What’s up, guys — Coty here from Lean and Mean Academy. It’s mid-March, the sun’s coming out, and pressure washing season is officially kicking off. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or just starting out, it’s time to fire up your rig and get rolling.
But before you do, I want to give you something for free — four big “P’s” that can cause major problems on a job site if you’re not careful. These are things I’ve learned the hard way over the years, and they can save you time, money, and a ton of stress.
1. Pets 🐕
People love their pets. Like, really love them. And nothing will ruin your day faster than upsetting a customer’s furry friend.
Before you start washing, move the food and water bowls — they’re usually on the back porch or deck. I always ask customers to bring their pets inside while I’m working. It saves me from tripping over them or worrying about where they’re running off to.
If you accidentally harm someone’s pet or even make them uncomfortable, that job can turn into a nightmare real quick. So — protect the pets, protect your reputation.
2. Power ⚡
The second “P” stands for Power — and this one can get dangerous fast.
Bleach is conductive. It can cause electrical shorts, sparks, or even fires if it gets into outlets, light fixtures, or electrical boxes. I’ve had a few “snap, crackle, pop” moments myself when I got too close to outlets.
So be cautious:
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Tape off outlets and electrical boxes.
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Avoid spraying directly at floodlights or fixtures.
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Treat any electrical area as off-limits.
A little precaution goes a long way in keeping you, your crew, and the customer safe.
3. Ponds 🐟
This one’s not as common, but when it happens — it’s serious.
If you’re cleaning at a home with a pond or water feature, you’ve got to be extremely careful. Those koi or goldfish can be worth thousands of dollars. Just a bit of overspray can mess up the chemistry and kill the fish.
Here’s what I recommend:
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Tarp off ponds when you’re washing nearby.
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Visit a pet or pond supply store and grab a dechlorinator or pond starter kit. It’s cheap insurance if a little mix finds its way into the water.
Remember — the higher-end the property, the more delicate (and expensive) the stuff around it usually is. Treat every pond like it’s full of goldfish made of actual gold.
4. Paint 🎨
Last but not least — Paint.
If you’re washing vinyl siding, this usually isn’t a problem. But for homes with painted surfaces, especially Hardy plank or board-and-batten styles, it can get tricky.
The issue isn’t the siding — it’s the quality of paint. Some paints, especially certain Sherwin-Williams lines with organic pigments, don’t hold up well under bleach. You might see color changes or oxidation.
Here’s the golden rule:
👉 Always do a test spot.
Pick an out-of-the-way area (behind an AC unit or near the ground) and test your mix. You’ll know instantly if it’s safe.
And if the customer claims you “bleached the paint,” it’s usually not bleach — it’s oxidation being removed, which exposes the faded color underneath. Understanding this helps you explain it to them calmly and confidently.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — Pets, Power, Ponds, and Paint. Four simple “P’s” that can make or break your pressure washing job.
Take the extra few minutes to protect yourself from these common pitfalls. Spring’s here — it’s go-time. Feast season for pressure washers. Go make that money.
And if you’re serious about leveling up your business, check out our Serious Starter Event happening later this month. We sold out the last one, so grab a seat while you can.
👉 Visit Southeast Softwash to get your gear, chemicals, and training.
Stay safe, wash smart, and I’ll see you in the next video.
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