Pressure Washer: Things You Can and Can’t Clean With It

All parts of your house require proper care to stay appealing and last long, from the roof and seamless gutters to the windows and siding. A power washer is a preferred tool for maintaining home exteriors. It’s known for effectively removing dirt, grime and other debris from various surfaces. While helpful for cleaning, you can’t use a pressure washer for everything. You must also carefully use it to avoid damage and injury. 

Discover where you can and can’t use a pressure washer with the help of a local gutter installation company. 

What Can I Clean With a Pressure Washer?

Concrete and Pavement 

Pressure washers are frequently used on concrete and pavement surfaces. It can make cleaning your driveway and patio quicker and more effortless. Pressure washing these areas can give them a refresh. 

House Exterior 

It isn’t uncommon for dirt, dust, mildew and cobwebs to build up on your home’s exterior. Generally, you can pressure wash the outside of your house if it’s made with bricks. It’s because this material can withstand the pressure of power washing.  

Fence

Dirty fences can harm your humble abode’s curb appeal. Regularly cleaning your fence with a pressure washer can keep your outdoor area attractive. To be safe, begin with a lower pressure and increase it if the material can handle the water pressure. If you have a white picket fence that you wish to paint, you can pressure wash it on a higher setting to remove the old paint. However, it’s better to leave the job to experts if the material has existing lead paint. 

Wooden Decks 

An outdoor deck is the perfect venue to host gatherings with friends and family. It’s a great place to relax during lazy afternoons and a cozy area to stargaze. Since it’s outside the house, it can get dirty and some materials tend to grow moss and become discolored. You can make your deck attractive again by pressure washing its surfaces. Be sure not to use a high-pressure setting since it can remove paint or stain from wooden boards. 

Outdoor Furniture and Decor

Over time, your outdoor furniture and decor can get dirty due to daily exposure to the elements. You can bring them back to their former glory through pressure washing. It will eliminate dirt, dust, mold and algae from outdoor chairs, tables, umbrellas and even kids’ play equipment. 

Garbage Bins 

When not routinely cleaned, garbage bins will inevitably develop a poor odor. With a pressure washer, you don’t have to worry about climbing into your garbage bin to clean its bottom areas. You will also save energy from scrubbing off stubborn stains, gunk and debris. 

Vehicles

Is there mud on your car, mountain bike or motorbike? You don’t need to splurge for your vehicles to be sparkling clean again. A pressure washer can remove mud on wheels, tires and other exterior surfaces. Use a lower-pressure setting to avoid damage if you are washing your car. 

What Can’t I Clean With a Pressure Washer?

Gutters

Leaves, twigs, seeds and other debris can build up inside your gutters due to their location. Even if there are no nearby trees on your property, you should still have them regularly cleaned. Gutter installation experts strongly discourage using a pressure washer for this task. This equipment is so powerful that it can cause gutters to pull away from your house. It can also harm your downspouts and surrounding exterior areas. Professionals usually remove debris by hand and use a garden hose to clean inner surfaces.

Windows

With clean windows, more natural light will enter your living space. Routine cleaning can also ensure they continue to operate efficiently. Abrasive cleaners and tools can cause irreparable damage. This means a pressure washer is not ideal for cleaning windows. The high water pressure will likely crack or shatter the glass, which can be messy and dangerous. 

Asphalt Shingles

A pressure washer is one of the last things you should use to clean an asphalt shingle roof. It can dislodge the protective granules of shingles and break the material. As a result, leaks and water damage could occur indoors. 

Besides proper maintenance, keeping your gutters clean can help protect your roof from damage and prolong its life. At Barry Best Seamless Gutters, we install high-quality gutter protection systems to keep your gutters clog-free. Gutter guards will keep debris from entering your gutters. They can reduce the number of times you need to clean gutters and improve water flow. Moreover, we also offer superior seamless and heated gutter systems. 

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is highly attractive and durable. You can get it in various styles and colors that can enhance the beauty of your home. It can also last for decades when it receives proper care. Despite its strength, it can still sustain damage from pressure washing. You can safely clean your fiber cement siding with a low-pressure hose and a non-abrasive brush.

Solar Panels

It may seem like it’s a good idea to pressure wash the dirt and dust stuck in your solar panels, but it’s not. Solar panels have fragile parts that can break due to high water pressure. Pressure washing can damage the outer layer of their metal frame. There’s also the possibility of the panels separating from the frame. When this happens, gaps will form that can cause moisture to infiltrate inner components. 

Outdoor Lights

Lamposts, porch lights and other outdoor fixtures can withstand the outdoor elements but not the powerful stream of pressure washers. Power washing can break bulbs, destroy glass panes and remove fixtures from their place. It can also cause gaps and cracks where water can enter and damage their electrical components.