Pressure washing is an incredibly reliable way to address a variety of stains, spills, and debris across your property. However, if it is done improperly or to the wrong surface, you might deal with significant damage and costly repairs. When you are preparing to schedule with a professional, it is important to remember that there are several surfaces that you shouldn’t pressure wash, and instead require alternative cleaning methods.
At True Clean Power Wash & Seal, our team understands that you want your home to look its best. However, you may be disappointed if you schedule with a professional only for them to tell you they cannot pressure wash the surface you’re hoping they’ll clean. If you want to learn more about what surfaces you shouldn’t pressure wash across your property, keep reading.
Surfaces You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash
1. Your Outdoor Furniture
Although your outdoor furniture is exposed to the elements throughout the year, improper cleaning can lead to costly damage, meaning you shouldn’t pressure wash it. If you pressure wash softer cushions, wooden furniture, or glass surfaces, you might deal with damage that cannot be repaired and will instead have to be replaced. When your outdoor furniture is looking a little dingy, be mindful of this potential damage before contacting a professional for support.
2. Painted Surfaces
Unless you are trying to remove old products to prepare for an upcoming project, you shouldn’t pressure wash any painted surfaces across your property. Paint isn’t adhesive enough to withstand the pressure applied to it by a pressure washing device. As you remove any debris on the surface, you may also have to watch as the paint is stripped away. Ultimately, unless you’re trying to prep the surface for new paint, it is best to avoid pressure washing entirely.
3. Your Windows
You shouldn’t pressure wash any glass surfaces across your property, including your windows. Often, the excessive PSI of a pressure washing device is capable of shattering your windows, leading to incredibly costly repairs or replacements. If your windows are looking a little dingy, it is in your best interest to instead pull out some window cleaner and a squeegee to address this debris if you want to ensure your windows are safe from more damage.
4. Fragile Roof Tiles
While the materials on your roof are strong enough to withstand a great deal of inclement weather, you shouldn’t pressure wash them if you want to avoid expensive repairs. Pressure washing roof tiles can pull them up, leading to leaks in your attic and eventual mold and mildew growth. If you want to avoid damaging these fragile materials, but you need roof cleaning, it is best to speak to your pressure washing professional about whether they offer soft washing to address any debris.
5. Your Car
As one of the most costly items on your property, you shouldn’t pressure your vehicle if you want to avoid any forms of damage. In some cases, pressure washing your car may lead to dents on it. In others, it may lead to the removal of layers of paint and other protective coatings that prevent your car from rusting. If you want to avoid this, it is best to instead invest in a high-quality car wash to keep it looking its best.
6. Trees, Shrubs, and Other Plants
Although this might seem like common knowledge, it is important to remember that you shouldn’t pressure wash any plants. You might think that this is a good way to water your plants while removing dirt and dust that is stuck between the leaves, it can do more damage than good. In some cases, it might only tear a few leaves. However, in more extreme cases, the pressure from a pressure washer can be strong enough to uproot the plant, leading to its death.
7. Light Fixtures
When it comes to cleaning any electrical devices, including the lighting fixtures across your home, you shouldn’t pressure wash them if you want to avoid damaging the electrical components. Exposing these devices to any amount of high-pressure water can allow it to damage seals, allowing water to reach the cords within the devices. If you want to clean your light fixtures, you should instead clean them by hand to keep them looking their best.
8. Air Conditioners
The components that make up your air conditioner are incredibly fragile, and you shouldn’t pressure wash them if you want to protect the system from damage. As you pressure wash the outside of the system, you may cause denting or dinging of the materials. This damage can shorten the lifespan of your air conditioner, requiring costly and premature repairs. When your air conditioner is looking dirty, you should instead rinse it with a garden hose.
Avoid Pressure Washing Mistakes in Charlotte, NC
With so many fragile surfaces across your property, it is essential that you are mindful when considering pressure washing to restore the cleanliness and appearance of your space. If you want to avoid damaging your Charlotte home’s most fragile surfaces, it is best to work with a team of trained and experienced professionals, like our team at True Clean Power Wash & Seal.
For years of experience providing the most comprehensive and reliable pressure washing services to homes across the area, you can trust that we’re equipped to handle whatever cleaning project you have in mind. In addition to pressure washing, our team provides gutter cleaning and holiday light installation, ensuring you have the most beautiful home on the block.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
