Pressure Washer Safety Tips: What Every Homeowner Should Know

 

Why Pressure Washing Safety Isn’t Optional

I’ve been pressure washing homes and businesses for years, and let me tell you, this job has more bite than most people expect. It looks easy, right? Just water and a wand. But the truth is, these machines pack serious power. Enough to strip paint, gouge wood, and even send you to the ER if you’re not careful.

Back in 2014, over 6,000 people ended up in emergency rooms because of pressure washer injuries. That’s not a scare tactic, it’s straight from the Consumer Product Safety Commission data. And a surprising number of those injuries related to pressure washer use didn’t even look that bad at first glance. A pressure washer can cause serious harm if handled improperly.

So if you’re thinking of pressure washing your dirty driveway or siding on your own, good on you but please read this first. These pressure washing safety tips might prevent injuries. You’ll thank yourself later.

 

Common Hazards When Using a Pressure Washer

There’s this one job I remember in Round Rock. A homeowner rented a power washer, thinking they could save a few bucks. He then ended up with a deep injection wound on his ankle from just a split-second misfire. It could have led to amputation if they didn’t seek medical attention quickly. That’s one of those injuries associated with this kind of tool that can sneak up on you.

 

Pressure Washing First Aid

 

Here are the big hazards:

  • Injection injuries: High-pressure water can puncture skin, injecting bacteria deep into tissue. It might look like a small cut, but it can lead to serious infection, even surgery.

  • Flying debris: Concrete chips, paint flakes, or even pebbles can be chirped off from the surface and can ricochet and injure your eyes or skin.

  • Electric shock: We all know that water and electricity don’t mix. Using extension cords or plugging into unprotected outlets is dangerous. Make sure any power cord connection and cord connections stay dry and elevated—keep the connection out of any standing water.

  • CO poisoning: Gas-powered pressure washers produce carbon monoxide, never use a washer in an enclosed space. You won’t see it coming but carbon monoxide can be deadly if it builds up unnoticed.

A pressure washer can cause injury quickly if you’re not careful. These hazards aren’t theoretical, I’ve seen them happen, firsthand. But with proper safety and the right safety precaution, you can protect yourself and the safety of those around you.

 

Safety Precaution and Proper Safety Gear

 

Pressure Washing Boots

 

Safety gear is a must. Protecting yourself is the first step towards a successful and safe pressure washing experience. Always wear the recommended protective equipment. This part’s simple: if you wouldn’t mow the lawn barefoot, don’t operate without the right gear.

Bare minimum safety gear:

  • Eye protection (preferably impact-rated goggles). Wear safety glasses, always
  • Rubber-soled or steel-toe shoe
  • Glove that can grip when wet
  • Long pants and long sleeves
  • Hearing protection for gas units
  • Closed-toe shoes. No flip-flops on the job

One time I skipped gloves on a humid Austin day. Bad call. My hands were pruned, raw, and sore for days.

Trust me, the right gear will protect you. It’s what separates a smooth job from a hospital visit.

 

Know Your Tools: Manual, Nozzles, and Settings

Every washer is different. The one your neighbor used on his patio might be too powerful for your vinyl siding. So before you even start spraying, take a few minutes to learn your machine:

  • Check your PSI and GPM: Lower settings (150-500 PSI) are better for siding and decks. Reserve high-pressure settings (2500 PSI) for concrete, driveways, sidewalks, stone, or newer brick. The amount of pressure you use matters more than you think.
  • Choose the right nozzle: Red (0°) is almost never safe for home use. Stick to green (25°) or white (40°) for most tasks.
  • Inspect hoses and nozzles: Look for cracks, kinks, or leaks. A damaged hose can cause serious accidents.
  • Read the manual: Yeah, really. It matters. Follow safety instructions specific to your model.

Consumer Reports even recommends ditching the red nozzle altogether because of injury risk. That should tell you something.

 

Prepping to Clean: Safety Precaution Before You Spray

Pressure washing isn’t just about the washer. It’s about the space you’re working in and preparing to properly use your equipment.

