Safety First! How To Powerwash Your Home Safely

Although it sounds simple enough, pressure washing your home can get really complicated and even dangerous fast, if you don’t know what you’re doing.If you’re thinking of giving your home exterior a little cleaning before winter comes and you’re feeling a little handy, here are a few thing to keep in mind to avoid injuries or damages to your home.

1. Watch out for power lines & electrical outlets

   Sufficed to say, water and electricity don’t go together. Before you start jetting the dirt off of your home exterior with pressurized water, take note of any power lines in your proximity. Power lines can run above or below ground, and sometimes they run along the edge of certain properties.
   
   Make sure to know where they are. Apart from the water getting on the lines, be make sure you’re not going to accidentally touch the power lines with your extension wand to avoid electrocution.
   

   Don’t forget to turn all of the outdoor power circuits off before you start pressure washing. If you leave them on, you can get electrocuted or you can damage the electrical outlets.

2. Make sure the area is clean

   Next up, before you start happily power washing away, clear the area where you will be working. Avoid potentially deadly accidents by making sure toys, bikes, and other debris or items are not scattered around. You can trip on these items so be sure to stow them away.
   
   

3. Clear bottom bushes

   For a good deep cleaning, you may also want to consider clearing the bushes that maybe covering your siding or the bottom exterior of your house. This will make these areas accessible, giving you a chance to clean them as well.
   
   

4. Don’t use ladders

   Once you’re ready, here’s one thing to keep in mind: DO NOT USE LADDERS. In fact, you will never see a commercial power washing company ever use a ladder. Ladders are risky when you’re power washing your house. The pressure from the washer can push back from the wand and may cause you to lose balance and fall.
   
   If you’re trying to reach a tall area, it’s best to hire a professional. They will bring a scaffold, platform vehicle, and other tolls or techniques that are safer and probably faster too.
   
   

5. Protect your eyes

   It’s best (and mandatory) that you use protective goggles when pressure washing your home. It’s simple to do and can be cheaply bought at any home improvement stores.
   

   Googles will save your eyes fro potential debris catapulting from the wash or any other unexpected material that can permanently damage your eyes.

You’re all set! Just one final thing — don’t forget to cover and tape in any vents or openings outside of your house to make sure water doesn’t seep in and cause damage.

Hope these tips came in handy! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog from more home improvement tips from your home improvement pros!