How to Prepare Your Property for a Power Wash
Power washing is a highly effective way to clean the exterior of your home or commercial property, restoring it to its original shine by removing dirt, grime, mold, and stains. Whether you’re tackling the job yourself or hiring a professional power washing company, proper preparation is key to achieving the best results and protecting your property.
In this post, we’ll guide you through essential steps to prepare your property for a power wash, ensuring a smooth and successful cleaning process.
1. Clear the Area
Before the power washing begins, it’s important to clear the area around the surfaces being cleaned. Move outdoor furniture, planters, grills, and other items away from the house, deck, or driveway. This not only ensures that nothing gets in the way during the cleaning process but also prevents these items from being damaged by the high-pressure water.
For large objects that are difficult to move, such as heavy patio furniture or large planters, consider covering them with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect them from water and debris.
Checklist:
- Move furniture, grills, planters, and other items.
- Cover heavy items that can’t be moved.
- Remove any toys, tools, or clutter from the work area.
2. Protect Fragile Plants and Landscaping
Power washing can be intense, and the force of the water can damage delicate plants, flowers, and landscaping. To protect your greenery, cover nearby plants, shrubs, and flower beds with plastic sheeting or tarps. This will shield them from the high-pressure water and cleaning chemicals used during the power wash.
Once the power washing is complete, be sure to remove the coverings to allow your plants to breathe and receive proper sunlight.
Checklist:
- Cover delicate plants, flowers, and shrubs with plastic sheeting.
- Ensure water-sensitive landscaping is protected.
- Remove covers immediately after the cleaning is done.
3. Secure Windows, Doors, and Outdoor Fixtures
Power washing involves the use of high-pressure water, which can easily seep into cracks, crevices, or gaps if the windows, doors, and vents are not properly sealed. Before starting, take time to secure all entry points to prevent water from getting inside your home.
Check your windows and doors for any damaged seals or weather stripping and make necessary repairs. If you have outdoor light fixtures, electrical outlets, or vents near the area being cleaned, cover them with waterproof plastic to protect them from water damage.
Checklist:
- Ensure windows and doors are closed tightly.
- Inspect seals and weather stripping around windows and doors.
- Cover outdoor electrical outlets, vents, and light fixtures with plastic sheeting or waterproof covers.
4. Protect Outdoor Lighting and Decorations
If you have outdoor lighting, such as wall-mounted lights, floodlights, or garden lighting, be sure to cover them with plastic bags or tarps to prevent water damage. This step is especially important for electrical fixtures, as water can damage the electrical components or create a fire hazard.
In addition to lighting, consider removing or covering any outdoor decorations, like wall art, hanging planters, or decorative flags, to prevent them from being damaged or knocked over by the water pressure.
Checklist:
- Cover outdoor lights with plastic bags or tarps.
- Remove or cover outdoor decorations and wall art.
- Protect electrical fixtures and exposed wiring.
5. Close and Cover Air Vents
If your home has exterior air vents, such as dryer vents, HVAC intakes, or attic vents, make sure they are securely closed or covered before power washing. Water can easily enter these vents during the cleaning process, potentially causing damage to your home’s ventilation system.
By covering vents with plastic or waterproof materials, you can prevent water from entering and ensure your ventilation systems remain safe and functional.
Checklist:
- Close and cover exterior air vents (dryer vents, HVAC intakes, etc.).
- Check that vent covers are securely fastened to prevent water infiltration.
6. Inspect the Exterior Surfaces
Before power washing, it’s important to inspect the surfaces that will be cleaned for any signs of damage or wear. This includes checking for loose siding, cracked paint, damaged stucco, or fragile surfaces that could be further damaged by the pressure of the water.
If you notice any weak spots, such as cracked windows, peeling paint, or loose shutters, make repairs before proceeding with the power washing. Power washing can exacerbate existing damage, so addressing these issues in advance will help ensure a safe and effective cleaning process.
Checklist:
- Inspect siding, stucco, brick, or other surfaces for damage.
- Repair cracked windows, peeling paint, and loose shutters.
- Ensure that surfaces are in good condition to withstand pressure washing.
7. Identify Areas Requiring Special Attention
Some areas of your property may require extra care or specialized cleaning techniques. For example, wooden surfaces like decks or fences may need a gentler pressure setting, while heavily stained driveways might require more intense cleaning.
If you’re hiring a professional power washing service, communicate any specific concerns or areas that need special attention. A professional can adjust the pressure settings or use specialized cleaning solutions to address these areas without causing damage.
Checklist:
- Identify wooden surfaces (decks, fences) that may need lower pressure.
- Point out any areas with mold, mildew, or tough stains.
- Communicate specific cleaning needs to the professional service.
8. Plan for Water Runoff
Power washing generates a significant amount of water, and you’ll need to plan for where that water will go. Ensure that your property has proper drainage so that the water doesn’t pool in areas where it could cause damage, such as near the foundation of your home or in your garden.
If you have a basement or crawl space, be particularly mindful of where water could enter and make adjustments to ensure water flows away from these areas.
Checklist:
- Check that your property has proper drainage for water runoff.
- Make sure water won’t pool near the foundation or garden beds.
- Direct water away from basements or crawl spaces.
9. Notify Your Neighbors
If you live in a neighborhood or close proximity to others, it’s courteous to notify your neighbors that you’ll be power washing your property. The noise and water spray could affect their property, and giving them a heads-up will allow them to take any necessary precautions, such as moving vehicles or closing windows.
This is especially important if you’re using a professional service, as the equipment can be quite loud.
Checklist:
- Inform neighbors about your power washing plans.
- Ensure they have time to move vehicles or close windows if necessary.
- Be mindful of noise and water spray during the process.
10. Prepare Yourself and Your Family
Power washing is an intense process, and it’s important to ensure that you and your family are safe and prepared. If you’re performing the power washing yourself, make sure you have the proper protective gear, including goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
If children or pets are around, make sure they are kept at a safe distance from the area being cleaned. Power washing equipment can be dangerous, especially for kids and animals, so take precautions to keep everyone safe during the process.
Checklist:
- Wear protective gear, such as goggles and gloves, if performing the power washing yourself.
- Keep children and pets away from the cleaning area.
- Ensure everyone in your household is aware of the power washing process.
Conclusion: A Smooth and Effective Power Wash
Preparing your property for power washing is essential for a safe, efficient, and successful cleaning. By following these steps, you’ll protect your home and outdoor items while ensuring that the power washing process is smooth and hassle-free. Whether you’re taking on the job yourself or hiring a professional, these preparation tips will help you achieve the best possible results for your property.