Pressure washing (or power washing) is a fast, effective way to clean dirt, mold, and grime from outdoor surfaces. In places like Wake Forest and Raleigh, NC, homeowners often use it on siding, decks, and driveways. But pressure washing mistakes can cause damage or injury if not done right.
Whether you hire a pro or do it yourself, knowing how to avoid pressure washing mistakes is key. This guide covers common errors and simple tips to protect your home and get great results without extra repair costs.
Safety First: Skipping Proper Protection and Precautions
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not staying safe while pressure washing. It might feel like using a strong garden hose, but the water pressure can cut skin, break surfaces, and hurt people.
Here’s how to stay safe:
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Use safety goggles, thick gloves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes with good grip (never wear sandals). The water stream can be sharp enough to cut skin or injure toes. If you’re using a heavy-duty machine, wear boots and maybe even a rain suit or face shield. - Protect Your Surroundings:
Before you start, cover anything you don’t want to get wet or damaged. Use tarps to protect plants. Cover outdoor lights, outlets, and air conditioning units. This helps avoid accidental damage while you clean. - Beware of Electric Shock:
If you’re using an electric pressure washer, make sure the plug is grounded and GFCI-protected. Keep cords dry and off the ground. Never use damaged cords or remove safety plugs. - Avoid Indoor Use of Gas Washers:
Never use a gas-powered pressure washer inside a garage or enclosed space. It can release carbon monoxide, which is very dangerous. Use electric models indoors and make sure the area is open and well-ventilated.
Using Too Much Pressure (PSI Overload)
One of the most common pressure washing mistakes is using too much pressure. Some people think more pressure means better cleaning – but that’s not true. Too much PSI (pounds per square inch) can break siding, damage decks, or crack concrete.
Use the right amount of pressure:
- Wood or vinyl siding: 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Concrete or brick: Up to 3,000 PSI (but test a small area first)
Start far away and move closer slowly. If you see the surface changing – like wood grain lifting – stop. The goal is to use just enough pressure to clean safely. It may take a little longer, but it’s worth it to avoid damage.
Using the Wrong Nozzle or Spray Setting
Pressure washer nozzles come in different colors and spray angles. Each one is made for a specific purpose.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Red (0°): Very narrow, very strong – only use for metal or tough stains
- Yellow (15°) and Green (25°): Good for hard surfaces like concrete or brick
- White (40°): Safer for windows, cars, and painted surfaces
- Black (65°): For applying soap or detergent
Using the wrong nozzle is a big mistake. For example, a red nozzle can cut into wood or siding if you’re not careful. When in doubt, start with a wider spray, and switch to stronger ones only if needed. Always test on a small hidden area first.
Incorrect Spray Angle and Technique
The way you hold and move the pressure washer wand matters a lot.
Don’t spray straight at the surface. Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle to lift the dirt away without damaging the material.
Always spray from top to bottom. If you spray upward (especially on siding), you can force water behind the panels – which may lead to mold and mildew inside your walls.
Keep a consistent distance from the surface, usually 1–2 feet. Move in even strokes and overlap your passes to avoid streaks or missed spots. Use extra care near edges and corners, where water might get trapped or bounce back at you.
Lack of Planning: No Clear Cleaning Order
Pressure washing works best when you follow a plan. Many people start washing surfaces in a random order, which wastes time and effort.
Always clean from the top down. If you wash the siding before the roof, the dirty water from the roof will just mess it up again. Start with the roof and gutters, then move to the walls, and finish with the driveway or patio.
Make a checklist:
- Roof and gutters
- Siding and windows
- Decks, porches
- Driveway and walkways
- Patio furniture, fences, etc.
Also plan to rinse surfaces well and clean up any debris after you’re done. A little planning makes your house washing faster and neater.
Using Only Water (Skipping the Cleaning Solution)
Many DIYers forget to use soap or detergent, thinking that water alone will clean everything. But without the right cleaner, you may just push dirt around – especially if there’s mold, mildew, or grease involved.
Use the right product for each job:
- House wash detergent: For siding
- Deck cleaner: For wood
- Concrete degreaser: For driveways
- Mildewcide: To kill mold and algae
Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Many washers come with a soap tank, or you can use a sprayer. Choose biodegradable detergents to keep plants safe and rinse everything well afterward. Using cleaners helps your surfaces stay clean longer.
Not Protecting Surroundings and Other Assets
You’re focused on what you’re washing, but don’t forget to protect what’s around it.
Be careful with:
- Windows and glass – Use low pressure or skip them entirely
- Outdoor furniture and grills – Move them or cover with plastic
- Vehicles – Dirt and rocks can scratch paint, so park away or cover
Also, close windows and doors before spraying. Let your family know you’re working so no one gets surprised by a spray of water. And think about where the dirty water will run – avoid spraying toward your house or your neighbors’ yards.
Pressure Washing the Wrong Surfaces
Some surfaces should never be pressure washed, or they need special care.
Avoid pressure washing:
- Asphalt roofs – It can ruin the shingles. Use soft washing instead.
- Old paint or stained wood – Pressure can strip or damage it.
- Windows or screens – You might break them.
- Electrical boxes and AC units – Water can short them out.
- Fabric, leather, drywall – It will tear or grow mold.
If you’re unsure whether a surface is safe to wash, do some quick research or call a professional. In some cases, soft washing (low pressure plus detergent) is the better option.
Ladder Mistakes and Hard-to-Reach Areas
One of the most dangerous pressure washing mistakes is trying to use a ladder while spraying. The force of the water can make you lose balance and fall.
Never use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. Instead, use:
- Extension wands to reach high places
- Spray tips with angle bends for under eaves
- Professional help for tall or tricky areas
Also, don’t walk on your roof with a pressure washer. It’s wet, slippery, and risky. Professionals have safety gear and equipment to handle these areas safely. If you can’t reach a spot from the ground, it’s often best to call the pros.
The Cost of DIY Mistakes vs. Hiring a Professional
Pressure washing looks easy, but it can go wrong quickly. DIY mistakes like:
- Stripping paint
- Damaging siding
- Letting water get inside walls
- Hurting yourself
Renting a pressure washer might cost $50–150 per day. Hiring a pro to clean your home might be a bit more, but you’ll get faster, better, and safer results. Professionals know which surfaces need soft washing and which can handle high pressure. They use commercial-grade equipment and carry insurance in case something does go wrong.
In Wake Forest, Raleigh, and nearby areas, local experts also know the regional challenges – from heavy pollen to red clay stains. Hiring a trusted team saves you time, protects your home, and delivers a better clean overall.
Call in the Pros: Pickens Power Washing to the Rescue
After all this, you might be thinking: Why risk it?
If you’re in Wake Forest, Raleigh, or nearby, let Pickens Power Washing handle it for you. Our team uses professional equipment and eco-friendly detergents to clean your home safely – without the common DIY mistakes.
We’ve got the experience to handle it all:
- House washing
- Roof and gutter cleaning
- Decks, driveways, patios
- Soft washing and more
Call us today at 919-412-0555 or contact us for a free estimate and let’s bring your home back to life — sparkling clean, damage-free, and stress-free. From weathered driveways to mossy rooftops, we’ve helped dozens of homeowners in Wake Forest and Raleigh fall back in love with their homes.
Want to see the difference we make? Take a look at some of our past projects and imagine what we can do for yours.s.
