Today, you rented a power washer to bathe the dog, scrub the dishes, and brush your teeth.
Actually, no.
These are some of the worst applications for a power washer.
There are many, many better ones, which we’ll outline below.
Power washers transform tedious cleaning tasks into quick, satisfying projects. A rented power washer gives you professional-grade cleaning without the storage worries or upfront investment of a purchased unit.
A clean exterior isn’t just about looks — it’s about protecting your investment, extending the life of surfaces, and creating a space you’re proud of.
Every project we suggest in this blog, from siding and stone to grills and gutters, is designed to restore beauty, boost curb appeal, and prepare your home or equipment for years of use.
Pressure washing the dog: a bad idea.
20 Exterior Cleaning Projects for a Power Washer
Shameless pitch: You can rent a professional-grade power washer at your local Anawalt Lumber store. Please call us for details.
1. House Siding
- Wash away years of dirt, mold, and mildew
- Clean vinyl, wood, and brick surfaces
- Revive original color and curb appeal
- Prep siding for painting or staining
Boost your home’s curb appeal with walls that look brand-new
2. Driveways
- Blast out oil stains and tire marks
- Remove ground-in dirt that regular washing misses
- Clear moss and algae from shaded spots
- Restore concrete to a fresh, clean look
3. Sidewalks & Walkways
- Eliminate grime and embedded dirt
- Remove gum and sticky residue
- Erase moss that creates slip hazards
- Brighten paths for safer visibility
Say goodbye to stains — a spotless walkway starts with a power wash.
4. Patios & Decks
- Strip away weathered buildup on wood
- Remove algae and mold from composites
- Restore patios to their natural color
- Prepare surfaces for sealing or staining
Revive your deck’s natural glow and make it the star of your backyard again.
5. Fences
- Refresh wood fencing before staining
- Clean vinyl fencing with ease
- Remove rust from metal fencing
- Clear plant residue and ivy marks
Brighten your curb appeal with a fence that looks freshly installed.
Outdoor Structures & Furniture
6. Garage Doors
- Wash off dirt and spider webs
- Erase handprints and scuff marks
- Clean tracks and hardware
- Improve smooth opener performance
7. Outdoor Furniture
- Restore plastic furniture’s brightness
- Clean teak and other wood pieces
- Remove winter grime from metal sets
- Prep surfaces for protective finishes
From weathered to wonderful — outdoor furniture refreshed in minutes.
8. Pergolas & Gazebos
- Brighten weathered wood frames
- Clean metal supports and joints
- Remove bird droppings and stains
- Extend the life of outdoor structures
A sparkling clean awning frame sets the stage for perfect outdoor gatherings.
9. Swimming Pool Areas
- Prevent algae growth on pool decks
- Clear calcium deposits from concrete
- Remove dirt from coping and tiles
- Reduce slippery, unsafe surfaces
10. Playground Equipment
- Sanitize plastic and metal playsets
- Remove slippery algae growth
- Clear away dirt and debris
- Create cleaner, safer play zones
Vehicle & Equipment Cleaning
11. Cars, Trucks & RVs
- Quick, safe exterior wash
- Remove road salt and winter grime
- Clean wheel wells and undercarriage
- Prep for waxing or detailing
Turn heads with a power washing that brings your car back to showroom shine!
12. Boats & Trailers
- Strip algae and barnacle buildup
- Rinse away salt after ocean use
- Clean trailer frames and wheels
- Protect gel coat and painted surfaces
High-pressure washing removes salt, algae, and grime from a boat’s surface.
13. Bicycles, ATVs & Dirt Bikes
- Blast off mud and trail debris
- Clean chains and moving parts
- Remove caked-on dirt from rides
- Keep equipment performing smoothly
14. Lawn Mowers & Yard Equipment
- Clear grass clippings from mower decks
- Remove dirt from the engine housing
- Clean air screens and cooling fins
- Extend life with regular care
Power washing keeps your mower clean and ready to roll.
