While a pressure washer can be helpful, don't get too carried away! Using high-pressure water to clean can actually do more harm than benefit. For the past years, prices & rates of pressure washers have lowered due to their popularity. The number of companies manufacturing the equipment increased as well. The competition of different brands in the market may be stiff, but you have to choose the best, most efficient, convenient, and safest.

Before you proceed with buying, you have to know first the things you should never clean with a pressure washer.

Wood Siding

While pressure washing wood siding can be done correctly, it can force water up and under the exterior surface if the water pressure is set too high. Damage to insulation, electrical wiring, and even mold growth can occur if water seeps through the siding and into the insulation. When using a pressure washer to clean aluminum and vinyl siding, make sure you know how to use it properly before you begin.

Air Conditioners

When it comes to cleaning your air conditioner, you shouldn't use a power washer. The delicate fins can be bent or crushed by the intense flow of water, which restricts airflow and thus shortens the unit's lifespan. A butter knife can be used to straighten cooling fins, and a vacuum can be used for the cleaning process, which uses a gentler water flow to remove debris.

Electrical Panels and Meters

Any electrical fixtures in your home or yard, including those on the exterior, should not be pressure washed. Though designed to withstand a downpour, pressure washing can force water into cracks and crevices, resulting in damage and expensive repairs.

Asphalt Shingles

If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, never use pressure washers to clean it. Your roof is protected from damage by the granules washed away by the water's force. In addition, using a pressure washer at a height is hazardous because the powerful recoil on the spray wand could knock you off your feet and down a ladder when you squeeze the trigger.

Old Mortar

Pressure washing brick houses and other mortared surfaces can cause extensive damage. High-pressure washing will remove any loose debris, especially on older structures. Brick can be cleaned using this method instead of a pressure washer.

Living Things

This should be a no-brainer, at least in theory. Keep pets and people out of the water under pressure. Pressure washers can inflict serious bodily harm on you and your plants and wreak havoc on your landscaping.

When using a pressure washer, always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris.

Vehicles

When you wash your car with a high-pressure washer, you risk denting or chipping the paint, leaving it vulnerable to rust. Set your pressure washer to a low-pressure setting if you plan on cleaning your car with it.

Also, pressure washing under the hood is a bad idea. It could cause serious engine damage if water gets into the engine's cracks and crevices.

Keep in mind these things you should not wash with pressure washers to avoid damage to them.