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Can You Pressure Wash in the Winter? Cold-Weather Cleaning Tips from the Pros
Think exterior cleaning is just a spring thing? Think again.
While most homeowners pack up the power tools and forget about curb appeal when temperatures drop, the winter months can actually be a great time to pressure wash—if you know what you’re doing.
At TrueClean Exteriors, we operate all year long. Here’s what we’ve learned about winter washing, what’s safe to clean, and how we keep your home and our equipment protected when things get chilly.
❄️ 1. Yes, You Can Pressure Wash in the Winter (With the Right Gear & Know-How)
Let’s start here: Cold weather doesn’t stop us.
We use commercial-grade equipment that can heat water and resist freezing, along with detergents that remain effective in lower temps. The trick is knowing how to:
- Monitor ambient and surface temperatures
- Avoid freeze-up in hoses and pumps
- Properly store equipment between jobs
- Adjust dwell times for cleaning agents in colder air
- Pro Tip: We never wash when temps are below freezing, but mid-30s and above can still be fair game with the right timing.
🧼 2. Winter Is the Best Time to Remove Organic Growth
Here’s what most homeowners don’t realize:
- Algae, mold, and mildew don’t go dormant in the winter—they just grow slower and get slicker.
- Cleaning now removes buildup before it:
- Hardens and stains your siding
- Causes slips on walkways and stairs
- Spreads across shaded areas come spring
- Plus, your home will be ready to go once the warm weather returns. No spring scramble needed.
🏠 3. It’s the Smart Time for Driveways, Gutters, and Roofs
Winter cleanings are ideal for specific areas like:
- Gutters: Clear out debris before snowmelt backs them up
- Driveways & sidewalks: Remove oil, grime, and algae while foot traffic is low
- Roofs: Treat black streaks and moss before they freeze deeper into shingles
- We use soft washing for all roof work—no high pressure, no damage, just clean.
🔥 4. We Warm the Water—Not Just the Vibe
Our machines are equipped with hot water systems, which means we can clean more effectively even in lower temps. Hot water helps:
- Break down oils and greasy residue
- Loosen stuck-on grime faster
- Prevent freezing mid-job
- And yes, we take care to prevent ice patches around your property during and after cleaning. Safety first.
🧤 5. We Know When Not to Wash
This is where experience matters. If conditions aren’t right, we don’t risk it—for your safety or your property’s. That means:
- No service below 32°F
- No washing when temps will drop below freezing shortly after we finish
- Always checking forecasted wind chill and sun exposure
- Trust us—we’d rather postpone than leave you with a driveway-shaped skating rink.
- Clean Doesn’t Stop for Cold
At TrueClean Exteriors, we clean smart, not seasonal. With the right equipment, the right timing, and the right process, your home can stay beautiful (and protected) all winter long.
☀️ Safe & damage-free
🚫 No slip hazards or frozen messes
💧 Professional-grade equipment that works in winter