How to Prepare Your Home for Power Washing
# 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.
Ready for Professional Results?
Get a free estimate for your property and see why Chicago homeowners trust us for their power washing needs.
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.