Redneck powerwash

[Zamboni]

Seriously, though, is there any other type?

The front of my home was starting to look pretty grimy even by my low standards. So I got a sprayer attachment that makes a really narrow stream, hooked two hoses together, hooked it up to my normal outdoor faucet, and walked around my house spraying the dirt off. I could even reach the second story pretty well! The pale trim that was looking super dirty is shiny and bright now. I left one spider's web because I saw her scrambling around, but the rest got their webs ripped down by the water . . . sorry spiders! I was also able to get some green film that was on the caulk on the windows that were shaded by the balcony off pretty well. It took me all of about 20 minutes.

And before you throw any shade my way: I do not live in an area with any sort of water shortage.

It's probably pretty obvious that you can do this . . . I've just never done it myself before.

[Dicey]

We do live in a drought stricken area, but...DH is a huge fan of productive power washing. Doing it to tidy the front of your house instead of sweeping? Get the fuck outta here. Doing it occasionally to prevent long-term damage or prep for painting? Smart move. Bonus points if powerwashing prevents the need to paint.

[Morning Glory]

I did this to my car recently when it was filthy after visiting the Midwest for Christmas. Spray down with regular hose nozzle, wipe the stubborn spots with a rag and some dish soap, spray again to rinse, all in less time than it would take to drive to a car wash.

I will try this method for the mildew on the siding before deciding whether to buy a power washer, although I do love the before and after pictures of power washed stuff.

[sonofsven]

You should get a real pressure washer, they're loads of fun!
You'll find things to clean that you never considered cleaning before.
Also, not to nitpick, but anything 'redneck' needs to have some sort of engine attached to it to really qualify for that honored term ;-)

[snic]

Electric power washers are pretty inexpensive. While not as powerful as the gas versions, they're plenty powerful for washing a house down when you don't want to remove paint. And yes, on a hot summer day it's loads of fun to be outside powerwashing the deck, the sidewalk, the garage door, the side of the house, the windows, .... And you're being productive to boot!

[sailinlight]

Hmm a redneck power washer is when you convert your lawnmower into a pressure washer. What you did is clean the outside of your house with a hose.
But I agree with the statement above, I have never owned a pressure washer until a year ago, but once you have one, there are a lot of things that require cleaning.

[hounton]

You should get a real pressure washer, they're loads of fun!
You'll find things to clean that you never considered cleaning before.

So true!  The rocks inside my aquarium are my favorite thing to powerwash