Is it okay to pressure wash soffits and fascia?

Author: Prof. Roel Langosh MD  |  Last update: Monday, March 3, 2025

The key is to begin cleaning with a gentle rinse using clean water to dislodge and wash away loose debris and dirt. When using a pressure washer for fascias and soffits, it's wise to use a low-pressure nozzle.

Can you pressure wash soffit and fascia?

Your soffits and fascias can be a stubborn place to clean but a pressure washer can make the job of cleaning them much easier.

Is it safe to power wash soffits?

The underside is called the ``soffit''. You can power wash it, but it should be done on low pressure and there are more risks of getting your attic wet compared to other methods. You can also hook up a soap-dispensing nozzle to your garden hose to wash and rinse the soffit.

What is the best way to clean soffits?

Just done something similar. Use a bucket of hot water, a couple of glugs of Chlorox bleach, and a small squirt of washing up liquid (all amounts approx). Use a long handled softish brush, dunk it in the bucket, then generously brush the liquid along the soffit panels and gutter face.

Where should you not use a pressure washer?

Potential Risks of Pressure Washing Surfaces That Shouldn't Be Pressure Washed
  • Electrical Damage. External electrical fixtures should never be pressure washed but may be soft washed in some instances. ...
  • Surface Damage. ...
  • Outdoor Furniture. ...
  • Plants. ...
  • Interior of Gutters. ...
  • Vehicles. ...
  • Windows. ...
  • Electrical Meters and Panels.

Soft-washing overhangs and soffits

What not to do when pressure washing siding?

Dos and Don'ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pressure Washing Siding
  1. Using the Wrong Equipment. ...
  2. Incorrect Pressure Settings. ...
  3. Neglecting Safety Precautions. ...
  4. Overlooking Pre-Washing Preparations. ...
  5. Ignoring Environmental Impact. ...
  6. Failing to Follow Up with Maintenance.

Can power washing cause electrical problems?

One of the primary ways power washing can cause electrical issues is through water ingress in electrical components. High-pressure water can penetrate electrical outlets, light fixtures, and other outdoor electrical components, leading to short circuits and electrical shocks.

What is the best thing to clean fascias with?

A pressure washer is the easiest – and safest – way of cleaning your soffit and fascias.

Can you pressure clean eaves?

Again, pressure washing can be an effective tool to remove dirt, mildew, and other grime from these surfaces, BUT it's important to weigh up the potential cost of damage that can be caused when you pressure wash under eaves or on and around the fascia and soffits of a building.

How do you get mildew out of soffit?

This helps loosen up any debris, dirt, or mildew that is present on the soffit. Take a 1-gallon bucket of hot water and add in a 1/2 cup of all-purpose cleaner. This will help wipe away any dirt and grime. Add white vinegar to the hot water in order to remove the mildew.

When should you not power wash your house?

Winter: Although power washing in winter is possible, we don't recommend it in extreme cold or snow. However, we can power wash on warmer days or during breaks in the weather.

How often should soffits be cleaned?

You should clean your soffits and fascias once a year to maintain them. However, in bad weather, especially on older houses, your guttering, soffit boards and fascias may need repairing or replacing, even if you work hard to keep them clean.

Can you spray soffits with water?

You want to minimize the amount of water you spray inside your soffits, as too much water can cause mold or mildew growth. Once you've thoroughly covered your soffits and gutters with detergent, let it work the dirt and stains loose while you switch spray nozzles.

What is two common problems with soffits and fascia?

Any siding and window installer will agree that wood soffit and fascia are vulnerable to moisture damage. Prolonged weather exposure can lead to wet or dry rot, crumbling, or warping. Low-quality vinyl soffit and fascia may show cracks or gaps resulting from physical damage or temperature fluctuations.

Is it okay to pressure wash vented soffits?

“Soffits not only contribute to the appearance of your home, but also ventilate your living space.” Although it's safe to pressure wash soffits, there are few important things to remember: One key point to keep in mind is the water pressure.

What is the life expectancy of a fascia and soffit?

In general, wood soffits and fascias need to be replaced more frequently than uPVC. UPVC boards, on the other hand, are relatively durable and can last for several decades. In some cases, a timber board may only need to be replaced after five to ten years.

How do you clean dirty soffit and fascia?

You'll need a large bucket of warm water (around 10 litres) with 120ml of dish soap or laundry detergent mixed in. Add two tablespoons of bleach to kill any mildew. Soak a large sponge in the solution and scrub along the soffit and fascia as far as you can reach from your ladder spot.

Can you pressure wash fascia?

To start, you should use a low-pressure nozzle and rinse the areas that you want to clean. You can spray a detergent over the area that requires cleaning and let it sit for a few minutes. Now switch to a high-pressure nozzle and pressure wash soffits and fascia. Once you're done, your home will look as good as new.

What happens if you pressure wash a roof?

NEVER aim your pressure washer up the roof, as it can push water under the shingles. Spraying water under your shingles can both tear off the shingles and force water under them and into your home.

How often should you replace soffits and fascias?

Most soffit and fascia panels will come with a guarantee for X amount of years (usually ten or more) but the exact time between replacements will depend on external conditions, the level of care they are subjected to, as well as the materials they are made from.

How to clean soffits without a ladder?

If you don't have a ladder, you should hire a pressure washer to soak your fascias and rinse away the dirt and debris. Top tip: Use a lower pressure nozzle to start with to avoid forcing the dirt further up into your guttering or soffit. 2. Then fill your washer with detergent and coat using the spray tip.

Why are my soffits dirty?

Soffits and fascia are frequently subject to precipitation, ice, and humidity. Water can collect on surfaces like roofs and gutters if there are leaks or insufficient drainage, which can foster the formation of mold.

What are the cons of pressure washing?

Cons: Potential damage: In inexperienced hands, a pressure washer can cause damage to your car's paint, trim, or delicate parts. High-pressure water can strip away protective coatings and even force water into vulnerable areas, leading to rust or electrical issues.

What is the most common problem with pressure washers?

Williams: The most common pressure washer problem we see at our company is a loss of pressure. The most common cause of a loss of pressure is leaving the trigger off for an extended period of time, allowing the bypass water to get too hot.

Can I pressure wash with just water?

Power washing removes surface dirt, dust, and some mild stains. Power washing with just water is suitable for regular maintenance cleaning or for non-soiled surfaces. Water alone may not be sufficient to remove tougher stains, grease, oil, or mildew that have penetrated surfaces deeply.

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