GFWC Indiana - Cleaning & Home Improvement

Most people think that pressure washing is no big deal and that anybody can do a fair job. I do believe anyone may be able to do it if they have the right equipment, chemicals, and knowledge. But to think you can just go buy or rent a consumer grade pressure washer for the weekend and think you can clean your house just as well as a professional is absurd.

The biggest misconception about pressure washing is the amount of pressure used to clean various surfaces. Most people believe they have to peel dirt and grime away with high pressure, after all, it is called a pressure washer. But any reputable pressure washing contractor will tell you that they will normally use much less pressure than the unit will put out to clean surfaces like wood, roofs, and vinyl siding.

In fact, most established contractors will use some type of low pressure or soft wash method as it is known in the industry. They still use a contractor grade pressure washer, but the flow or gallons per minute is the important number, not the amount of pressure. Only concrete needs high pressure say around 2500-3000 psi but wood and vinyl siding can be cleaned effectively using 500psi or less with the right detergents.

The low pressure is actually much more effective when coupled with the proper chemicals. It eradicates any risk of damaging the siding or wood and eliminates any water intrusion problems that may otherwise occur with too much pressure. Time and time again we see homeowners blasting their deck or siding with a pressure washer trying to clean it. They hold the nozzle only inches away and use way too much pressure. This is not an effective or efficient way to clean a house, deck, or fence. Small jobs like spraying off lawn furniture or washing the car can be accomplished but restoring a deck or washing the entire house is better left to a professional with the right equipment.