How to Prepare Your Home for Power Washing

SW

Sarah Williams

Customer Success Manager

January 20, 2024
5 min read

# How to Prepare Your Home for Power Washing

Preparing your home for power washing takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference in results. Here's your complete checklist.

The Day Before

Clear the Perimeter

  • Move vehicles out of the driveway and away from the house
  • Relocate patio furniture to the front yard or garage
  • Take in doormats and decorative items
  • Store children's toys and outdoor equipment
  • Move potted plants at least 10 feet from the house

Protect Vulnerable Items

  • Cover delicate plants with plastic sheeting
  • Close all windows and doors tightly
  • Turn off outdoor electrical at the breaker if accessible
  • Remove or tape over light fixtures if worried

Secure Loose Items

  • Roll up outdoor rugs
  • Take down hanging plants
  • Remove wind chimes and decorations
  • Secure loose siding or trim

The Morning Of

Access Preparation

  • Unlock gates to all areas we'll clean
  • Clear pathways to the house
  • Point out your water spigot location
  • Move cars from the cleaning area

Communication

  • Tell us about concerns (loose paint, damaged areas)
  • Identify fragile landscaping
  • Point out electrical outlets to avoid
  • Let us know your schedule if you'll be leaving

What We Handle

Don't worry about:

  • Moving heavy items - we'll work around them
  • Cleaning beforehand - that's our job!
  • Being home - just ensure we have access
  • Water supply - we bring tanks if needed

Special Situations

Pre-Painting Prep

If you're painting soon:

  • Let us know the timeline
  • We'll use appropriate pressure
  • Extra attention to peeling areas
  • Skip any surfaces being replaced

Real Estate Listings

For home sales:

  • Schedule 1-2 days before photos
  • We'll prioritize curb appeal areas
  • Extra attention to front entrance
  • Consider driveway and walkways

After Storm Cleanup

Following severe weather:

  • Point out any damage
  • Note areas with debris
  • We'll adjust technique for stressed surfaces

Post-Cleaning Tips

After we're done:

  • Wait 24-48 hours before staining or sealing
  • Inspect surfaces while still damp to spot issues
  • Don't walk on wet surfaces (slipping hazard)
  • Check gutters - we clean exteriors but debris may shift
  • Take photos to compare over time

Your Checklist

Print this out for easy reference:

24 Hours Before

  • [ ] Move vehicles
  • [ ] Clear patio furniture
  • [ ] Store outdoor items
  • [ ] Cover sensitive plants
  • [ ] Close all windows

Day Of

  • [ ] Unlock gates
  • [ ] Clear access paths
  • [ ] Note concerns for crew
  • [ ] Provide contact number

After Service

  • [ ] Inspect results
  • [ ] Schedule follow-up if needed
  • [ ] Take before/after photos
  • [ ] Leave a review!

Need Help?

Not sure about something? Call us before your appointment. We're happy to walk through your specific situation.

Contact Us →

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Tags:preparationchecklisthomeowner tips
SW

Sarah Williams

Customer Success Manager

Sarah has been helping Chicago homeowners maintain their properties for over 8 years. She's passionate about education and helping customers get the best results.

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