Pressure washing is one the most effective ways to make a home or a commercial budling look fresh again. In some cases, it’s done by exterior painters before painting the walls of the house. There is a strategy behind pressure washing services, it can’t be done on any surface and there are different levels, detergents, and techniques that have to be followed so that it doesn’t destroy the surface. In this post we will explore the pressure washing options for the most common outdoor areas round a house or a commercial building.
Driveways and Walkways
For driveways and walkways, you will need high-pressure washing with surface cleaner because driveways made out of asphalt and concrete accumulate oil stains, tire marks, and other types of dirt as the time passes. These are really hard to remove, but the good news is that these hard surfaces can handle high pressure washing remove them easier.
Key considerations:
- Use hot water or degreasers for oil and automotive stains
- Surface cleaners provide even results and prevent streaking
- Seal concrete after cleaning to slow future staining
Avoid excessive pressure on cracked or aging concrete, this can worsen surface damage.
Decks (Wood and Composite)
For these types of decks, composite and wood deck builders recommend soft or low-pressure washing. This applies to any type of weather, including the humid climate of Seattle. If you use high pressure on wood deck for example, it destroys the wood boards and leaves marks on it. The same applies to composite, it can destroy the material, and it will get old quicker.
Key considerations:
- Use lower PSI with specialized deck cleaners
- Clean along the grain of the wood
- Brighteners can restore natural color after cleaning
Avoid high-pressure tips that cause splintering or fuzzing of wood surfaces.
Patios (Concrete, Pavers, Stone)
For patios, medium-pressure washing with the right detergents will do the job. Like walkways, patios collect dirt like moss, algae, and grime in shaded and damp areas. The right pressure level will depend on the material the patio was built with.
Key considerations:
- Concrete patios tolerate moderate to high pressure
- Pavers and natural stone require lower pressure and joint-safe techniques
- Re-sanding paver joints after cleaning is often necessary
Avoid: Dislodging joint sand or etching decorative stone surfaces.
Siding (Vinyl, Fiber Cement, Wood)
The siding is what will need soft washing on it. This is the type of washing exterior painters use to clean the siding before painting it. The soft washing has to be done with a certain cleaning solution to remove the dirt and the mold.
Key considerations:
- Apply detergents from the bottom up and rinse top down
- Adjust technique based on siding type
- Protect nearby plants and landscaping
Don’t perform high-pressure spraying, this can force water behind siding and cause moisture damage.
Fences
Another outdoor area where pressure washing can be done is the fences. People use regular cleaning to prevent discoloration and decay. It’s usually a great option for wood, vinyl, or metal fences. A low to medium wash will pe great for these types of fences.
Key considerations:
- Wood fences require gentle pressure and follow-up sealing
- Vinyl fences clean easily with mild detergents
- Rust inhibitors may be used on metal fences
Avoid over-saturation of wood, this can lead to warping or rot.
Roofs
Recommended method: Soft washing only
Roofs should never be cleaned with high pressure. Soft washing safely removes black streaks, algae, and moss without damaging shingles or tiles.
Key considerations:
- Use roof-safe cleaning solutions
- Allow dwell time for organic growth to break down
- Rinse gently and thoroughly
Avoid: Pressure washing asphalt shingles, which removes protective granules and shortens roof life.
Pool Decks and Surrounding Areas
For pool decks it’s recommended to go with medium-pressure washing with mildew treatment because these types of decks are exposed to constant moisture and chemicals from the pool. This makes them slippery due to the algae buildup.
Key considerations:
- Use non-slip, pool-safe cleaners
- Focus on safety and traction
- Rinse thoroughly to prevent chemical residue
Avoid harsh chemicals that may affect pool water balance.
Outdoor Furniture and Fixtures
For outdoor furniture low-pressure washing or even hand cleaning is preferred. Things like the outdoor furniture, grills, and other decorative features can be damaged very easily.
Key considerations:
- Use wide-angle spray tips
- Mild detergents work best
- Test a small area first
High pressure shouldn’t be done on plastic, wicker, or painted surfaces. It will destroy them.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washing Approach
Selecting the correct pressure washing method is critical for both appearance and durability. Professional pressure washing services assess surface type, condition, and environmental factors before choosing equipment and cleaning solutions.
Benefits of professional cleaning include:
- Reduced risk of surface damage
- Longer-lasting results
- Improved curb appeal and safety
Recommended Pressure Washing Level
| Outdoor Area / Surface | Recommended Wash Level | Typical PSI Range |
|---|---|---|
| Driveways & Walkways (Concrete, Asphalt) | High Pressure | 2,500 – 4,000 PSI |
| Decks – Wood | Low Pressure / Soft Wash | 500 – 1,200 PSI |
| Decks – Composite | Low Pressure / Soft Wash | 600 – 1,500 PSI |
| Patios – Concrete | Medium to High Pressure | 1,800 – 3,000 PSI |
| Patios – Pavers | Medium Pressure | 1,200 – 2,000 PSI |
| Patios – Natural Stone | Low to Medium Pressure | 800 – 1,500 PSI |
| Siding – Vinyl | Soft Wash | 300 – 800 PSI |
| Siding – Fiber Cement | Soft Wash | 300 – 1,000 PSI |
| Siding – Wood | Soft Wash | 300 – 600 PSI |
| Fences – Wood | Low Pressure | 800 – 1,200 PSI |
| Fences – Vinyl | Low to Medium Pressure | 1,000 – 1,800 PSI |
| Fences – Metal | Medium Pressure | 1,500 – 2,500 PSI |
| Roofs (Shingles, Tile, Metal) | Soft Wash Only | 100 – 300 PSI |
| Pool Decks & Surrounding Areas | Medium Pressure | 1,500 – 2,500 PSI |
| Outdoor Furniture & Fixtures | Low Pressure / Hand Wash | 300 – 800 PSI |
Final Ideas
Pressure washing is a great option for many outdoor areas, but it has to be done with the right level on the right surface. It’s used by many homeowners to clean the exterior of their homes, for decks, patios, fences, driveways and more.
If you use the wrong pressure level on a certain surface it can destroy it or it can be useless. For example, driveways with stains of oil on them won’t be removed with a low-pressure wash. You will need high pressure to get rid of those. And vice versa, a high-pressure wash can damage a wood deck.