The good news first
Preparing for a pressure washing visit is easy. There is no deep cleaning to do beforehand, no furniture to move inside, and no special supplies to buy. A few minutes of simple prep makes the crew faster, keeps your belongings safe, and gets you the best result. Here is the whole checklist.
Clear the work areas
Move cars off the driveway and away from the house — overspray and cleaning mist travel farther than you think. Pull patio furniture, grills, toys, bikes, potted plants, and doormats at least ten feet from the walls being washed. Coil up garden hoses and move them aside. If the crew is washing the deck or patio, clear it completely — every item left behind is an item the crew has to work around, and unwashed patches show.
Close everything up
Close all windows and doors — including garage doors, shed doors, and upstairs windows people forget. Lock them so a gust or a bump does not swing one open mid-wash. Close fireplace dampers if the chimney area is being washed. If you have window AC units, make sure they are sealed around the edges.
Water and gate access
Make sure the crew can reach an outdoor water spigot and that it actually works — turn it on the day before to check. A seized valve or a spigot buried behind bushes causes delays. Unlock side gates so the crew can reach the backyard without going through your house. If a gate sticks or a lock is tricky, leave a note or tell the crew when they arrive.
Protect what matters to you
A professional crew protects plants and rinses everything, but take charge of the truly irreplaceable stuff. Move delicate potted plants and hanging baskets well away from the work zone. If you have a prized rose bed right against the house, mention it during the walkthrough so the crew gives it extra cover. Bring in outdoor cushions, pet bowls, and anything fabric that you do not want spotted. Cover or move sensitive electronics near the work area.
Point out the problem spots
Walk the property in your mind before the crew arrives. Where are the worst stains? The rust streak under the hose bib? The oil spot where the car leaks? The corner where mildew always grows back first? Tell the crew during the walkthrough. Professionals appreciate the guidance — it tells them where to spend extra time and whether a specialty treatment is needed. Surprises discovered mid-job are harder to fix than problems flagged up front.
Pets and kids plan
Keep pets indoors for the whole visit. The noise stresses most animals, and dogs will absolutely try to "help" by chasing the water stream. Do not let pets drink from puddles around the work area. Keep kids clear of the equipment — the crew will be focused on the work, not on watching for small helpers. Our plants, pets, and safety guide covers this in more detail.
Pool and screen enclosures
If the crew is washing the pool deck or screen enclosure, remove toys, floats, and cleaning equipment from the deck. Make sure the pool pump area is accessible but let the crew know where the equipment is so they can work around it carefully. You do not need to drain or cover the pool — the crew manages overspray.
What you do NOT need to do
Do not pre-wet anything — the crew has its own process and pre-wetting can interfere with how cleaning solutions work. Do not try to pre-clean stains yourself; you might set them or damage the surface. Do not feel you must be home, though you are welcome to be. And do not apologize for how dirty things are — a filthy driveway is literally the job. Crews have seen far worse than yours.
The night-before checklist
Cars moved. Patio cleared. Windows and doors closed. Spigot tested. Gates unlocked. Pets-have-a-plan confirmed. Problem spots noted. That is the whole list — ten minutes the evening before, and wash day runs smooth.
Booked your wash or still deciding? Request a free quote from Orlando Pressure Washing Pros — we will confirm exactly what to prep when we schedule your visit.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cover my plants myself?
No — plant protection is the crew's job. They pre-wet landscaping, cover delicate plants, and rinse everything afterward. Just move potted plants and hanging baskets away from the work zone, and point out any prized plantings during the walkthrough.
Should I be home during the appointment?
It is not required. As long as gates are unlocked, the spigot is accessible, and the work areas are clear, the crew can work while you are out. Being home for the walkthrough is nice but optional.
Do I need to turn off outdoor power or water?
Leave the water on — the crew needs your spigot. Outdoor outlets and fixtures should be covered or avoided, which the crew handles. If you have known electrical issues near the work area, mention them during booking.
What if something gets damaged because I forgot to move it?
Move what you can and tell the crew about what you could not. Professional crews work carefully around belongings, but items left directly in the spray zone are at risk. When in doubt, move it — ten seconds of moving beats any repair.
Can the crew wash if my gate is locked and I'm not home?
Only the areas they can reach. If the backyard is the job and the gate is locked, the crew cannot do the work. Leave gates unlocked, provide a code, or arrange to be reachable — a locked-out crew may charge a trip fee for the wasted visit.