do so. Glass windows, and doors will likely be broken or shattered by the high-pressure jet spray.

Furthermore, the intensity of the jet spray might break the seals surrounding your windows, allowing leaks to seep in and perhaps causing dampness and mildew. Additionally, older window frames can shatter or distort if the seals are compromised.

  • Wood and vinyl siding

One common use for pressure washers is to clean the outside of a house. And there’s no lack of authorities who will tell you that’s just OK. However, it may be one of your worst ideas as a property owner.

Water may be used to accurately cut textiles, rubber, and food at greater pressures. Wood may split at the edges when exposed to a consumer pressure washer, and vinyl siding can be punched through when dried out by the sun or exposed to freezing conditions.

The risk of water seeping under siding or inside walls is a major consideration when deciding whether or not to pressure wash your property. The severity of this threat will vary with the age and structure of your walls, but it is never zero. 

If you require a pressure washer, it’s best to use a professional service like Northwest Power Wash to ensure that no mistakes are made.

  • Asphalt shingles

Do you use asphalt shingles for your roof? If this is the case, no amount of dirtiness can justify using a pressure washer on your roof. 

Pressure washing may damage shingles because the granules that keep them in place are washed away. Because of this, your roof may become damaged or loose.

Leaks, mold, and mildew growth will be more likely to occur. Using a pressure washer on an elevated surface, such as a roof, is also dangerous. 

When the trigger is squeezed, recoil from the washer’s strong spray wand might lead you to tumble and sustain injuries.

  • Lighting fixtures 

The solar or outdoor lights you have installed in your yard or on your porch can grow dusty over time. While they can endure severe weather, a high-powered pressure washer shouldn’t be used to clean them.

The strong pressure of the jet spray may shatter windows and light bulbs. Worse, doing so risks ripping the fixture off its perch and shattering your expensive lighting. Additionally, you don’t want moisture to creep into the internal wiring. 

Carefully removing the bulb from the fixture and wiping it down with a moist microfiber towel is the best method for cleaning outdoor lighting. 

Then, using an old paintbrush, remove any dust, dead insects, or cobwebs from the exterior of the fixture before wiping it off with a moist, soapy sponge or towel. 

It will keep your light fixtures safe from harm and in pristine condition, allowing you to enjoy the greatest possible illumination in your house.

  • Brickwork 

It may come as a shock, particularly if your brick siding is dirty, but you should never use a pressure washer to clean bricks. 

This is due to the fact that brick is a porous material that readily absorbs liquids. If it takes in too much water, the bricks will fracture as it expands and then shrinks as it dries. 

A high-pressure spray may also erode the mortar between the bricks. You’ll end up with an unsafe and unstable building that may easily be damaged by storms. You definitely don’t want a wall on your property to collapse. 

Conclusion

When using a pressure washer, it’s necessary to take precautions to prevent damaging particular materials and surfaces. 

Damage to fragile materials, easily scratched surfaces, and vital parts of your property might result from pressure washing. 

Protect your things, save expensive repairs, and extend the life of your property by being aware of the dangers and adopting alternate cleaning techniques when required.

So be cautious, choose the right cleaning methods, and relish in a spotless environment without causing any unneeded harm.

Interesting Related Article: “How To Choose A Pressure Washing Service For Your Business“