The Pressure's On - Power Washing Your House

Thinking of painting your house? The first step should always be a good power washing, also called pressure washing, which will help remove stains and loose, peeling paint from the siding. Properly power washing a home prior to painting ensures a smoother and longer lasting paint job. Power washing can also reveal any damage, previously covered by the old paint, which it would be advisable to repair before applying a new coat.

You can use plain water for power washing, but most experts recommend a detergent and water solution for best results in effectively removing dirt and old paint particles. If you also want to bleach the house, a vinegar solution can be added, which is more environmentally friendly than bleach.

You can have any kind of a surface or finish power washed, as long as there are no cracks for the water to permeate. Natural wood shingled homes without paint, as well as decks and terraces can also be power washed to clean and brighten.