Should You Pressure Wash Vinyl Siding?

David Rhodes
December 23, 2017

The short answer to the question is a resounding “YES!”, but it does come with some strings attached. Pressure washing vinyl siding can be a safe way to clean your home and adds years to the lifespan of your walls’ exterior surfaces, or it can be a fast-track to siding damage – it all depends on who is behind the washer.

The learning curve for pressure washers isn’t friendly, and amateur attempts practiced on your vinyl siding could cause some very ugly scarring. However, finding qualified pressure washing professionals can be more challenging than it sounds.

In this era of unregulated online classified listings, anybody with a department store brand pressure washer can throw an ad up proclaiming that they are experts.

Since you are ultimately putting your house in the hands of strangers, you need to make sure that you are dealing with trusted and highly-trained professionals.

For this reason, we recommend turning to the pressure washing pro’s in San Antonio at Glass Geeks; with years of experience under our belts, and the best tools dangling from them, you can be sure that your home will look its best and have its lifespan increased rather than diminished!

If, however, you decide to take the DIY route, we can help there too. The following tips will help you stay safe and save money when pressure washing vinyl siding on your own:

Do your homework

Make sure to read all relevant safety manuals from the manufacturer before you start pressure washing vinyl siding. This will help reduce the time it takes to learn how to use your equipment, and familiarize you with all safety processes.

Mind electrical hazards

Ensure that electric pressure washers are properly connected and grounded at all times. Also beware of shock hazards around the house, and make sure that you are wearing rubber-soled shoes for extra protection.

Follow fundamental rules for safe use

Regardless of the model you are using, some safety rules remain constant. Don’t operate pressure washers indoors. Never point the washer at people or animals.

Wear eye protection at all times to guard against any dirt or contaminants dislodged by the jet of water. Wear hearing protection.

Maintain your pressure washer regularly to avoid any serious equipment failures. Follow all appropriate instructions that come with the cleaning detergent you have chosen.

Use the right techniques

It is difficult to prescribe any single techniques because of the huge variance between pressure washer models, but there are some general guidelines that we can share.

Always start with a wider fan pattern, and keep the nozzle moving. Always hold it at the distance recommended in your user manual. Avoid blasting directly into corners, beneath the lip of a window, or into dryer and attic vents.