5 Things to Do Before Pressure Washing Your Building

Pressure washing is a good way to eliminate grime and moss or other dirt from a building, but there are a few things you should do to prepare for the big clean. Here’s what to do first:



1. Protect Electric Outlets and Switches

Electrocution is a very real possibility when water meets electricity. To avoid this potential hazard, it’s best to seal off any outdoor electrical outlets or light switches. Anywhere the water could potentially reach, electrical wires should be sealed off with plastic and tape to ensure there will be no moisture entering these areas.

2. Repair Holes or Cracks

If you have any cracks in your exterior wall and intend to use a pressure washing system on this area, you need to be sure to seal up the crack or hole. This may be done by using caulking in most cases, or concrete if it is a concrete or brick wall.

Remember the pressure can be quite intense, so if the water gets into a crack it can rapidly open it even wider or even shoot water right through the wall.

3. Test the Pressure

Before spraying down an entire wall on the front of your home, test a smaller area to be sure you have the right pressure. You don’t want anything too strong, as it could damage the finish of the wall. However, by testing a small, less visible area of the home, you’ll get a better idea of just how efficient the pressure washer is and will notice if it is causing any damage.

It’s possible to adjust the pressure on the machine, so you may do this as you test the effects.

4. Check for Lead-based Paint

If you are cleaning an older building, there may be a concern about lead in the paint used for the house. You can do a test if you’re not sure and suspect there may be lead. Since pressure washing will send particles into the air and down into the drainage system, it’s best to find out first if you have this issue. It could be potentially dangerous for you and anyone around when pressure washing.

5. Prepare a Wash Bucket

Sometimes you’ll find a difficult area where the grime just won’t come loose. It’s helpful to have a wash bucket with soapy water and a scrub brush to quickly work over the dirt, then go back with the pressure washer. If you have two people working, one can scrub while the other works on another part of the building with the pressure washer.

Pressure washing can have some pretty incredible results. To ensure you get the best experience possible, be sure to prepare ahead of time and then enjoy the results.

Do you need a pressure washing service? GMC offers high-quality pressure washing for your building, boat, or driveway. Contact us now for a quote.