Can I DIY High Pressure Washing?

Learn tips on how to pressure wash yourself, along with areas to be mindful of.

Can you DIY high pressure washing? Yes! You can. But it would be a hassle. DIY pressure washing in itself, isn’t overly complicated, once you get it going. But first, you have to get it going.

Below are some tips and heads-up’s to know before you get started on your DIY pressure cleaning adventure. If it looks like a challenge that you rather avoid on your weekend, then give us a call and we’ll do it for you. 

high pressure cleaning


What results can I expect from high pressure cleaning

First up, let’s talk driveways. You know, that old thing you drive past every day without a second glance? Prepare to fall in love all over again. After a high-pressure cleaning, expect your driveway to look as spiffy as it did the day it was first laid down. All those unsightly oil stains, mysterious splotches, and accumulated grime? Gone! It’s like taking a time machine back to when your driveway first flirted with your tyres.

Now, I’m not saying all oil stains will go – some of them that have been there for over twenty years, probably will still be there for the next twenty years. But the black mould, algae and other bacteria growth will be gone and a lot of your general stains as well. 

Your patio and pool area, the ultimate chill zone, can also benefit massively from high-pressure cleaning. Imagine your patio tiles or decking looking vibrant and inviting, free from the green tinge of algae that screams “slippery when wet.” 

Other areas that can benefit from having a pressure washin services face lift include:

  • Roofs and gutters
  • Walls
  • Concrete walkways
  • Patio areas
  • Solar panels
DIY pressure washing tips

DIY pressure cleaning tips to get your started

Before you unleash the power of Poseidon on your driveway, here are a few tips to make sure your DIY pressure washing adventure doesn’t turn into a Greek tragedy.

Tip #1: Choose Your Weapon Wisely

Not all pressure washers are created equal. For most home projects, a light to medium-duty pressure washer should do the trick. These are perfect for cleaning decks, patios, and siding without the fear of stripping paint or etching a message into the concrete that was only meant for the dirt.

Tip #2: Dress for Success

This isn’t a job for your Sunday best. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes (because toe vs. pressure washer is a battle your toe won’t win), goggles, and clothes you don’t mind getting wet. 

Tip #3: Know Your Chemicals

If you’re using cleaning solutions, make sure they’re suitable for pressure washing and safe for the surface you’re cleaning. Your plants and pets won’t appreciate a chemical surprise, so use eco-friendly cleaners where possible. If it isn’t eco-friendly, make sure the dilution is correct and that you rinse correctly. 

Tip #4: Practice Your Technique

Start with the wand a few feet away from the surface and move closer as needed. Keep the nozzle moving to avoid focusing the spray in one spot for too long, unless you want to carve your name into the sidewalk. Which takes us to our next point…

Tip #5: Respect the Power

Pressure washers pack a punch. Don’t point the nozzle at people, pets, or fragile plants. And definitely don’t try to use it for a quick foot wash.

Tip #6: Maintenance is Key

After your washing spree, give your machine some TLC. Clean the filters, flush out the system if you used detergent, and store it properly. A happy pressure washer means you can continue to unleash your cleaning fury for years to come.

Is there any reason I shouldn’t DIY high pressure cleaning?

There are a few points that I should bring up about why it might be better to get a professional, like PowerWash Solutions, in rather. High-pressure cleaning can be a tempting DIY project around here, especially after a good ol’ Midlands storm leaves everything looking a bit more ‘muddy chic’ than ‘rustic charm.’ But before you rush out to blast your way to cleanliness, let’s spray down some reasons why going DIY with high-pressure cleaning might not always be a bright idea.

The first is the cost component, then there is maintenance component (I’m not talking about your home, but the actual equipment) and third the hassle and the safety. Let me explain…

  • The Machine Maintenance Tango: First up, owning a pressure washer is a bit like having a pet dragon. It’s cool in theory, but the maintenance? Not so much. These machines need regular upkeep to keep them firing on all cylinders. From checking hoses for leaks to changing the oil and winterizing your beast (yes, even in our mild KZN winters), there’s a lot to keep on top of. Neglect your duties, and your dragon, I mean, your pressure washer, might just decide to take an unexpected nap mid-clean.
  • The Rental Riddle: So, maybe you think, “I’ll just rent one!” Easy, right? Well, it’s a bit like borrowing your friend’s high-maintenance sports car. It sounds fun until you realize you have no idea how to ‘drive’ it properly. Plus, renting comes with its own hurdles — transportation, time limits, and that sneaky feeling of dread about breaking something you don’t own.
  • The Cost Conundrum: Buying a good pressure washer can make a noticeable dent in your wallet, and renting one repeatedly isn’t exactly cheap either. You might save on labor costs by doing it yourself, but when you add up the rental fees, fuel, and potential do-overs because let’s face it, practice makes perfect, it might not be as budget-friendly as you’d hoped.
  • The Insurance Ick: Here’s the kicker: most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover what they call ‘acts of God’ or, in more mundane terms, ‘DIY disasters.’ If you accidentally turn your pressure washer on your windows and give them the spider-web special, or worse, injure yourself, you might be on the hook for costs. 
  • The Weekend Woes: Now, let’s not forget about the most precious commodity of all — your time. Spending an entire weekend wrestling with a high-pressure washer might not be your idea of a break, especially in the Midlands where the scenery beckons for more leisurely pursuits. Picture this: you could be sipping a local brew at a cozy pub or exploring the lush landscapes of the Drakensberg instead of blasting dirt off your patio. 

Don’t want to waste your weekend doing pressure cleaning? That’s why we are here!

While DIY pressure washing can be satisfying, it’s not without its pitfalls. In the Midlands, where nature loves to paint our homes in shades of earth quite frequently, it might be worth turning to the pros. We have the gear, the know-how, and the insurance!You can give Rory a call or whatsapp on 061 455 0276 to give you a free quote, or if you know your dimensions, use our online form!

4 Comments

  1. […] High-pressure cleaning cuts through grime like nothing else. Scrubbing doesn’t have any say here when the nozzles come out. As professionals, we know the right pressure settings and techniques to avoid any damage to your grill or braai. It’s all about hitting that fine line of being powerful enough to cut the grease, but soft enough to not damage your braai’s components.  […]

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