We get it—pressure washers are easy to rent, and the idea of saving a few bucks by cleaning your driveway or siding yourself is tempting. But at Kelly’s Pressure Cleaning, we’ve seen the aftermath of countless DIY pressure washing jobs gone wrong across Lakeland, Bartow, Mulberry, Winter Haven, Auburndale, and Plant City. What seems like a simple weekend project can quickly lead to property damage, safety hazards, or even injuries.

Before you pick up a pressure washer, here’s what you should know about the risks—and why hiring a professional is often the smarter, safer, and more cost-effective choice.

1. High Pressure Can Damage Surfaces

The average consumer-grade pressure washer operates at 2,000–3,000 PSI. That’s enough to:

  • Strip paint off siding

  • Etch or crack concrete

  • Splinter wooden decks or fences

  • Tear holes in window screens or vinyl

  • Force water under siding or shingles (leading to rot and mold)

Without experience, it’s easy to apply too much pressure or use the wrong nozzle—and once the damage is done, it’s expensive to fix.

2. ⚠️ DIY Jobs Can Be Dangerous

Pressure washers are powerful tools that require caution and control. Common DIY accidents include:

  • Slipping on wet surfaces

  • Injuries from water recoil or misdirected spray

  • Electrical shock from improper setup

  • Ladder falls while trying to reach high spots

Professional crews like ours are trained in safe operation, use commercial-grade equipment, and wear protective gear to avoid accidents.

3. Store-Bought Cleaners May Cause Staining or Damage

Many homeowners don’t realize that improper cleaning solutions—especially on pavers, roof tiles, or painted surfaces—can leave behind:

  • White streaks

  • Discoloration

  • Burnt or faded spots

  • Dead grass or plant damage from runoff

At Kelly’s, we use eco-friendly, surface-safe cleaners formulated for Florida homes—and we apply them with precision to protect your landscaping and finish.

4. ⌛ It Takes Longer Than You Think

Pressure washing looks quick in videos, but DIY jobs often take all day—or several weekends:

  • Renting the machine

  • Learning how to use it safely

  • Prepping the area

  • Managing water flow and pressure

  • Dealing with streaks and missed spots

  • Cleaning up after

Why not save your time and energy and let a trusted team handle it in a fraction of the time—with professional results?

5. It Might Not Actually Save You Money

By the time you rent equipment, buy cleaners, purchase protective gear, and correct mistakes, you may have spent as much—or more than you would hiring a pro. Worse, if you damage your siding or driveway, you could be looking at hundreds (or thousands) in repairs.

Trust Kelly’s Pressure Cleaning to Do It Right

We’ve been helping Polk County homeowners clean and protect their homes since 1998. When you hire us, you’re getting:

  • Expert soft washing and pressure washing

  • ‍♂️ Trained technicians with years of experience

  • ✅ Fully licensed and insured service

  • Spotless cleanup with no mess left behind

  • Honest, affordable pricing with no upsells

Call (863) 860-3682 or visit kellyspressurecleaning.com for a free quote.

Skip the stress, risk, and wasted time. Let Kelly’s Pressure Cleaning get the job done right—the first time.