When thinking of a power washer, what usually comes to mind is blasting away years of grime from a concrete driveway. While it is brilliant for that, this powerful tool has a whole host of surprising uses. It can revitalize nearly every corner of a property’s exterior. Many homeowners are only scratching the surface of what a power washer can do. It is a versatile tool for deep cleaning, restoring, and preparing surfaces, saving time and manual effort. This guide will reveal 10 surprising things you probably did not know you could power washing, providing the tips needed to do it safely and effectively to boost your home’s curb appeal.
A Crucial First Step: Safety and the Right Technique
A power washer is a powerful tool, not a toy. The high-pressure stream can cause serious injury or damage property if used incorrectly. Before starting any project, it is essential to respect its power. The golden rules of power washing begin with choosing the right nozzle. Narrow-angle nozzles produce a high-pressure stream for tough stains on hard surfaces, while wide-angle nozzles offer lower pressure for general cleaning. Always start with a wider nozzle and test it in an inconspicuous area first.
Maintain a safe distance from the surface, starting about a metre away and moving closer only as needed to prevent gouging or stripping paint. Always wear protective gear, especially safety glasses and closed-toe shoes. Never point the nozzle at another person, pets, or electrical outlets. Following these simple safety protocols ensures that your cleaning project is both successful and accident-free, protecting you and your property from harm.
1. Outdoor Rugs and Patio Furniture
Outdoor furniture and rugs quickly accumulate a layer of dust, pollen, and mildew, making them look dull and dirty. Scrubbing these items by hand is a time-consuming chore that often leaves grime behind in hard-to-reach crevices. A power washer can restore them in minutes. Using a low-pressure setting and a wide-angle nozzle, you can safely blast away this accumulated grime. The water stream lifts dirt from the weave of rugs and corners of furniture, restoring colour and freshness without hours of manual labour.
2. Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins
Garbage and recycling bins inevitably become coated in sticky, foul-smelling residue from leaky bags and food waste. This creates an unsanitary environment that can attract pests and produce unpleasant odours. A simple garden hose often is not enough to eliminate the bacteria. This is a perfect job for a power washer. A powerful jet of water can thoroughly sanitize both the interior and exterior of your bins, blasting away baked-on grime and eliminating the bacteria that cause odours, making the weekly task much more pleasant.
3. Your Home’s Siding (The Correct Way)
A home’s siding collects a surprising amount of dirt, dust, and algae over time, which can make the entire house look dull and uncared-for. This layer of grime not only affects curb appeal but can also degrade the siding material if left unchecked. Safely power washing gutters and siding is entirely possible with the right technique. The key is to use a low-pressure setting and a wide-angle nozzle, always spraying at a downward angle to prevent water from being forced up behind the panels. This gentle but effective method will remove the grime and restore your siding’s appearance without causing damage.
4. Gutters (Inside and Out)
The exterior faces of gutters frequently develop unsightly streaks and stains from overflowing water and environmental buildup. Internally, even after scooping out leaves, they can be caked with a heavy layer of shingle grit. A power washer is a great tool for both problems. A low-pressure spray can quickly brighten the outside face of the gutters, removing those dark streaks. After manually scooping out large debris, a gentle stream can flush out the remaining grit, ensuring water can flow freely and protecting your home from water damage.
5. Fences (Wood and Vinyl)
Fences take a beating from the elements. Wood fences can turn grey and grow a layer of green algae or mildew, which accelerates rot. Vinyl fences become covered in green stains and mud. Hand-scrubbing an entire fence line is a major chore. Power washing can dramatically transform a fence in a fraction of the time. It can strip away the aged layer on wood to prepare it for re-staining, or instantly brighten a vinyl fence, restoring its clean, crisp appearance and boosting your home’s curb appeal.
6. Concrete Driveways and Walkways
Concrete surfaces are porous and absorb stains easily. Over the years, driveways and walkways accumulate oil spots, dirt, and dark patches from algae, making a property look old and neglected. Power washing is the single most effective way to restore these surfaces. The high-pressure stream penetrates the concrete’s pores, blasting away deep-set stains and removing years of grime. Learning how to maintain concrete driveways with an annual power washing can dramatically improve a home’s first impression, making it one of the most satisfying cleaning projects you can undertake.
7. Children’s Plastic Play Equipment
Outdoor play equipment inevitably gets covered in dirt, mud, and bird droppings, which can be unsanitary. Cleaning the nooks and crannies of complex plastic play structures by hand is a tedious task. A power washer offers a fast and effective solution. A quick pass with a low-pressure setting and a wide nozzle can sanitize play equipment in minutes. The water jet safely reaches all the hard-to-clean areas, ensuring the equipment is clean and hygienic for children to play on.
8. BBQ Grills and Pits
After a season of use, the exterior of a BBQ grill can get coated in a stubborn layer of grease and soot. While the interior grates need a different cleaning method, restoring the grill’s exterior can make your entire patio area look cleaner. With extreme caution to avoid electrical components and gas lines, a power washer can be used to blast away the baked-on grime from the exterior hood and side tables. It is a great way to deep clean the grill’s outer shell quickly.
9. Vehicles and Boats (With Extreme Caution)
This application comes with a major warning: a power washer is not a replacement for a gentle car wash. The high pressure can easily damage a car’s paint. However, it can be useful for specific situations, like removing tough, caked-on mud from an off-road truck or stubborn algae from a boat hull. In these cases, a very low-pressure setting must be used, keeping the nozzle far from the surface and away from any delicate paint or seals. This is a specialized use for extreme buildup on durable surfaces only.
10. Brick and Stone Patios or Facades
Brick and stone are porous materials that can grow moss and algae over time, especially in damp, shaded areas. This can make beautiful patios and walkways look dark and dangerously slippery. A power washer can safely restore the natural colour and texture of these surfaces. The water stream effectively cleans out mortar joints and removes slippery growth. It is important to start with a low-pressure setting and a wide nozzle to avoid damaging the mortar. This process can instantly brighten a patio area, making it a safer, more enjoyable space.
A Word of Warning: What NOT to Power Wash
While a power washer is versatile, it is not suitable for every surface. You should never power wash your roof’s asphalt shingles. The high pressure can strip away their protective granules, causing severe damage and likely voiding the warranty. Windows are another no-go area. The intense pressure can easily break the glass or damage the seals between panes, leading to fogging and condensation. It is also a severe safety hazard to aim a stream of water at electrical panels, outdoor outlets, or air conditioning units. Finally, avoid power washing old, crumbling mortar or any surface with lead paint, as this can cause further damage and create serious health hazards.
A Clean Slate: A New Perspective on Your Property
The versatility of a power washer, when used correctly and safely, is truly impressive. It empowers homeowners to tackle numerous deep-cleaning jobs themselves, achieving professional-level results and saving money. From restoring the look of your siding and fences to deep cleaning your patio furniture and concrete, the possibilities are extensive. Look at your home’s exterior with fresh eyes; you might be surprised at how many areas could benefit from this powerful deep-cleaning tool. For bigger, more delicate, or higher-up jobs, do not hesitate to call a professional. But for many weekend projects, the power to restore your home’s sparkle is in your hands.