How to prepare for your pressure washing appointment

The one thing I actually need

A working outdoor spigot within reasonable hose reach of the surfaces being cleaned. I bring my own washer, hoses, chemicals, and everything else — but I do need water. If your spigot doesn't turn on or leaks badly, please test it before the appointment and let me know.

The day before — quick checklist

None of these are dealbreakers. Do what's easy:

• Move patio furniture, grills, and planters off the surfaces being cleaned (or to one end so I can do a two-pass).
• Sweep the surface if you already have a broom handy — it saves a rinse pass.
• Trim back low branches or shrubs that would keep me from reaching a wall.
• Move vehicles off the driveway if it's being cleaned.
• Cover any exterior electronics (Ring cameras, outdoor speakers, security lights) with a plastic bag — I do this too, but a homeowner cover is usually better fitted.

The morning of

• Keep pets inside for the duration. Even friendly dogs get nervous around the noise of a pressure washer.
• Close all windows on the elevations being washed. I check them too, but a homeowner-verified pass catches the second-story bathroom you forgot about.
• Retract or move out patio umbrellas.
• Bring in door mats, welcome signs, and hanging plants that sit against the house.

Things to tell me ahead of time

These aren't blockers, but knowing about them lets me plan the job right and protect the right things:

• Newly planted landscaping or seedlings you want extra protection for.
• A koi pond, water feature, or vegetable garden near the work area.
• Any HVAC condenser that's less than 3 feet from the wall being washed.
• Old caulking, loose siding panels, or a leaky window you already know about — I'll adjust my angle so I don't force water into it.
• Interior water intrusion history (any wall that has leaked before).
• Solar panels or roof-mounted equipment near the work zone.

What I bring so you don't have to

• Electric pressure washer (quieter than a gas unit, no exhaust)
• All hoses, tips, and surface cleaner
• Plant-safe cleaning chemistry, pre-diluted
• Tarps and drop cloths for plant protection
• Ladder for soffits and second-story spot work
• A written estimate and clear before/after expectations for each surface

How the day goes

• I text on the way so you know when to expect me.
• Walk-through — 5-minute walk of the work with you to confirm scope and point out anything I want to flag.
• Setup — hose connections, pre-rinse landscaping, tarp anything sensitive.
• Wash — the loud part. Usually 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the job.
• Post-rinse — landscaping, sidewalks, and any overspray.
• Walk-through and photos — I show you the finished work, take before/after photos, and take payment.