What NOT to Do
When Pressure Washing
Pressure washing done wrong can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Learn the most common mistakes — and why professional soft washing is always the safer choice.
Pressure washing looks simple. It isn't.
Every year, homeowners cause thousands of dollars in preventable damage by using the wrong pressure, wrong angle, or wrong chemicals on their home's exterior. Here are the six most common mistakes — and how we do it right.
Using High Pressure on Soft Surfaces
Blasting wood siding, stucco, painted surfaces, or older brick with high-pressure water can strip paint, gouge wood, crack mortar, and force water behind your siding — leading to mold, rot, and costly structural repairs.
We use a low-pressure soft wash system with professional-grade cleaning solutions that kill mold and algae at the root without damaging your home's exterior.
Pressure Washing Your Roof
High-pressure washing on asphalt shingles blasts away the protective granule coating, voids most manufacturer warranties, and can loosen or crack tiles. It also drives water under shingles, causing leaks and deck rot.
Roof cleaning should always be done with a soft wash — low pressure plus a biodegradable algaecide solution that safely kills and removes black streaks, moss, and lichen without touching the shingles aggressively.
Pointing the Nozzle Upward at Siding
Spraying water upward at an angle forces water behind your siding, window frames, and trim. This traps moisture inside your walls, creating the perfect environment for mold growth and wood rot that you won't notice until it's a major problem.
Always spray downward at a safe angle, following the natural direction water would flow. Our technicians are trained on proper technique for every surface type.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Chemicals
Harsh bleach concentrations or the wrong detergents can kill your landscaping, discolor brick and concrete, corrode metal fixtures, and leave streaks that are harder to remove than the original stain.
We use biodegradable, plant-safe cleaning agents mixed at the correct dilution for each surface — effective on grime and organic growth without harming your property or the environment.
Skipping Surrounding Area Protection
Runoff from cleaning chemicals can damage nearby plants, stain vehicles, and contaminate garden beds. Overspray can also reach windows, outdoor furniture, and electrical fixtures if not properly managed.
Before we start any job, we wet down and cover sensitive plants, move or cover furniture, and take care to control runoff — leaving your entire property in great shape.
DIY Without Proper Training or Equipment
Consumer-grade pressure washers are often underpowered for deep cleaning but still powerful enough to cause damage in the wrong hands. Without training, it's easy to miss the right distance, angle, and pressure setting for each surface.
Our licensed and insured technicians have the professional equipment, training, and experience to clean every surface correctly — protecting your investment and delivering results that last.
Leave it to the professionals
Aim Home & Commercial Services is licensed, fully insured, and trained in soft wash and pressure washing techniques for every surface type. We protect your property while delivering a deep, lasting clean.
Don't risk it — call the pros.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your home or business in Douglasville, Marietta, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.