Overview
Pressure washing removes dirt, mildew and some stains from concrete. Surface cleaners give even results.
Oil and rust stains may need special treatments.
What to expect, step by step
- Expect plant protection. Good providers pre-wet or cover plants when using cleaning solutions.
- Surface clean. Rotary cleaners even the finish.
- Rinse and optional seal.
- The provider does a walk-around. They check for loose siding, open vents and fragile areas first.
- Water access is needed. Most providers connect to an outdoor spigot.
- Describe the surfaces. Concrete, siding, wood and roofs each need different pressure and cleaning solutions.
- Pre-treat stains. Degreasers help.
Key considerations
- Sealing protects. Sealer helps resist stains.
- Runoff rules exist. Some cities restrict washing water into storm drains.
- Etching risk. Too much pressure can etch concrete.
- High pressure can damage surfaces. Siding, wood and roofs usually call for soft washing.
- Stains may not lift fully. Old stains can be stubborn.
- Stains vary. Oil, rust and organic stains need different treatments, and some may not fully lift.
How to prepare your inquiry
- Rough measurements or quantities, if they matter for the job.
- A short description of the job and where it is on the property.
- Your timeline, and whether anything is urgent.
- The best way and time to reach you.
- Your address or nearest cross streets so the request reaches someone local.
Warning signs
- Suggesting you skip a required permit to save money.
- No local address or references you can check.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm with no local track record.
- Pressure to sign or pay the same day.
- Unwilling to share proof of insurance or a license where one is required.
Questions worth asking
- Do you use soft washing for siding and roofs?
- What cleaning solutions do you use, and are they safe for plants and pets?
- Are you insured if a surface or window is damaged?
- How do you handle runoff?
- Is the price per square foot or a flat rate?
- Do you offer sealing after cleaning?
Quick answers
- Will pressure washing remove oil stains?
- It can lighten them, often with degreaser, but may not remove them fully.
- Should I seal after washing?
- Many do to protect the surface.
- Can pressure washing damage my house?
- Yes, if the pressure is too high. That's why many pros soft wash siding and roofs.
Related topics
- House Soft Washing: Low-pressure cleaning for siding.
- Deck & Fence Cleaning: Cleaning wood and composite decks and fences.
- Roof Cleaning: Removing algae and moss from roofs.