Before Your Exterior Cleaning
How to Prepare Your House for Pressure Washing
A little preparation can make exterior cleaning easier by improving access, protecting movable items, and helping identify sensitive or damaged areas before work begins.
Quick Answer
Clear the Work Area and Point Out Anything That Needs Extra Care
Before exterior cleaning, move vehicles, furniture, decorations, toys, hoses, and other portable items away from the areas being cleaned. Close windows and doors, secure pets, and identify any damaged or sensitive exterior features.
You do not need to prepare the property perfectly. The goal is simply to make the work areas accessible and communicate anything important about the home before cleaning begins.
Simple Preparation Checklist
What to Do Before Pressure Washing
- Move vehicles away from the cleaning area
- Close exterior windows and doors
- Remove lightweight outdoor furniture
- Move toys, decorations, mats, and portable equipment
- Secure pets indoors or away from the work area
- Move hoses and loose garden items
- Identify damaged siding, paint, screens, or roofing
- Point out outlets, cameras, speakers, lights, and other fixtures
- Make gates and side-yard access available
- Discuss any areas you do not want cleaned
Doors and Windows
Close Windows and Doors Before Exterior Cleaning
Windows, doors, sliding doors, and other exterior openings should be completely closed before cleaning begins. This helps reduce the chance of water entering through an open or partially open area.
It is also helpful to mention any known issues such as:
- Loose window screens
- Damaged seals or weatherstripping
- Cracked glass
- Loose shutters
- Damaged door trim
- Areas where water has entered before
Outdoor Items
Move Furniture, Decorations, and Portable Items
Portable items can block access and may collect overspray, dirt, or runoff during exterior cleaning. Moving them beforehand creates a clearer work area.
Patio Furniture
Move lightweight chairs, tables, cushions, umbrellas, and portable furniture away from the cleaning area.
Decorations
Relocate signs, flags, wreaths, small planters, wall decorations, and other easily removable items.
Toys and Equipment
Remove bicycles, toys, lawn tools, sports equipment, and other portable items from driveways and walkways.
Hoses and Cords
Move garden hoses, extension cords, and loose equipment away from the surfaces being cleaned.
Driveways and Parking
Move Vehicles Away From the Cleaning Area
Vehicles should be moved away from driveways, sidewalks, walls, or other surfaces being cleaned. This provides better access and keeps vehicles away from dirt, water, and debris coming off nearby surfaces.
This is especially useful when scheduling Driveway & Concrete Cleaning along with house washing or other exterior services.
Landscaping
Clear Easy-to-Move Items Around Plants and Landscaping
You generally do not need to remove established landscaping, but portable planters, decorations, garden tools, and loose items can be moved to improve access around the home.
Let the cleaner know about any particularly sensitive landscaping, newly planted areas, garden features, or irrigation concerns near the work area.
Pets and Children
Keep Pets and Children Away From Active Cleaning Areas
Pets and children should remain indoors or in another secure area while exterior cleaning is taking place.
This keeps them away from hoses, equipment, wet surfaces, open gates, and active work areas.
If a pet normally uses the yard being cleaned, let the cleaner know before work begins.
Exterior Fixtures
Identify Electrical and Sensitive Exterior Features
Exterior walls often contain more than siding. Lights, cameras, electrical outlets, speakers, fans, pool equipment, doorbells, cables, and other fixtures may be located in or near the cleaning area.
Point out anything loose, damaged, recently installed, or particularly sensitive.
- Exterior electrical outlets
- Security cameras
- Doorbells
- Outdoor speakers
- Lighting fixtures
- Pool controls
- Exposed wiring or damaged covers
- Loose cables or communication equipment
Existing Conditions
Point Out Existing Damage Before Cleaning
Existing damage can affect the cleaning approach. Let the cleaner know about any area that is already loose, cracked, deteriorated, leaking, or failing.
House Exterior
- Loose siding
- Peeling paint
- Damaged caulk
- Cracked stucco
- Loose trim
Other Exterior Areas
- Torn screens
- Loose pavers
- Cracked concrete
- Damaged deck boards
- Broken roof materials
Cleaning does not repair damaged materials. Some conditions may need to be addressed separately before cleaning is appropriate.
Property Access
Make Sure the Requested Areas Are Accessible
Locked gates, blocked side yards, parked vehicles, stored equipment, and heavy furniture can make exterior surfaces difficult to reach.
Before the appointment, check whether access is needed to:
- Backyards
- Side yards
- Pool enclosures
- Patios
- Driveways
- Walkways
- Fences
- Commercial exterior areas
Cleaning More Than the House
Preparing for Multiple Exterior Cleaning Services
If several areas of the property need attention, it can be helpful to identify them before the estimate rather than adding them after work begins.
Kelly’s Pressure Washing provides suitable exterior cleaning services including:
- House Washing
- Roof Cleaning
- Driveway & Concrete Cleaning
- Pool Cage & Screen Enclosure Cleaning
- Paver Cleaning & Sealing
- Deck & Fence Cleaning
- Patio & Pool Deck Cleaning
Planning Exterior Cleaning?
Tell Us Which Areas You Want Evaluated
Include the surfaces, visible buildup, access concerns, and any existing damage when requesting an estimate.
What You Do Not Need to Do
Do Not Overcomplicate the Preparation
Homeowners do not need to scrub the exterior, climb ladders, access the roof, or attempt to clean difficult areas before a professional exterior cleaning appointment.
Preparation should focus on simple, safe tasks:
- Clear portable items
- Close openings
- Secure pets
- Provide access
- Identify sensitive areas
- Communicate existing damage
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing for Pressure Washing
Do I need to move all outdoor furniture?
Move portable furniture and lightweight items away from the areas being cleaned when practical. Large or difficult items can be discussed before work begins.
Should I close my windows before pressure washing?
Yes. Exterior windows, doors, and other openings should be fully closed before cleaning begins.
Do I need to move my car?
Vehicles should be moved away from driveways, walls, sidewalks, or other surfaces being cleaned whenever possible.
Should pets stay inside during pressure washing?
Yes. Pets should remain indoors or in another secure area away from active cleaning, equipment, hoses, and open gates.
Do I need to cover exterior outlets?
Identify exterior outlets and any damaged or loose electrical covers before cleaning. Specific preparation can then be determined based on the fixture and work area.
Can I request several cleaning services at once?
Yes. Suitable house washing, roof cleaning, concrete, pool areas, pavers, decks, fences, and other exterior surfaces can be discussed during the same estimate request.
Local Exterior Cleaning
Pressure Washing in Lakeland, Polk County, and Nearby Plant City
Kelly’s Pressure Washing provides suitable residential and commercial exterior cleaning throughout Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, Mulberry, Auburndale, and nearby Plant City.
Serving Central Florida Since 1998
Ready to Have Your Exterior Cleaned?
Contact Kelly’s Pressure Washing with the surfaces you need cleaned, your property location, and any access or condition concerns.