13 Things You Shouldn’t Pressure Wash
Updated: Jan. 20, 2023A pressure wash can serve a valuable role in home maintenance, but don’t get carried away! Pressure washing can do more harm than good.
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Wood siding
While it’s possible to pressure wash wood siding correctly, you can also force water up and under the exterior surface if you use high pressure. From there, water can damage insulation and electrical wiring, and even spur mold growth. A high-powered pressure wash can also dent aluminum and vinyl siding. While you’re at it, these are the other home maintenance projects you can skip.
Asphalt shingles
Never pressure wash your roof if you have asphalt shingles. The water pressure strips away the granules that protect your roof. Not to mention, using a pressure washer in a high place is dangerous. Once you squeeze the trigger, the powerful recoil on the spray wand can throw you off balance and off a ladder.
Air conditioners
For cleaning your air conditioning unit, don’t reach for a pressure washer. The intense flow of water can bend or crush the delicate fins and restrict air flow, which shortens the life of the unit. If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it might need a thorough (yet gentle!) clean.
Lead paint
Never remove lead paint with a pressure washer. Lead paint should be carefully contained when removed, not blasted into the air and surrounding surfaces. Remember to always protect yourself during lead paint removal with a respirator like this one. Lead paint can cause serious issues in children, like developmental adults, and is extremely dangerous when ingested in chips or dust. If your house was built before 1978 (the year lead was banned in paint) you should get your paint analyzed.
Old mortar
A pressure wash damages weathered brick houses and other landscaping surfaces with mortar. Any loose material, especially on older structures, will be blasted away by pressure washing on a high setting, and that can cause your walls to become unstable.
Living things
This one is a no-brainer (hopefully!). Never pressure wash humans, pets, or plants. The force of water coming from a pressure washer can cause physical harm. It can even penetrate skin, and will most certainly destroy your plants. Even if your dog loves water, you shouldn’t be washing them any more often than this.
Windows
Don’t pressure wash windows! The high pressure can break them, causing you a major headache (and expense) to replace.
Vehicles
Using a high pressure wash to clean your vehicle can actually cause small dents and even chip the paint, leaving it vulnerable to rust. If you do use a pressure washer to clean your car, always set it to a low-pressure setting, and never attempt to pressure wash under the hood! It could force water into cracks and crevices and cause serious damage. If you’re considering going to a car wash instead, here are 7 reasons why you should think again.
Gutters
Though tempting, you should never clean out the inside of your gutters with a pressure washer. It’s best to remove debris by hand, and then rinse the inside clean with a less intense flow of water. Gutters can withstand rainstorms, but not the extreme power of a pressure washer. Choose this gutter cleaning tool instead of a pressure washer.
