Pressure Washing
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Why It’s Not A Good Idea to Do A DIY Pressure Wash

Man on second story roof pressure washing outside of a home.

If you’re thrifty, have a DIY spirit, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, you’ve probably tackled many home improvement projects with great success. But some projects are better left to professionals—and washing the exterior home is one example.

Here Are a Few Reasons to Outsource Your DIY House Wash to a Professional.

Pressure Washing vs. Soft Washing — There’s a Difference

There’s a common misconception that pressure washing and soft washing are the same.

Pressure washing is a surface cleaning process that uses a high-pressure pump system to spray concentrated water and remove debris from surfaces. This method is generally effective on tough surfaces like concrete, but it can damage surfaces like wood, vinyl, and stucco if too much pressure is used.

Professional house washers use a soft wash approach, which utilizes a low-pressure system, surface- and environmentally-safe cleaning agents, and can clean homes safely, from top to bottom, with their feet firmly planted on the ground.

While you can rent pressure washing equipment at most big-box hardware stores, most do not carry professional soft wash equipment.

Safety

When you pressure wash the exterior of your home, you risk damaging it. Why? Because run-of-the-mill residential grade pressure washers are not designed to clean all surfaces.

Without proper training and safety equipment, you’ve got a perfect recipe for disaster.

Performing a DIY pressure wash may force you to contend with heights, ladders, and hard-to-reach crevices.

According to the Center for Disease Control more than 500,000 people take a trip to the hospital because of a ladder fall — and over 300 people die each year from ladder-related injuries.
House washing pros are trained and use the proper equipment to ensure that you, your home, and your landscaping stay safe and beautiful!

Knowledge and Experience

It’s just water, right? So any old pressure washing equipment will do? Au contraire, mon frere.

Every exterior surface is unique and requires its own treatment plan. Some surfaces can safely withstand more water pressure than others. Likewise, some detergents and oxidizers are safe for one surface but not the other.

If you don’t set the appropriate pressure or use the right environmentally-friendly cleaning agent, you put your home and family at risk.

Professional house washers know how much pressure to apply and which cleaning agents are safe for your home, family, and pets.

Cash-Saving Advantages

If you’re motivated to save money by doing a DIY pressure wash, you may want to reconsider. To wash your home, you likely need to rent a washer, safety equipment, a proper duty rating ladder, and cleaning agents.

When you factor in rental costs, multiple trips to the local hardware store, and the fact that you’re going to lose your entire weekend balancing on a ladder, you’re not saving much (if any) cash.

When you pay a professional, you pay a flat fee. No surprises, learning curve, or trips to the hardware store. What’s more, you come away with a job done right—the first time.

Better for the Environment

Your home is a haven. A safe place for your pets and family. Without proper training or knowledge about detergents, you can needlessly send toxins into the environment, damage landscaping, and even harm your home.

Professionals work with house washing equipment every day. They know how much pressure to apply to your deck, patio, home, and driveway without damaging the surface. Plus, they know the appropriate, environmentally-safe detergents and oxidizers to use.

Call in the Kilt

Safe for houses. Dangerous for dirt. That’s the Men In Kilts motto. Our technicians are trained to tackle all surfaces. Our cleaning agents will safely remove stains associated with algae, mold, fungus, dirt, and moss—without damaging vinyl, stucco, concrete, aluminum, and other sensitive surfaces.

Before we begin, we evaluate the exterior of your home, taking into account the exterior materials and soil levels. Based on this checklist, we select the proper pressure, environmentally-safe detergents, and oxidizers, and use our “safe wash” soft wash approach to make your home look good as new.

Get a free estimate for professional house washing services by Men In Kilts when you call (888) 292-1176.

Illustration of a proud man in kilt
Illustration of a proud man in kilt
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  • Schedule your free estimate.

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  • Book your service.

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  • Check our work.

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