Before turning anything on:

  • Move furniture, toys, and plants out of the way
  • Cover outdoor outlets and cameras
  • Sweep loose dirt and debris off surfaces
  • Check for obstacles you could trip over – hoses, cords, garden edges

Keep pets and kids indoors while working. And if you’re using an electric pressure washer, always plug it into a circuit breaker protected outlet. If an extension cord must be used, keep it as far away as possible and as possible from the item being washed.

Improper setup creates hazards and injuries associated with careless preparation. It sounds like a lot, but this step alone can prevent most problems.

 

Pressure Washing Safety Best Practices While Spraying

Now for the fun part, the actual clean. Still, use extreme caution.

  • Always start on the lowest pressure setting
  • Use a power washer with two hands, and brace yourself
  • Maintain a safe 6–12 inch distance from the item being washed
  • Don’t aim at people, pets, windows, or fragile areas
  • Let the nozzle do the work—don’t force it

A good rule of thumb? Start a few feet away and move closer gradually. It’s easier to increase pressure than to fix etched wood or blown-out mortar.

And for the love of your siding, don’t spray upward under vinyl or roof shingles. That’s a shortcut to mold, rot, and a very expensive repair. We don’t normally pressure wash house sidings, we soft wash them to avoid damage and supports thorough cleaning. Spray properly and protect your property.

If you’re ever unsure about operating your pressure washer, slow down and consider all possible hazards before pulling the trigger.

 

When the Pressure Washer Job is Done

Once you’re finished cleaning your surfaces, don’t just toss the equipment aside.

  • Turn off the water source
  • Squeeze the trigger gun to release built-up pressure
  • Detach hoses and inspect for damage
  • Store everything dry to avoid freeze damage and water runoff

These steps help prevent premature wear and keeps your pressure washer in good condition for the next job.

Bonus tip: during winter, use pump saver fluid if you’re storing your washer in an unheated garage. Otherwise, leftover water can freeze, damage the pump, and ruin the engine.

 

When You Should Never Use a Power Washer Yourself

Some jobs just aren’t DIY-friendly.

If you’re working on:

  • Multi-story homes
  • Delicate surfaces like stucco or older brick
  • Large commercial areas
  • Farm equipment or commercial gear

…it might be best to call a pro with the right equipment, insurance, and training.

Some injuries  and damages that can occur during these bigger jobs aren’t worth the risk. I’ve seen too many DIYers cause damage and turn a $200 washer job into a $2,000 repair.

And you should never allow children to operate or even be near the machine. In fact, children to operate a pressure washer should never even be a thought.

If something does go wrong like a slip, a bad hit, an odd pain, you may need a referral to a specialist for evaluation. It’s that serious.

 

Exterior Pressure Washing Project in Austin, TX: Before and After

 

Full Color Cleaners just finished a house Washing and pressure washing project in Austin TX. Here is a project we completed in a neighborhood down in south Austin. The house had never been cleaned. We got to revive the home for our client and it will be put on the market. You can see the process of how we pressure wash the sidewalk, walkway, driveway and concrete surfaces. We also did the pressure washing of the wood fence with the right PSI. You will also see in the short video the right tools, gears and the process on how we pressure wash the surfaces. See the before and after in the video.

 

Final Thoughts on Pressure Washer Safety

Pressure washing is one of the most satisfying ways to clean your home. Nothing beats watching years of grime lift off in seconds.

It can be used to remove paint, clean driveways, or prep a house for a fresh coat but only if they’re used properly. This isn’t a casual garden hose. 

That power comes with responsibility. Following these pressure washer safety tips can prevent injury and protect your home.

If you gear up, prepare smart, avoid hazards, and respect the process—you’ll not only clean more efficiently, you’ll do it safely.

And if you’re ever unsure, reach out to us at Full Color Cleaners. We bring the equipment, the know-how, and the peace of mind that it’s done right. Safely, thoroughly, and with zero guesswork.