Can You Pressure Wash Windows?
Having a pressure washer can be one of the most useful tools for new and existing homeowners. They can clean sidewalks, driveways, and cars. But can you pressure wash windows?
The exterior of your house can be challenging to clean, especially when it comes to the second floor.
The good news is that yes, you can pressure wash windows. But there are a few important steps you need to take to make sure the job is done correctly. In this article we’ll explain what to look out for before starting this project and how to pressure wash windows safely.
Factors to Consider:
Before beginning this job, it’s important to understand what type of windows you’re working with. If you have windows that are falling apart, they will need to be fixed before cleaning.
You also need to be careful with window frames that are painted and windows that have screens.
Condition of Windows
If you have an older house, there’s a good chance it has the original window frames. The stile, glass, and supporting parts may not be as durable compared to modern standards.
A colonial house might have single pane windows that could crack under high amounts of water pressure.
Companies began making double and triple pane windows for both strength and energy efficiency. This means they can handle a little more water pressure, while staying intact.
Regardless of how old your windows are, it’s also a good idea to check the rubber seals, before spraying them down with water.
Are the Window Frames Painted?
Back in the old days, homes were all about wood. Wood siding, wood roofs, and even wood window frames.
Today it’s more common to find windows made from materials like vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum. But why does this even matter when it comes to pressure washing windows?
It’s important to know if your windows have been painted by hand. For wood window frames, a high powered pressure washer can strip off this layer of paint.
Vinyl windows frames are typically not painted. While fiberglass and aluminum frames come powder coated, which is nearly impossible to chip.
Do the Windows Have Screens?
The last thing to look out for is if your windows have screens. If they do, the screens will need to be removed before any pressure washing beings.
High amounts of water pressure will cause rips and tears in the screens, which will cause permanent damage.
A pressure washer also won’t be as efficient when washing windows with screens. Let’s assume that the screens don’t get damages.
You now have another layer of material between the window and stream of water. The screen will spread out the water like a filter and the windows won’t get very clean.
How to Pressure Wash Windows Safely
Some people think pressure washers can damage windows, cars and other surfaces. But you need to understand how the machine works, to use it safely.
Sure, using a 0 degree pressure washer nozzle for every project isn’t the best idea. But the secret is to use the right nozzle, for the specific job you’re working on.
1. Tidy Up the Area
Before beginning any project, it’s important to work in a safe and clean work area. This means tidying up around the perimeter of your house, to make sure nothing gets in your way.
Remove any logs, lawn equipment, or kids toys. This is also a good time to trim bushes that have grown onto the house.
2. Gather Your Tools
Now that you can easily access the windows, it’s time to gather all the tools you need for washing. Other than a power washer, you’ll need a garden hose, ladder, and nozzle attachments.
If you don’t feel comfortable on a ladder, you can always use a more powerful nozzle to reach second story windows.
3. Start at the Top
It helps to clean a house just like you would wash a car. Start at the top and work your way down to the bottom.
With this method, gravity will do its magic and pull all that dirt and grim down. When you start on the first floor, your clean windows will get dirty again from the second story.
4. Adjust the Nozzles
Using the correct pressure washer nozzle is one of the most important steps when it comes to cleaning windows. Too much pressure could cause damage, and too little won’t remove all the dirt.
If you decide not to use a ladder for the second story, a 15 degree nozzle should do the trick.
5. Rinse and Repeat
Once all of the windows on the second floor are done, finish up at ground floor. For first floor windows that are easy to access, a 40 degree nozzle is the best option.
But don’t be afraid to experiment with different adjustments. Just avoid using a 0 degree nozzle, as this will be too much pressure.
Window Washing Tips
Now you know how to pressure wash windows without ripping through screens, or blasting paint of the window frame.
But before we wrap things up, let’s talk about how you can go from decent, to professional looking results. Below are some useful tips and methods you can try on your windows.
Focus on the Edges
It’s necessary to wash all sections of the window for a deep clean. This means the window panes, glass, and edges.
I find that most of the dirt and grim builds up along this section, especially at the bottom. Everything drips down and gathers in this one spot, so don’t forget to clean it thoroughly.
Try Using Soap
Most pressure washers made today come with a built in tank for holding soap. When in use, water mixes with this soap to coat whatever it is you’re spraying.
For windows that have mold and mildew, try spraying them down with a soapy mixture, before rising the soap away with high pressured water.
Take Your Time
If you really want the job done right, you need to take your time. Set aside around half a day to fully wash all the windows of your house.
This may seem like a long time, but it avoids you rushing the job. You don’t want to speed through the process only to find spots you missed later.
Get a Long Hose
Pressure washing your house is a lot different from pressure washing your car. There’s a good amount of area to work with, which is why it’s important to have a long enough hose.
A 50-foot hose should do the trick, as this is long enough to cover most of the house, without losing too much water pressure.
Final Thoughts
Some people think pressure washing is too dangerous on windows and other delicate surfaces. I’m sure you’ve seen a high-powered pressure washer stripping paint off wood or removing rust from metal.
And while these machines can be great for heavy duty jobs, they are also useful for everyday cleaning.
The most important factor is the nozzle attachment. A 0-degree nozzle could possibly break a glass window, because all the water is concentrated on a small area.
But a 40-degree nozzle is perfectly safe and will get the job done. The spray pattern is wider and can be used to clean glass and other surfaces.
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