How to Power Wash Exterior Siding and Decks: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Master power washing siding and decks with proper nozzles, safety prep, and techniques to boost curb appeal without damaging your home exterior.

Home » Article » Diy » How To Power Wash Exterior Siding And Decks Step By Step Diy Guide

Power washing the exterior of your home, decks, sidewalks, driveways, and lawn furniture all require proper preparation, correct nozzle tips, PSI settings, and techniques to avoid damage. Power washing can increase property values and curb appeal. Both tasks below are moderate in difficulty, siding takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours depending on home size, while deck washing takes around 1 to 2 hours.

Overview & Safety First

Prep: Clear furniture, pots, and decor (cover with tarps if needed).

Protection: Tape off/cover electrical boxes, doorbells, and light fixtures. Close all doors and windows.

Safety Gear: Safety goggles, sturdy boots, and optional rain gear. Exercise extreme caution on ladders due to recoil pressure.

Preparation and Safety

Clear the Area:
By removing all furniture, pots of plants, and decor, you decrease the risk of damaging the items that you want to keep. You may also want to consider placing plastic tarps over the items after you move them.
Seal the House:
You're going to want to avoid getting the inside of the house, electrical boxes, light fixtures, and doorbells that are not waterproof with tape and/or plastic. Make sure all windows and doors are closed securely before starting.
Gear Up:
You're going to want to dress for the occasion of pressure washing. For safety reasons, you will need to wear safety goggles and sturdy work boots; you may consider wearing a rain suit. Be extremely cautious when standing on ladders when you are trying to pressure wash the side of the house; you may lose your balance due to the pressure coming out of the end of the nozzle.

How to Pressure Wash Siding

Applied Detergent:
By using a low-pressure soap tip, you can apply specialized house cleaning detergents. When you apply these detergents, you want to work your way up from the bottom to the top. After coating the area you are working on, let the soap sit for a few minutes without letting it dry.
Rinsing Your Work:
You will now need to switch tips on your pressure washer to a white fan tip. You should be using a 25 to 40° tip. The proper way to rinse off siding is to start from the top and work your way down to the bottom.
Proper Nozzle Distance:
You will want to maintain a 12 to 18 in distance from the siding whenever working with the pressure washer. If you get too far away, the surface may not become clean, and if you get too close, you may damage the surface. Never spray upward or directly into horizontal siding seams, soffits, or window casings. By doing so, you will avoid trapping water behind the walls.

Hosting Renewal Goal: $0 / $400 raised, updated daily.

How to Pressure Wash Decks

Clear and Sweep:
Sweep any loose debris such as leaves and dirt off the surface before starting from the deck floor and railings.
Pre-soak with Cleaner:
Wet the wood with water, using a low-pressure tip, apply a good commercial wooden deck cleaner, and allow it to soak for about 10 minutes, but avoid letting it dry.
Rinse With the Grain:
Using a 25 to 40° fan tip, rinse a deck off by keeping the nozzle 8 to 12 in from the surface of the deck, handrails, and posts. Be careful you do not get too close, or you will damage the wood. Use a sweeping motion moving along the grain of the wood to prevent overlap marks or grooving.
Allow to Dry:
If you intend to reseal or stain the deck, you should wait 24 to 48 hours before applying any stain or sealer. Ensure that the wood is completely dry before applying any sealer or stain.

Hosting Renewal Goal: $0 / $400 raised, updated daily.

In Summary

Power washing your home’s exterior siding and wooden decks can significantly boost curb appeal and property value, but it requires thorough preparation and the right technique to prevent damage. Before starting, clear all furniture and decor, securely close windows and doors, and use tape or tarps to seal off non-waterproof electrical boxes, light fixtures, and doorbells. Safety is paramount, so gear up with safety goggles and sturdy work boots, and use extreme caution on ladders to avoid losing balance from nozzle recoil. For siding, apply cleaner bottom-to-top using a low-pressure soap tip, then rinse top-to-bottom, taking care never to spray upward into seams or soffits.

For wooden decks, begin by sweeping away loose debris, pre-soaking the surface with water, and applying a wood cleaner to sit for about ten minutes without drying out. Rinse in smooth sweeping motions along the grain to avoid gouging or scarring the wood. Both tasks are moderate in difficulty, siding takes approximately 1.5 to 3 hours depending on home size, while deck washing takes around 1 to 2 hours (plus a 24- to 48-hour dry time if you plan to stain or seal afterward). With careful attention to proper nozzle choice, spraying distance, and safety prep, you can safely achieve professional-looking results.

Here are two videos for your assistance. The creators of each is not my affiliate and hasn't compensated me for featuring the video.

How to Pressure Wash Siding Video:

How to Pressure Wash Decks Video:

Disclaimer, No Liability: The authors and publishers of this website are not professional contractors and assume no liability or responsibility for any injury, damage, or financial loss resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided herein. All DIY projects are undertaken entirely at your own risk.

Comments and Questions

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

How to Power Wash Exterior Siding and Decks: Step-by-Step DIY Guide | Tricks and Tips for Life