Driveways get stained, siding turns green, and decks lose their original color. It happens to every home eventually. You've probably thought about renting a pressure washer and tackling it yourself, but there's a reason professional results look so much better. Knowing what to expect during a professional pressure washing service takes the mystery out of the process and helps you understand the value you're paying for. Mr. Handyman offers pressure washing services for local homeowners who want the job done right without risking damage to their property. Keep reading for a look at how professionals work with different surfaces, what goes into preparing your home before the cleaning starts, and why proper technique makes such a difference in the results.
Reviewing Surfaces and High Risk Areas
Before the equipment leaves the truck, a technician walks the entire property to inspect the surface area that's scheduled for cleaning. During this walkthrough, the technician figures out what each surface is made of, whether that's concrete, brick, vinyl siding, wood decking, or something painted. Materials respond differently to pressure, and applying too much pressure to the wrong one creates lasting damage through etching, gouging, or stripped paint. Areas needing extra work also get flagged at this point, like oil stains on concrete, mold patches in shaded zones, or rust around metal fixtures. Complications surface here as well. Mortar coming loose between bricks, cracks in stucco, caulking that's failing around windows, and rotted sections of trim. All of these need special care or repairs before cleaning begins. The assessment also establishes the baseline condition of your surfaces, so expectations stay realistic on both sides. Certain stains have soaked in so far that getting them out completely would damage what's underneath. Having that conversation now avoids frustration after the job is done.
How Professionals Choose the Right Pressure and Cleaning Solutions
Equipment selection happens based on what the assessment reveals. Commercial-grade machines used by professionals put out water pressure between 1,500 and 4,000 PSI, depending on what the job requires. Concrete can handle the top of that range, but vinyl siding calls for a much lighter touch, and wood decks sit somewhere in between to prevent damage to the grain. The nozzle tip makes as much difference as the pressure itself. Wider spray angles distribute force across more surface area for delicate work, while narrower tips focus power where stubborn stains need it. There's also the cleaning solutions to consider. Degreasers tackle oil and automotive fluids on garage floors. Sodium hypochlorite wipes out mold, mildew, and algae from siding and roofs. Oxalic acid lifts rust stains without bleaching the surrounding area. This precise pairing of equipment and chemicals to each problem is what gives professional pressure washing its home improvement value.
Preparing Your Property Before the Work Begins
Preparation starts before any water gets sprayed. The technician closes all windows and doors, then covers exterior electrical outlets with plastic sheeting and waterproof tape. Decorative items, doormats, potted plants, and patio furniture all get moved out of the work zone. Vehicles in the driveway should be relocated to avoid overspray and flying debris, and outdoor light fixtures in the direct path of water should be disconnected or covered. Landscaping needs extra protection since cleaning solutions can harm plants. You may want to drape plastic over delicate plantings near the house. Gutters and downspouts get checked to confirm drainage flows away from the foundation. This handyman-level attention to preparation prevents secondary damage that would create more problems than the cleaning solves. You can help by moving lightweight items before the appointment and pointing out concerns during the walkthrough.
How Long Does It Take for Common Home Improvement Projects
How long the job takes depends on square footage, the number of surfaces involved, and how badly things are stained. A standard two-car driveway around 400 square feet takes 30 to 45 minutes to clean properly. Full house siding on a 2,000 square foot home runs two to four hours, depending on how many stories there are and how easy it is to reach the upper sections. A 300 square foot wooden deck needs 45 minutes to an hour, plus extra time if the wood calls for a brightening treatment afterward. Patios, walkways, and pool decks add 20 to 40 minutes each based on size. The pressure washing itself is only part of what happens on-site. Setup, preparation, post cleaning inspection, and breaking down equipment add another 30 to 60 minutes to most residential jobs. Larger properties or homes with detached garages, fences, and outbuildings may need a full day. The technician can give you a time estimate during the initial assessment so you can plan around it.
