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How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer
Before you begin your exterior house-cleaning project, make sure you have the right pressure washer. House exteriors vary, so you’ll need a machine that’s right for your exterior. We’ve got general pressure washer PSI (pounds per square inch) ratings and pressure tip suggestions for different exteriors below, but when cleaning with pressure washers, it’s always best to use the lowest PSI and the widest spray pattern that are effective.
- Stucco homes typically need pressure ratings between 1200 and 1500 PSI. Look for a light-duty pressure washer. Start with a 40-degree spray tip. If you need more cleaning power on unpainted stucco, you can try a 25-degree tip.
- For a brick home, you’ll want between 1500 and 2000 PSI and a 25-degree spray tip. Consider a light- to medium-duty pressure washer. As with stucco, use a wider-pattern 40-degree tip for painted brick.
- If you have vinyl siding, look for pressure ratings between 1900 and 2800 PSI — a medium- or heavy-duty pressure washer — and a pressure tip with a 40-degree pattern.
Our guide to pressure washers will give you more tips for finding the right machine to pressure wash a house, fence, driveway and more.
When using a pressure washer to clean a house, check your product information to ensure the pressure washer and spray tip are suitable for the surface you’re cleaning. Follow the steps for use and safety for your pressure washer and your cleaning products, including specifications for safety gear.
If you have a two-story home, consider investing in accessories such as spray tips and extensions that are designed to help you clean upper stories. Never stand on a ladder to pressure wash.
Using a Pressure Washer Safely
Pressure washer safety and effective cleaning with a pressure washer both start with getting the work area ready.
- Remove obstacles that could cause you to trip or that might snag the hoses.
- Turn off power to external electrical outlets and fixtures and tape down plastic to protect them.
- Trim back plants that touch the home's exterior and then wet and cover all of the plants in the work area.
- Close nearby windows and doors.
Once you begin cleaning, follow these pressure washer safety tips.
- Stand on a stable surface where you have good balance and solid footing.
- Wear the eye protection specified by the pressure washer manufacturer.
- Wear hearing protection when using a pressure washer.
- Don't operate a gas pressure washer indoors or in an area that doesn't have proper ventilation. Direct the exhaust away from doors, windows and vents.
- When using an electric pressure washer, keep all electrical connections dry and off the ground. Don't touch the plug if your hands are wet.
- Never leave a spray gun unattended while the pressure washer is running.
- Be aware of where you're directing the spray. Never point the spray gun at people, animals or plants. Keep the spray away from electrical fixtures, power sources and power lines.
Don't pressure wash your home if you think it's been painted with lead paint. Typically, these are homes painted before 1978. To find out if your home might've been painted with lead-based paint, purchase a test kit or contact a professional for an inspection and recommendations.
Cleaning With Pressure Washers
When cleaning with pressure washers, methods vary by machine and home type, but there are some general tips for cleaning houses. For clean exterior surfaces with minimal risk of damage, test the spray pattern on an inconspicuous area. This will let you make sure the setting doesn't damage the exterior surface when you’re pressure washing houses of different types.
As long as you’re not damaging the exterior, there’s no set standard around how often or how much to pressure wash a house, but if repeated cleanings aren’t removing the dirt and grime like you expect, make sure you’re using the right detergent and using it correctly.
- Use only detergents intended for pressure washers and make sure you use the low-pressure detergent tip to apply the detergents.
- Once you’ve chosen the correct tip, make sure the garden hose is connected properly.
- To avoid streaking on vertical surfaces, apply the detergent from the bottom up. Work in small sections you can easily identify.
- Let the detergent remain on the surface for several minutes before you rinse it off, but don't let it dry. Wet the surface again as needed.
- When you've finished applying detergent, disengage the detergent supply. Set the pressure washer to the spray pattern appropriate for the surface you're cleaning, and activate the spray to clear any residual detergent from the system.
- Spray off the detergent and grime, starting from the top and working downward. Work in small sections.
Keep the high-pressure spray away from windows and exterior vents.
Exterior House-Cleaning With Pressure Washers
When cleaning the exterior of a house, avoid getting detergent or water behind the outer surface. Here's more information on exterior cleaning with pressure washers based on the type of home exterior.
Brick and Mortar
Patch damaged joints and allow the patches to dry for at least a week before you clean the house. Saturate the brick with water using a gentle, low-pressure spray before you apply detergent. This will help keep the detergent from soaking into the brick. Stand away from the surface and work upward with the spray. After you've finished cleaning and the brick has dried, you may see a powdery, white substance known as efflorescence — a residue of salts drawn out of the brick by moisture. Scrub off efflorescence with a dry wire brush. If any residue remains, use water and a soft-bristle brush to remove it.
Siding
Repair or replace damaged siding before pressure washing. Keep the spray away from gaps such as those around door and window trim. If the siding panels overlap, work across the topmost panel to the one it overlays. Avoid spraying under the bottom edges of the panels.
Stucco
Patch chips and cracks in the surface, and let the patches dry for at least a week before pressure washing. To protect the texture when you clean the stucco, hold the spray gun or wand so that the spray hits the stucco at a 45-degree angle. Keep the nozzle at least 24 inches from the surface. If you notice copper or rust stains, clean them using a soft brush and a rust-removal solution. Rinse off the solution with a garden hose and clear water.
Pressure Washing Gutters
Your gutters may also need cleaning. For the best results when pressure washing gutters, set your machine for a high-pressure spray pattern. Rinse the surfaces of the gutters with clear water to reduce the spots and streaks caused by water, detergent and grime that splashes from other areas of the house.
When cleaning overhead, point the spray forward and to one side to avoid spray-back and drips.
Finishing Your Cleaning Project
After you power wash the house, flush the area around it with clear water to dilute the detergent residue. You'll also need to take care of the pressure washer. Your manual should include directions for relieving the water pressure, draining liquid from the pump and storing the machine. Follow these instructions to make sure your pressure washer is ready for your next cleaning project.
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a House?
If you pressure wash your house yourself and you already own a pressure washer and safety gear, the primary cost will often be the price of the detergent. Of course, that cost will be higher for larger homes.
The size of your home will also be a cost consideration if you decide to hire a professional. But there are other factors in how much it costs to have a professional pressure wash your house, including:
- Labor costs, which can vary by area and season
- Whether you have a single-story or multi-story house
- The type of home exterior — brick, vinyl siding, stucco, etc.
- The amount of prep work the pro will need to do
- Repair work that may be needed to the exterior surface before pressure washing
Using a Pressure Washer to Clean a House
As long as you’re using the right equipment and procedures, a pressure washer can be a useful tool for cleaning the exterior of a house. And there are other items that are suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer, including:
- Driveways and sidewalks
- Fences
- Decks or patios
- Patio furniture and grills
- Vehicles
If you need help finding the right pressure washer for your cleaning job, talk to a Lowe’s associate. They can also help you find pressure washer accessories and detergents to make your project as easy and efficient as possible.