The Do’s and Don’ts of Washing the Outside of Your House

Don’t use a pressure washer if the grime on your home can easily be rinsed off. Try rinsing the siding of your home with a regular garden hose before applying more power.
Don’t spray the water from an upward angle. Homes’ exteriors are often built to keep precipitation (which falls down from the sky, not up from the ground) out of the seams and cracks in the house. Direct the spray of water downward so that excess water doesn’t get stuck in your home and cause issues such as mold.
Don’t pressure wash your home if it’s made of brick, wooden shingles, or stucco. A regular garden hose or specialized nozzle is usually best for these kinds of home exteriors.
Don’t pressure wash your home if you have plants up against it. The water’s power will harm your plants
Don’t use a ladder to pressure wash your home! If you are up on the ladder, the force from the pressure washer can push you off balance.
Don’t spray vents and openings with the water. Cover them with plastic before washing to avoid getting water into your home.

When you pressure wash your home’s exterior, it’s also a good idea to keep the following things in mind.

Wooden plank or vinyl siding often can withstand the power of a pressure washer. However, remember to keep moving the power washer hose. If using a pressure washer, the powerful stream of water on one spot of your siding can cause damage to your home.
Make sure windows and doors are secured shut. Even though they are shut, avoid spraying windows and doors so they don’t break.
Any children or curious pets should be inside to prevent any accidents. Pressure washers have a lot of power that can sometimes cut through skin. Be careful!
Turn off your power to all electrical outlets that are outside! Water and electricity don’t go well together.
Wear eye protection. This will keep grime and water from entering your eyes.