What Preparations Are Needed Before Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing is a powerful and efficient way to clean your home’s exterior surfaces, including siding, decks, driveways, and patios. But before you fire up the machine and start spraying, it’s crucial to properly prepare the area. Taking the right steps beforehand ensures a more effective clean, protects your property, and helps prevent costly mistakes.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key preparations you should make before pressure washing to keep your home and surroundings safe—and to get the best possible results.

What should you do before pressure washing to protect your home and get the best results?

Inspect the Surface to Be Cleaned

Before doing anything else, carefully inspect the area you plan to pressure wash. Look for:

• Cracks in concrete or siding

• Loose paint or shingles

• Signs of mold, mildew, or algae

• Delicate materials that may need soft washing instead

Identifying trouble spots early helps you decide whether to proceed with pressure washing, make repairs first, or adjust your pressure settings to avoid damage.

Clear the Area

Remove all items from the space you’ll be cleaning. This includes:

• Patio furniture

• Grills

• Planters

• Vehicles

• Toys or bikes

Clearing the area makes it easier to maneuver the pressure washer and ensures nothing gets damaged or accidentally sprayed with high-pressure water.

Cover or Protect Nearby Items

Anything that can’t be moved—such as light fixtures, electrical outlets, air conditioning units, or landscaping—should be covered or shielded from the spray. Use plastic sheeting or waterproof tarps to protect:

• Electrical boxes and outlets

• Exterior light fixtures

• Vents or dryer openings

• Plants and shrubs near the cleaning area

This step helps prevent water intrusion, electrical hazards, and accidental damage to delicate foliage or equipment.

Close Windows and Doors

Pressure washing can send water spraying in all directions. Before starting, ensure all windows and doors are securely closed. It’s also a good idea to check for gaps in weatherstripping that could allow water to seep inside.

For extra protection, consider placing towels or rags along the base of doors inside the home if you’re pressure washing close to entry points.

Turn Off Power to Outdoor Electrical Sources

If you’ll be washing near outdoor electrical outlets, lighting, or your home’s HVAC unit, turn off the power at the breaker to avoid any risk of electric shock. Water and electricity don’t mix, and safety should always be a top priority when pressure washing.

Pre-Treat Stains and Growth

If you're dealing with stubborn stains, grease, or organic growth like mold or algae, it’s smart to pre-treat those areas with a cleaning solution. Use a mold- or mildew-killing detergent or degreaser and allow it to sit for several minutes before pressure washing. This helps loosen buildup and reduces the amount of pressure needed to clean the surface.

Choose the Right Nozzle and Pressure Setting

Different surfaces require different levels of pressure. Using the wrong nozzle can lead to ineffective cleaning—or worse, damage to your siding, deck, or paint. Here are a few quick guidelines:

• Use a wide-angle nozzle (25–40 degrees) for delicate surfaces

• Use a narrow-angle nozzle (0–15 degrees) for tough stains on concrete or brick

• Test on a small, hidden area before pressure washing the full surface

If you're unsure which pressure setting or nozzle is appropriate, consult your pressure washer manual or consider hiring a professional.

Final Thoughts

Pressure washing is a great way to refresh your home’s exterior—but it’s not just about turning on a machine and blasting away dirt. Proper preparation is key to achieving a thorough, safe, and damage-free clean.

By inspecting surfaces, protecting nearby areas, securing doors and windows, and using the right tools and cleaning agents, you’ll be set up for success. Whether you're cleaning a small patio or an entire house, investing time in prep work ensures better results and greater peace of mind.

Ready to give your home a fresh, clean look? Contact us today to schedule professional pressure washing or get expert advice on how to prep your space for a safe and effective DIY job.