One great way to clean all the dirt and dust build-up on the surface of your home’s exterior is through power washing.
If you’re planning to repaint your home’s exterior walls, power washing is a necessary prep work to do.
However, you must know how to use a power washer correctly, or else, you might end up damaging your house.
With that in mind, here are 7 tips for power washing your home’s exterior in Newtown, PA.
1. Check For Any Damages
If you’re planning to power wash the exterior of your home, make sure to take a quick walk around your house and look for any damages that need repairs.
Look for any cracks, holes, scratches, or peeling paint and repair it before you start power washing.
Also, repair even the small damages as it can possibly result in serious damage when it’s hit by the water coming from your power washer.
2. Get The Tools That You Will Need
Don’t think that only professionals can do power washing because many people do power washing on their own.
However, if you do it on your own, you have to get the tools you will need, especially if it’s your first time doing it.
The tools that you will need include a hose, cleaning detergent, drop cloths, and of course, a power washer.
If you don’t have a power washer at home, you can rent one for about $40 to $100 a day.
3. Do Some Preparations To Ensure Your Safety
Before you get started with your power washing project, don’t forget to close all the doors and windows.
Also, make sure to turn off the power to the external electrical outlets of your home to avoid any accidents.
These external electrical outlets can be dangerous and can cause accidents especially that your power washer is using water.
For this reason, you can prevent any accidents by doing some prep works such as securing your external electrical outlets with plastic and tape.
To get the right setting for your power washer, you can try power washing an unnoticeable part of your home’s exterior surface.
4. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
It’s common knowledge that you will use cleaning detergents or chemicals when power washing your home’s exterior.
For this reason, you should wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety goggles, gloves, boots, and full-body suits (if you have any).
In case you don’t have full-body suits, you can wear your old long sleeves and pants as an alternative.
5. Protect Your Plants and Vehicles
Power washing is undeniably a messy job, and the chemicals that you will use can be harmful not only to you but to your plants as well.
Protect your plants from these harmful chemicals by covering them with drop cloths or plastic sheets.
However, it’s better if you can transfer your plants to a safer place where they won’t get caught up in your power washing job.
Also, make sure to park your vehicles somewhere safe so they won’t get hit when you start power washing.
6. Check What Type of Paint Is Applied on Your Surface
It is very important to check what type of paint is applied to your home’s exterior surface before you start power washing.
A surface that is covered in lead breaks up and spreads into pieces when hit by your power washer.
Lead is a harmful substance that can cause damage over time to you and your family, especially your kids.
7. Up and Down Power Washing
Most DIYers are power washing without a pattern, and this makes the job harder and makes you spend a lot more time.
One pro tip when power washing: power wash in an up and down pattern.
FAQs
What’s the most overlooked tip for power washing homes in Newtown, PA?
The most overlooked tip is checking your home’s siding material before starting. Many homes in Newtown, PA, and Philadelphia feature vinyl, wood, or stucco, each requiring different pressure settings and cleaning solutions. Using too much pressure on vinyl or wood can cause lasting damage, while stucco may need a gentler approach to avoid chipping or water infiltration.
How does Philadelphia’s climate affect power washing timing and technique?
Philadelphia’s humid summers and freezing winters mean timing is crucial. The best time to power wash is in late spring or early fall when temperatures are mild, reducing the risk of water freezing in cracks or siding. Humidity also affects drying times, so allowing extra time for your home to dry helps prevent mold and mildew growth, especially common in older Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Why should I consider hiring a professional for power washing in Newtown, PA?
While DIY power washing is possible, professionals in Newtown, PA, and Philadelphia bring specialized knowledge of local materials and weather patterns. They can spot hidden issues like loose siding or early rot, and use commercial-grade equipment that’s more effective and safer than typical consumer models. Hiring a pro also ensures your warranty or homeowner’s insurance isn’t voided by accidental damage.
What are some creative ways to use power washing beyond just cleaning siding?
Power washing isn’t just for siding—get creative! In Philadelphia and Newtown, PA, homeowners often use it to refresh walkways, driveways, and even outdoor furniture. You can also prep surfaces for painting or staining, which is especially useful for historic Philadelphia homes with intricate woodwork. Just be sure to cover delicate plants and electronics nearby.
How does power washing contribute to home value in Philadelphia’s competitive market?
In Philadelphia’s real estate market, curb appeal is everything. A clean exterior from power washing can significantly boost your home’s value and make it stand out to buyers. It removes years of grime, reveals the true color of siding, and can even highlight architectural details often hidden by dirt. For sellers in Newtown, PA, and Philadelphia, it’s a low-cost way to make a big first impression.
If you need professional help with your interior/exterior painting project, PAINT Philadelphia can help.
Our home interior/exterior painting services are available in Newton, Holland, and Richboro, PA.
Call us today at (267)682-8377 for a FREE painting estimate.
Related: 7 Tips For Painting Your Home’s Exterior in Newtown, PA
7 Tips For Painting The Interior Of Your Home In Newtown
Andrew Tomasetti is not just a painting contractor, he is the owner of Paint Philadephia; a painting company in the greater Philadephia area that services the Holland, Newtown, Churchville, Yardley, Richboro areas.
Paint Philadephia is an interior, exterior and cabinet painting company that offers their customers top-notch services and their exclusive “On Time, On Dime” guarantee. They take a holistic view to all of their paint jobs offering free color and design consults, test samples, free touch ups on all painting projects, and warranties on all of their work.
Andrew Tomasetti is both a veteran and an engineer. His passion for hands-on work comes from his father and uncle and runs deep in his veins.