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Exterior Pressure Washing

How-to Guide Process Updated Jul 24, 2026 · Cleaning

Goal

Clean exterior residential surfaces - siding, walkways, driveways, decks - using a pressure washer. Done right, dramatic visual improvement at high margin. Done wrong, damaged siding, blown-out window seals, stripped paint. Right pressure, right distance, right surface technique.

Prerequisites

  • Pressure washer 2,500 - 3,500 PSI for residential (higher PSI = more damage risk)
  • Surface cleaner attachment (for flat surfaces - driveway, patio)
  • 0° / 15° / 25° / 40° spray tips (different angles for different surfaces)
  • Detergent injector + appropriate cleaner (concrete cleaner, siding cleaner, etc.)
  • Garden hose for water supply
  • 1 - 4 hours depending on scope

Steps

  1. Customer briefing. "I'll pressure wash [surfaces]. Some areas will get wet that aren't being cleaned - windows, planted areas, your driveway. Move anything you don't want to get wet."
  2. Pre-rinse the area with garden-hose pressure water. Removes loose debris.
  3. Apply detergent through the soap injector. Use the BLACK tip (low-pressure soap mode). Apply low-to-high (so runs of soap don't streak the cleaning result downward).
  4. Let detergent dwell 5 - 10 minutes per product label. Don't let it dry.
  5. Switch to appropriate cleaning tip:
  • 40° (white): most siding, painted surfaces - most forgiving
  • 25° (green): harder surfaces - concrete, brick, harder substrates
  • 15° (yellow): aggressive cleaning, but RISK to softer surfaces
  • 0° (red): NEVER use on residential surfaces - strips paint, etches concrete
  1. Test on inconspicuous area first. Adjust pressure + distance based on the test.
  2. Maintain consistent distance + angle:
  • Siding: 12 - 24" away, angled DOWN slightly to push water away from windows + seams
  • Concrete: 6 - 12" with surface cleaner OR 8 - 18" with standard tip
  • Wood deck: 12 - 18" minimum; 40° tip; gentle pressure (1,500 PSI for soft woods)
  1. Move in consistent strokes. Overlap 30 % per pass.
  2. Wash low-to-high on siding so dirty runoff doesn't streak the just-cleaned area.
  3. Final rinse with clean water (no detergent). Most cleaners need a thorough rinse to prevent residue + spot staining.
  4. Inspect. Walk the area; look for missed spots or streaks.

Verification

  • Visible cleaning result (before/after photo)
  • No paint damage, etching, or splintering visible
  • Windows unbroken + seals undamaged
  • Plants minimally affected (some leaf damage normal from spray; flower beds may need post-wash watering)
  • Customer signs the field report

Troubleshooting

  • Lines / strokes visible in cleaning result: pressure too high OR distance too close OR tip too aggressive. Step back + lower pressure.
  • Paint flaking off siding: pressure too high. STOP. Document the existing condition; you may need to refer to a painter for re-finish.
  • Water beading on the just-cleaned surface (sealed concrete): customer's concrete is sealed - detergent didn't penetrate. Use a degreaser or stripper.
  • Streaks running down siding: detergent applied top-to-bottom OR not rinsed sufficiently. Re-rinse from bottom-up.

Wood deck pressure washing is DANGEROUS to the deck. Too much pressure OR wrong angle splinters the wood + permanently damages the boards. Sealed pressure-treated decks tolerate 1,500 PSI at 18" distance; older or unsealed wood may not tolerate any pressure washing. When in doubt, refer to a deck refinishing specialist OR clean with a deck brush + manual scrub instead.

References

  • PWNA (Power Washers of North America) safety standards
  • Manufacturer pressure washer + detergent literature
  • Manuall internal: Standard Residential Cleaning Service

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