How to Pressure Wash Your House in 5 Simple Steps

Keeping your home’s exterior clean not only boosts curb appeal but also helps protect the siding, paint, and overall structure from dirt, mold, and mildew. Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to give your house a fresh, renewed look. If you’re wondering how to pressure wash your house in 5 simple steps, you’re in the right place. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you achieve professional-looking results without hiring a costly service.

In this blog, we’ll cover step-by-step instructions on how to pressure wash your house, so you can tackle this project confidently and safely.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies and Prepare Your Work Area

Before you start pressure washing, it’s essential to gather all necessary supplies and prepare your surroundings.

What you’ll need:

• Pressure washer (gas or electric)
• Exterior cleaning solution or detergent compatible with your pressure washer
• Extension wand or spray nozzle
• Safety gear (goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear)
• Ladder (if cleaning higher sections)
• Garden hose
• Plastic sheeting or painter’s tape (to protect delicate areas like windows or electrical outlets)

Preparation tips:

• Clear the area around your house of furniture, planters, and outdoor decorations.
• Cover or tape over windows, electrical outlets, light fixtures, and vents to prevent water intrusion.
• Inspect your pressure washer and read the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Connect the pressure washer to your water source and test it in an open area to ensure proper operation.

Safety note: Always wear eye protection and sturdy gloves. Pressure washers can cause injury if not handled properly.

Step 2: Wet Down Your House and Apply Cleaning Solution

To achieve the best cleaning results, start by wetting down the entire house.

• Use a wide-angle spray nozzle (typically 25 or 40 degrees) to gently spray water over the siding or brickwork.
• This initial rinse helps remove loose dirt and reduces the risk of streaking.

Next, apply your cleaning solution:

• Mix your exterior cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Attach the detergent nozzle or use the pressure washer’s soap dispenser.
• Apply the cleaning solution starting from the bottom of the house and work your way up to prevent streaks.
• Use a sweeping motion to evenly coat the siding, brick, or wood.

Pro tip: Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes, but do not allow it to dry out. This dwell time helps loosen dirt, mold, and mildew.

Step 3: Scrub Stubborn Areas and Mold

While pressure washing is effective, some areas may require a little extra scrubbing.

• Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to gently scrub stubborn stains, mold, or mildew.
• Focus on areas with visible algae, moss, or dirt buildup.
• For textured surfaces like stucco or brick, use a brush attachment on your pressure washer with a lower pressure setting.

Important: Avoid aggressive scrubbing on delicate surfaces like vinyl siding or painted wood, as it may cause damage.

Step 4: Pressure Wash Your House

Now that the surface is prepped and cleaned, it’s time to pressure wash.

• Switch to a nozzle with a 25 or 40-degree spray pattern for a gentle, wide spray.
• Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle and keep the nozzle about 12-18 inches from the surface.
• Start at the top of the house and work your way down in a consistent, sweeping motion.
• Maintain steady, overlapping passes to avoid streaks or missed spots.
• Use lower pressure for delicate areas such as windows, vents, or decorative trim.
• For stubborn stains, you can use a slightly higher pressure, but avoid direct spraying on fragile surfaces.

Safety tip: Never point the pressure washer at yourself or others, and avoid spraying near electrical outlets or wiring.

Step 5: Rinse and Clean Up

The final step is to rinse off any remaining cleaning solution and debris.

• Switch back to a wide-angle nozzle with a higher water flow.
• Rinse from the top down, just as you did with the initial spray.
• Make sure to thoroughly wash away all soap residue to prevent streaks or discoloration.
• Turn off the pressure washer, disconnect hoses, and store equipment safely.
• Remove protective coverings from windows and electrical outlets.
• Clean your tools and wash your hands thoroughly.

Bonus Tips for a Successful Pressure Wash

• Timing matters: Avoid pressure washing during windy or rainy days to prevent water from entering unwanted areas.
• Test first: Always test your pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous area before tackling the entire house.
• Use the right pressure: Adjust the PSI (pounds per square inch) to suit your siding material—lower for delicate surfaces, higher for tougher materials.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule pressure washing annually or biannually to keep your home looking its best and preventing mold growth.

A professional paint job is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value. Whether you’re preparing to sell or want to fall in love with your home all over again, Carroll Custom Coatings is here to make it happen.

We proudly serve North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Conway, Longs, Surfside, Little River, Pawleys Island, Aynor, Loris, and Murrells Inlet. Let’s bring your vision to life with the skill, quality, and care your home deserves.

📞 Call Carroll Custom Coatings at 843-428-8322 today to schedule your free estimate and start your home’s transformation.