Preparing your home properly before a pressure washing appointment takes about 30 minutes — and it makes a real difference in the quality of results and the efficiency of the job. Here's a straightforward checklist of what to do before the crew arrives.
Outside the Home
- Close all windows and doors — this is the most important step. Water can get into gaps and cause interior damage
- Move outdoor furniture, potted plants, and décor — clear the work area around the home's exterior
- Remove toys, garden tools, and debris from the driveway, patio, and areas to be cleaned
- Retract awnings and close patio umbrellas — pressure and soft wash solution can damage fabric
- Put away or move vehicles from the driveway if they're being cleaned
- Coil up garden hoses — they can be damaged or tangled in equipment
Protecting Plants and Landscaping
Professional soft wash solutions are formulated to be safe when properly diluted and rinsed — but pre-wetting your landscaping before the cleaning begins adds protection. If you have particularly sensitive plants near the foundation, let the crew know so they can take extra care around those areas.
- Pre-water shrubs, flowers, and grass beds closest to the house
- Move container plants to a location away from the work zone
- Cover any plants you're especially concerned about with plastic sheeting (the crew can help with this)
Inside the Home
- Check all windows and door seals — if you know of any gaps or broken weatherstripping, let the crew know
- Close fireplace dampers — high-pressure cleaning can push air and debris down chimneys
- Secure any items on window sills visible from outside — vibration can shift items near open window areas
Information to Share With the Crew
A quick walkthrough with the crew when they arrive is helpful. Point out:
- Any areas of damaged siding, loose caulking, or cracked mortar that need gentle treatment
- Outdoor electrical outlets or lighting that you want them to be aware of
- Specific stains or areas that need extra attention
- Any pets that need to be kept inside during the cleaning
- Where the exterior water shutoff is, in case it's needed
After the cleaning: Your siding may look slightly different when wet vs. dry — colors often appear more vivid wet and return to normal as they dry over the following hours. Allow 24 hours for full drying before evaluating the final result.