Specialized Cleaning
15. Pre-Paint Preparation
- Remove peeling or flaking paint
- Wash surfaces for strong adhesion
- Eliminate chalky residue
- Create a smooth base for new coatings
16. Gutters (Exterior Surfaces)
- Wipe away dirt streaks and stains
- Brighten gutter faces and downspouts
- Remove spider webs and debris
- Instantly boost curb appeal
17. Roof Cleaning (With Proper Care)
- Safely wash moss and algae
- Treat shingles for lichen growth
- Erase organic stains without damage
- Protect and extend roof life
Shine from the top down — restore your roof’s beauty and protect your home.
18. Outdoor Grills
- Cut through grease and grime
- Remove years of stubborn buildup
- Clean stains around the grill area
- Ready grills for seasonal cooking
From greasy to gleaming — get your grill cookout-ready with a power wash!
19. Trash Cans
- Sanitize and deodorize bins
- Remove sticky buildup and stains
- Refresh recycling containers
- Eliminate odors at the source
20. Masonry & Stone Walls
- Brighten stone borders and walls
- Remove chalky efflorescence
- Clean mortar joints and details
- Restore natural stone beauty
Power washing brightens a brick wall, stripping away years of dust and moss.
Power Washing Safety & Best Practices
Essential Safety Tips
- Always test pressure on a small, inconspicuous area first
- Use appropriate pressure settings for each surface
- Wear protective eyewear and closed-toe shoes
- Keep electrical connections dry and elevated
Surface-Specific Guidelines
- Avoid high pressure on windows, screens, and delicate surfaces
- Use wide-angle spray patterns on older wood
- Maintain a safe distance from electrical outlets and fixtures
- Apply detergents before pressure washing for better results
Equipment Selection
- Choose electric models for most residential tasks
- Gas-powered units offer more mobility and power
- Consider hot water units for grease removal
- Select appropriate nozzle tips for each job
Maximizing Your Rental Value
Pre-Rental Planning
- Create a prioritized list of cleaning projects
- Gather all necessary cleaning solutions
- Clear areas of obstacles and decorations
- Check the weather forecast for optimal conditions
Efficient Project Sequencing
- Start with the highest areas and work downward
- Group similar tasks together
- Allow surfaces to dry between treatments
- Plan the most time-consuming projects first
Post-Cleaning Maintenance
- Apply protective coatings while surfaces are clean
- Schedule regular maintenance cleaning
- Plan future rental dates based on results
FAQs: Uses for a Power Washer Rental
Q: How often should I power wash my home’s exterior?
Most Southern California homes benefit from annual power washing, though homes near the coast may need bi-annual cleaning due to salt air exposure.
Q: Can I use a power washer on all types of siding?
Different siding materials require different pressure settings. Vinyl and brick handle higher pressures well, while older wood siding needs gentler treatment.
Q: What’s the best time of year for power washing projects?
Spring and fall offer ideal conditions in Southern California, with moderate temperatures and a lower chance of immediate re-soiling from seasonal storms.
Q: Do I need special detergents for power washing?
Biodegradable detergents work best for most applications. Specific cleaners help remove oil stains, mildew, and rust.
Q: How long does a typical power washing project take?
A standard driveway takes 1–2 hours, while house exterior cleaning may require 4–6 hours, depending on size and condition.
Q: Can power washing damage my property?
Power washers are safe when used correctly with appropriate pressure settings. Always test on inconspicuous areas and follow manufacturer guidelines.
Q: What pressure setting should I use for different surfaces?
Concrete handles 2500-3000 PSI, vinyl siding works well at 1300-1600 PSI, and wood surfaces typically need 500-1200 PSI, depending on age and condition.
Q: Is it worth renting versus buying a power washer?
Renting provides access to commercial-grade equipment without storage concerns or maintenance costs for occasional use. Frequent users should consider purchasing.