13 things you shouldn’t pressure wash

A pressure wash can serve a valuable role in home maintenance, but don’t get carried away! Pressure washing can do more harm than good.

While it’s possible to pressure wash wood cladding correctly, you can also force water up and under the exterior surface if you use high pressure. From there, water can damage insulation and electrical wiring, and even spur mould growth. A high-powered pressure wash can also dent aluminium and vinyl cladding.

Even on the exterior of your home or in your yard, do not pressure wash fixtures housing electricity. Though built to withstand a rainstorm, pressure washing can force water into cracks and crevices, leading to damage and costly repairs.

Here are 8 things you should never do to a power board.

Never pressure wash your roof if you have asphalt shingles. The water pressure strips away the granules that protect your roof. Not to mention, using a pressure washer in a high place is dangerous. Once you squeeze the trigger, the powerful recoil on the spray wand can throw you off balance and off a ladder.

Learn more about ladder safety.

For cleaning your air conditioning unit, don’t reach for a pressure washer. The intense flow of water can bend or crush the delicate fins and restrict air flow, which shortens the life of the unit. If your air conditioner suddenly stops working, it might need a thorough (yet gentle!) clean, or it might be one of these issues.

Never remove lead paint with a pressure washer. Lead paint should be carefully contained when removed, not blasted into the air and surrounding surfaces. Remember to always protect yourself during lead paint removal with a respirator. Lead paint can cause serious issues in children, like developmental adults, and is extremely dangerous when ingested in chips or dust. If your house was built before 1978, you should get your paint analysed.

Beware these killer hazards for the unwary home renovator.

A pressure wash damages weathered brick houses and other landscaping surfaces with mortar. Any loose material, especially on older structures, will be blasted away by pressure washing on a high setting, and that can cause your walls to become unstable.

This one is a no-brainer (hopefully!). Never pressure wash humans, pets or plants. The force of water coming from a pressure washer can cause physical harm. It can even penetrate skin, and will most certainly destroy your plants.

Follow these fuss-free pet care tips.

A pressure wash easily chips paint off most surfaces, so only use a low-pressure flow of water to wash painted items such as a porch floor or painted outdoor furniture.

Don’t pressure wash windows! The high pressure can break them, causing you a major headache (and expense) to replace.

Follow this simple guide to window cleaning.