How to Prepare Your Home for a Pressure Washing Service

How to Prepare Your Home for Pressure Washing: A Simple Checklist

You’ve scheduled your pressure washing appointment, and you want everything to go smoothly. A little preparation beforehand makes a huge difference. Our crews work best when we don’t have obstacles, and you’ll be happier with results when your home is ready. Here’s what to do before we arrive.

Before the Appointment: The Week Before

1. Clear Your Driveway and Hardscapes

• Move your car(s) into the garage or off the property entirely
• Move parked cars for at least a few hours on the day of service
• Remove bikes, scooters, toys, or equipment from the driveway and patio
• Clear any trash cans, recycling bins, or garden tools away from the work area

The cleaner we have to move around, the more efficiently we work.

2. Bring In or Protect Outdoor Items

• Move patio furniture into the garage or covered area
• Bring in potted plants and flowers (or cover them with tarps)
• Remove any outdoor mats or rugs from porches and patios
• Move grills, smokers, or outdoor bars out of the work zone
• Secure any hanging baskets or decorations

Pressure washing spray can damage delicate plants and furniture, so it’s safer to move them. If you have items you’re concerned about, let us know and we can cover them.

3. Clear Landscaping

• Move mulch or decorative rock away from the foundation (at least 2 feet)
• Trim back tree branches or shrubs that hang over walkways or roof edges
• Stake back or cover tender plants near pressure-washing zones

These clearances prevent mulch from spraying everywhere and give our crews safe access to building edges.

The Day Before: Final Prep

4. Close and Secure Windows and Doors

• Close all exterior doors and windows
• Ensure sliding glass doors are fully closed
• Close storm doors and any open garage doors
• If you have basement windows, close and lock them

While our crews are careful, closing everything prevents water from accidentally entering. Low pressure won’t force water in, but there’s no need to risk it.

5. Secure Your Pets

• Keep dogs and cats inside during the service
• Don’t tie pets up outside where they could be startled by equipment
• Inform the crew about any pets inside so they don’t open doors or scare them

Pressure washers are loud, and pets can be frightened. Keeping them inside is safest and least stressful for everyone.

6. Turn Off Outdoor Air Units

• If your AC condenser is in the yard, let us know its location
• We can work around it, but turning it off briefly prevents water intrusion

The Morning of Service: Final Walkthrough

7. Do a Quick Inspection

• Walk around your property and confirm everything is clear
• Check that cars are moved and pets are inside
• Confirm windows and doors are closed

8. Meet the Crew

• Be home to let them know they’ve arrived
• Point out any areas of special concern (delicate plants, shaded zones, etc.)
• Ask questions about their process or timeline
• Provide access to the side of the house, roof access, gutters, or any restricted areas

9. Discuss Driveway, Roof, or Gutter Access

• Make sure side gates are unlocked if needed
• Let the crew know if there are any fence locks or property boundaries to respect
• Confirm they have safe access to the roof or areas needing cleaning

Special Preparation for Specific Services

If You’re Getting Your Roof Soft Washed

• Move any roof-mounted equipment or exhaust vents so we can clean safely around them
• Ensure the roof is safe for our equipment and crew (confirm stable footing, no steep angles, etc.)

If You’re Getting Your Deck Cleaned

• Remove all furniture, grills, and planters from the deck
• Sweep loose debris off the deck surface (leaves, pollen, dirt)
• Cover any outdoor electrical outlets or sensitive electronics

If You’re Getting Your Driveway Pressure Washed

• Clear all vehicles and bikes at least 2 hours before service
• Move trash cans and recycling bins away from the driveway
• Sweep loose debris from the surface if possible

If You’re Getting House Siding Soft Washed

• Move decorative planters away from the house perimeter
• Ensure all exterior outlets are covered or protected
• Close window wells or cover them if you have foundation-level areas

What We’ll Handle

You don’t have to do everything. Here’s what our crews take care of:

• Protecting mulch and soil by adjusting our spray patterns and distance
• Carefully working around delicate plants if they can’t be moved
• Managing water runoff and directing flow away from foundation areas
• Controlling pressure and technique for each surface
• Cleaning up after ourselves (sweeping, removing debris)

After the Service: A Quick Walk

After we finish, we’ll do a final walk-through with you to confirm everything looks great. If you notice any concerns or have questions, let us know immediately so we can address them.

Questions Before Your Appointment?

If you have specific concerns about what to prepare or how to get your property ready, contact us before your service date. We’re happy to walk through any special circumstances. Call (865) 332-4900 if you have last-minute questions on the day of service.

Proper preparation makes for a smooth, efficient, and successful cleaning. We look forward to transforming your home’s exterior!