Person using a pressure washer incorrectly
By Jenny Stanley
Updated on Sep. 12, 2024
A pressure washer is a powerful tool for cleaning outdoor surfaces, but it’s essential to use it correctly. Misusing a pressure washer can cause significant damage to your property and even pose safety hazards. This article outlines 13 things you should never pressure wash to avoid costly repairs and potential injuries.
What Should You Not Pressure Wash?
While pressure washing can be incredibly effective for cleaning various surfaces, there are certain materials and objects that are simply not suitable for this type of cleaning. The high-pressure water stream can cause irreversible damage, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Here are thirteen things to avoid pressure washing:
1. Wood Siding
Although pressure washing can clean wood siding, improper technique can force water beneath the surface. This can damage insulation, electrical wiring, and promote mold growth. High pressure can also dent aluminum and vinyl siding. Always consult best practices for pressure washing siding before attempting it yourself.
Person using a pressure washer incorrectly
2. Electrical Panels and Meters
Avoid pressure washing any electrical fixtures, including exterior panels and meters. While designed to withstand rain, the forceful spray can penetrate cracks, causing damage and posing electrical hazards.
Avoid pressure washing electrical components
3. Asphalt Shingles
Pressure washing asphalt shingles strips away the protective granules, shortening their lifespan and leaving your roof vulnerable to damage. Additionally, using a pressure washer on a roof is dangerous due to the powerful recoil.
Pressure washing damages asphalt shingles
4. Air Conditioners
The delicate fins of air conditioners can be easily bent or crushed by a pressure washer, reducing airflow and efficiency. Clean AC units with a vacuum, gentle water spray, and a fin comb if necessary.
Clean AC units with gentler methods
5. Lead Paint
Pressure washing lead paint is extremely hazardous as it releases lead particles into the air and surrounding environment. Lead paint removal requires specialized containment and disposal methods.
Never pressure wash lead paint
6. Old Mortar
Pressure washing can disintegrate old mortar, causing significant damage to brickwork and other masonry surfaces. Opt for gentler cleaning methods designed for historic or delicate materials.
Old mortar is easily damaged by pressure washing
7. Living Things
Never pressure wash people, pets, or plants. The high-pressure stream can cause serious injury and damage delicate plant tissues.
Keep living things away from pressure washers
8. Painted Surfaces
Pressure washing can chip and peel paint. If you must clean a painted surface, use a low-pressure setting and a wide nozzle.
Pressure washing can damage painted surfaces
9. Windows
The force of a pressure washer can easily shatter windows. Clean windows with a squeegee and appropriate cleaning solution for streak-free results.
10. Vehicles
High-pressure washing can dent and chip car paint, making it susceptible to rust. Use a low-pressure setting and a car wash soap specifically designed for vehicles. Never pressure wash under the hood.
Use caution when pressure washing vehicles
11. Outdoor Light Fixtures
Pressure washing can force water into outdoor light fixtures, causing electrical shorts and damage. Clean fixtures with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
Clean outdoor light fixtures with a cloth
12. Gutters
While it might seem like a quick solution, pressure washing gutters can damage them and force water into your home. Clean gutters manually or with a specialized gutter cleaning tool.
Clean gutters manually or with specialized tools
13. Stained Wood
Pressure washing removes stain from wood. Use a wood cleaner and a brush to clean stained wood surfaces, then reapply stain as needed.
Pressure washing removes stain from wood
Conclusion
Pressure washers are valuable tools for cleaning, but knowing their limitations is crucial. Avoid pressure washing these 13 things to prevent damage and ensure safety. By understanding the potential risks, you can effectively utilize your pressure washer for appropriate cleaning tasks.