When people think of pressure washing, they usually picture driveways, sidewalks, and maybe a vinyl-sided home. But the truth is, there are many more areas around your property that benefit from a thorough, safe power wash. Knowing what can be power washed (and what can’t) can help you maintain your property more effectively and safely.
Let’s dive into five unexpected but completely safe power-washing surfaces you might be overlooking.
1. Outdoor Furniture (Yes, Even Wood & Wicker)
Think your weather-worn patio chairs or wooden picnic table are doomed to stay dull and dirty? Think again. Outdoor furniture—whether it’s plastic, metal, wood, or even resin wicker—can often be pressure washed safely, as long as it’s done with care.
- Safe Power Washing Tip: Use a low-pressure setting and wide-angle nozzle for delicate materials like wicker or painted wood. Keep a good distance (3–4 feet) and test on a hidden area first.
- Bonus: Power washing removes built-up pollen, bird droppings, and mold, making your furniture look fresh and inviting for spring and summer use.
2. Fences (Wood, Vinyl, and Composite)
Fences are constantly exposed to the elements, which means they’re also magnets for mildew, algae, and discoloration. Many homeowners don’t realize just how much grime collects over the years until they see the results of a good power wash.
- Pressure Washing Surfaces Guide:
- Vinyl: A breeze to clean with moderate pressure.
- Wood: Stick to lower pressure and follow the grain to avoid etching.
- Composite: Can be safely washed using a soft wash method with appropriate detergents.
Regular cleaning not only improves appearance but extends the life of your fencing.
3. Garbage Cans and Recycling Bins
Nobody wants to clean the trash cans but they absolutely need it. These high-traffic, high-smell containers often get ignored, but they’re one of the most satisfying things to power wash. After one good wash, you’ll wonder why you waited so long.
Pro Tip: Use a degreasing cleaner or disinfectant along with hot water (if available) for the most hygienic results.
4. Garage Doors and Exterior Shutters
Your garage door might be one of your home’s largest visible surfaces and one of the dirtiest. Dirt and grime often collect in the panel grooves, while cobwebs cling to corners and hardware. Shutters, too, often go untouched for years.
- Safe Power Washing Approach:
- Use moderate pressure and keep the spray moving to avoid streaking paint or finish.
- For plastic or vinyl shutters, a soft wash or low-pressure rinse paired with a cleaning solution is usually best.
Regular cleanings brighten your home’s look and help protect finishes from long-term damage.
5. Playsets and Outdoor Toys
Playsets and toys spend all year exposed to dirt, bugs, and bird droppings—yet kids touch them daily. Safe power washing is a fantastic way to sanitize and restore these items.
- Surfaces That Can Be Power Washed:
- Plastic Toys: Great candidates for power washing.
- Wooden Playsets: Use a gentle setting and avoid pressure directly on hardware or joints.
- Cleaning Tip: Choose a kid-safe detergent and rinse thoroughly.
Pressure washing makes outdoor play equipment safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable.
Know the Limits: What Shouldn’t Be Power Washed
Now that you know some of the more unexpected surfaces you can clean, it’s just as important to know where to pause. Certain materials require extra caution or should be cleaned using alternative methods:
- Asphalt roofing: High-pressure washing can damage shingles.
- Old or cracked paint: Pressure washing may cause flaking or peeling.
- Windows and screens: Too much pressure can shatter glass or bend frames.
When in doubt, consult a professional to assess whether it’s a safe power washing job—or if a soft wash would be more appropriate.
The Case for Calling the Pros
While DIY is tempting, there’s real value in hiring experienced technicians who understand pressure washing surfaces thoroughly. They know which nozzles, detergents, and PSI levels are appropriate for each type of material and can often spot areas of concern before they become expensive problems.
Professional power washers also use eco-friendly solutions and water recovery systems, helping protect your landscaping and local waterways.
It’s Not Limited to Just Concrete
Next time you think about what can be power washed, don’t stop at your driveway. From playsets to patio chairs, fences to garage doors, a lot of your home’s overlooked areas are just waiting for a refresh. With the right approach and a little professional help, you can safely clean and revive all kinds of exterior features.
Let Buckeye Mobile Power Wash Help
At Buckeye Mobile Power Wash, we specialize in transforming more than just the usual surfaces. Our team is trained in safe, effective methods to clean a wide variety of materials without causing damage. Whether you need to freshen up your fencing, sanitize your outdoor toys, or just give your entire home exterior a reset, we’re here to help.
Get in touch today to learn more about our services and schedule your next safe, thorough, and satisfying power wash.