Why DIY Pressure washing isn’t always a good idea

DIY pressure washers are widely available and can make pressure cleaning look straightforward. However, using a pressure washer incorrectly can quickly cause damage that is expensive or impossible to reverse.

Seek professional advice before DIYing your pressure washing

High-pressure water in the wrong hands can:

• Etch concrete and leave permanent marks

• Strip paint, sealants or protective coatings

• Damage timber fibres and raise the grain

• Force water under roofing, flashing or cladding

• Create safety risks or cause serious injury

One of the biggest misconceptions is that more pressure equals better results. In reality, excessive pressure often causes damage before it achieves a clean finish. Many exterior surfaces should never be cleaned using high pressure at all.

Professional pressure cleaning considers several important factors before any work begins, including:

• The surface type and age

• Whether coatings or sealants are present

• The correct pressure and flow rate

• The use of suitable detergents or treatments

• Environmental conditions and drainage

At Profinish, every surface is assessed individually. Some areas are best cleaned using pressure cleaning, while others require soft washing or low-pressure techniques to safely remove organic growth.

If you are unsure which method is right for your property, seeking professional advice can prevent costly mistakes. Correct cleaning methods protect surfaces rather than shortening their lifespan.

👉 Learn more about our cleaning methods on our Services page.