Should You Use Bleach to Pressure Wash Your House? Cleaning Controversy

When using bleach to pressure wash your house, you shouldn’t add it directly into the machine. You can spray bleach onto the surface before cleaning.

Manufacturers advise against using bleach in a pressure washer as it can cause permanent damage to the machine.

However, you can safely spray bleach onto a house to eliminate mold or mildew.

Most pressure washers work well with detergents and they are a safe and effective alternative.

As you are doing some yard work for spring cleaning, you notice that the outside of your house could use some cleaning too.

You might even spot some mold or mildew growing, which can cause damage if left unattended.

So, you bring out your pressure washer and are all set to start.

However, you are unsure if using bleach to pressure wash your house would be a good idea.

There are many ways to achieve the best results using your pressure washer and make your home look its best.

Read on to learn how you can effectively use bleach and pressure washing to give your house a sparkling clean finish – perfect for standing out in the neighborhood!

Man using bleach to pressure wash your house.

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How To Use Bleach to Pressure Wash Your House

Pouring bleach directly into a pressure washer can cause damage.

Therefore, it is recommended to avoid doing so.

Instead, you can use bleach in a regular spray bottle to give your house an extra shine.

Water pressure alone is not enough to remove moss or mildew from exterior surfaces.

While detergents or soap may help, bleach is one of the most effective chemicals for preventing the further growth of these plants.

The best approach is to use a spray bottle to apply bleach directly to reachable areas.

If you have mold or mildew in hard-to-reach areas, you can try using bleach in your pressure washer.

However, keep in mind that this is not recommended by the manufacturers and most companies will void the warranty if bleach is used.

If you choose to use bleach in your power washer, it’s important to dilute it to reduce the risk of machine damage.

Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water to create a diluted solution.

After using the bleach solution, make sure to clean the machine with pure water to avoid any residue that could cause corrosion.

Related Reading: Why Does My Pressure Washer Have Low Pressure?

Tips For Using A Pressure Washer

Choose The Correct Power Washer

If you’re borrowing a power washer from a friend, it’s important to keep in mind that different house exteriors require different treatments.

Vinyl siding, which is commonly found on modern houses, does best with more powerful pressure washers.

On the other hand, stucco and aluminum houses might be damaged by excessive pressure, so it’s better to look for a lower-pressure machine.

All pressure washers have different settings, so it’s best to start with the lowest setting and increase the power gradually if you feel that you won’t cause any damage.

Once you have this done, you can spray bleach to pressure wash your house.

Related Reading: 11 Pressure Washer Safety Tips You Should Know

Prepare The Exterior

Before you start cleaning with your pressure washer, it is important to prepare everything first. Just like when cooking or painting, proper preparation is key.

To avoid accidentally damaging any outdoor accessories such as electrical sockets, external AC units, or outdoor lights, be sure to cover them up.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your windows are closed and locked up before you start pressure washing.

You should also check for any open cracks that could cause water to leak into your basement and damage important equipment.

Cleaning Method

To ensure that you don’t miss any spots while power washing, it’s important to have a strategy in place.

There are various ways to go about power washing, but most pressure washer manufacturers suggest that going horizontally with the hose yields the best results.

There are two methods that people use when cleaning a house.

One method is to start from the top and work their way down.

This method can save a bit of water and detergent as the run-down will start to clean the areas below.

The other method is to start from the bottom and work their way up.

This method ensures that everything is fully clean and nothing is missed.

Related Reading: Difference Between Power Washing And Pressure Washing?

Decide What Detergent To Use

If your house has only light dirt and grime and requires only a little polishing, you can use a pressure washer with only water as no additional soap, detergent, or chemicals are needed due to the high power of the pressure washer.

The high-pressure water alone can effectively clean such surfaces.

If you have tough dirt like mold and mildew, consider using detergent to thoroughly clean the exterior.

You could also use bleach to pressure wash your house.

In a pinch, regular laundry detergent or dish soap can be safely and effectively used with pressure washers on both the machine and the external siding of the house.

For the best results, check out these top-rated cleaning solutions on Amazon.

If you’re in a bind, you can find something around your house to use.

However, the above formula is specifically designed to be tough on dirt, grease, and mold while protecting your exterior materials and paint.

Let The House Fully Dry

Did you know that it can take up to 48 hours for houses to completely dry after a power washing session?

This is an important point to keep in mind if you’re planning to paint your house after power washing it.

It’s essential to ensure that the house is completely dry before starting any painting or decorating work.

Related Reading: Pressure Washing Safety: What Should I Wear to Be Safe?

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to enhance the appearance of your home, pressure washing is a reliable method to achieve that.

Depending on your requirements, you can choose to use bleach if you’re willing to take the risk, try some detergent, or play it safe with pure water.

If you choose to use bleach to pressure wash your house, remember not to pour bleach directly into the pressure washer.

With the proper equipment, preparation, and effort, you can give your house a brand-new look!

Enjoy living the outdoor life!!!