Pressure washing is one of the most effective ways to restore the clean, crisp look of your home’s exterior, driveway, or patio. But using a pressure washer incorrectly can damage surfaces—or worse, lead to injury.

In this first part of our Pressure Washing Tips series, we’ll walk you through five essential tips that will help you clean like a pro while protecting your home and yourself.

1. 🚿 Use the Right Nozzle for the Job

Not all nozzles are created equal. The angle of the spray determines the intensity and coverage of your cleaning.

Here’s a quick guide:

  • 0° (Red) – Delivers a very concentrated, high-pressure stream. Great for removing tough stains, but use with extreme caution—it can damage most surfaces.

  • 15° (Yellow) – Perfect for cleaning concrete, brick, and tough grime. It’s a powerful setting, ideal for hard surfaces.

  • 25° (Green) – The best all-purpose nozzle, great for decks, vinyl siding, and outdoor furniture.

  • 40° (White) – Offers a gentle spray for cars, windows, and delicate surfaces.

🧠 Tip: Start with a wider angle and switch only if needed.

2. 🧼 Pre-Treat Stains for Better Results

Before you start blasting away dirt:

  • Apply a detergent or degreaser designed for pressure washers.

  • Let it soak in for 5 to 10 minutes—this loosens stubborn stains like oil, mold, algae, and mildew.

💡 Pre-treatment boosts your cleaning power and reduces wear on your equipment.

3. 🔧 Start with Low Pressure

More pressure isn’t always better. Starting with a low setting:

  • Prevents accidental damage

  • Keeps wood and siding safe from gouging

  • Lets you ease into more pressure if needed

🧪 Always test a small, hidden section of the surface first.

4. 📏 Maintain the Right Distance

Keep your nozzle at the optimal range:

  • 12 to 24 inches from the surface

  • Closer than 12″ can cause etching or damage

  • Too far and you’ll just mist the surface without cleaning it

📸 Consistent distance ensures even cleaning with no streaks.

5. ⬆️ Wash from Bottom Up, Then Rinse from Top Down

It may seem counterintuitive, but:

  • Apply detergent from the bottom up to prevent streaking

  • Once the grime is lifted, rinse from the top down for a polished, clean look

🧽 This method works great for siding, fences, and garage doors.

Stay Tuned for Part 2!

Next, we’ll cover even more expert-level tips—like what cleaners to use, when to soft wash, and how to stay safe.

Ready to transform your home’s exterior? Keep these five tips handy, and your next pressure washing project will be faster, safer, and much more satisfying.