Pressure washing is an essential tool for maintaining the exterior of homes and commercial buildings, but when it comes to historical properties, extra care is needed. Historical buildings often feature delicate and irreplaceable materials that can easily be damaged by the high pressure of typical cleaning methods. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the specifics of safely pressure washing historical homes and buildings, ensuring both preservation and cleanliness.

Why Historical Homes Require Special Care

Historical homes and buildings often come with unique challenges that modern properties don’t face. Over the years, they may have been built with materials like aged brick, natural stone, wood, or ornamental plaster that are significantly more fragile than modern materials. This means that cleaning methods that work well for newer structures could cause permanent damage to these older surfaces. High-pressure washing, if not done carefully, can remove layers of paint, strip delicate finishes, and even crack or break surfaces.

By using the right techniques and tools, you can preserve the historical integrity of these properties while still achieving the desired clean look.

Understanding the Materials Common in Historical Homes

Before diving into cleaning, it’s crucial to understand the materials commonly found on historical homes. These materials require different care and methods:

• Brick: Older bricks can be soft and more porous. High-pressure washing can erode the surface, remove mortar, or cause discoloration. A gentler approach is often required.
• Stone (Limestone, Granite, Sandstone): Stone surfaces can absorb water and cleaning solutions, leading to erosion and potential staining. Gentle washing with appropriate pressure and techniques is essential to prevent damage.
• Wood: Wooden exteriors, especially those that are original to the building, are particularly sensitive to water pressure. If not handled properly, pressure washing can cause wood fibers to splinter or soften.
• Ornamental Plaster: Decorative plaster work on ceilings or walls is delicate and can crack or break under high pressure.

Best Techniques for Pressure Washing Historical Homes

When pressure washing a historical home or building, the goal is to remove dirt, grime, and debris while maintaining the structure's integrity. Here's how to approach the process:

1. Use Low-Pressure Settings
   • Why it’s important: Most historical materials cannot withstand the force of high-pressure water. For example, brick or stone walls on historical homes may have weakened over time, and the high force of standard pressure washing can cause them to crack, chip, or erode. Instead of using a typical pressure setting (which can range from 1,500 to 3,000 PSI), it’s best to use very low-pressure settings, around 300 PSI. This ensures you’re cleaning the surface gently without risking damage.
2. Choose the Right Nozzle
   • Why it’s important: The type of nozzle used during pressure washing is critical. A wide-angle spray nozzle (such as a 65° to 25° nozzle) will help spread the pressure over a wider surface area, minimizing the impact of the water on delicate materials. A focused stream of water (such as a 0° nozzle) can be very damaging to softer surfaces, so it’s best to avoid them on historic structures.
3. Use Soft Washing for Sensitive Surfaces
   • Why it’s important: Soft washing is a gentler alternative to traditional pressure washing that uses a combination of low pressure and specialized cleaning solutions. It’s ideal for cleaning materials like wood, plaster, and even certain types of stone. Soft washing can effectively remove mold, mildew, algae, and dirt without the need for high-pressure water, which could otherwise damage the surface.
   Tip: When using soft washing solutions, consider using Eacochem Heritage Restore, a specialized cleaner designed specifically for delicate historical surfaces. Eacochem Heritage Restore uses non-corrosive, advanced cleaning technology to effectively clean and restore surfaces without causing damage. Its formula includes surfactants, mild acids, and water-based solvents that tackle tough stains, such as metal oxides and pollution stains, while being gentle on stone, brick, and other sensitive materials. It’s perfect for cleaning a variety of historical surfaces like brick, limestone, sandstone, granite, and marble.
4. Pre-Treat with Gentle Cleaning Solutions
   • Why it’s important: Many historical homes are more prone to mold, mildew, and other growths that thrive in humid conditions. Using a specialized cleaning solution, such as a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaner or a mild detergent, can loosen stubborn dirt or organic growths without the harshness of chemical cleaners. Be cautious with the types of chemicals you use—some can stain or harm sensitive materials like limestone or historic brick.
5. Keep the Pressure Wand at a Safe Distance
   • Why it’s important: When cleaning delicate surfaces, always maintain a safe distance between the pressure wand and the surface. For most soft surfaces, you should aim to stay at least 30 to 36 inches away to avoid any damage, in addition, you will stand several feet away when soft-washing higher surfaces. Adjust the distance based on the pressure being used to ensure you are not unintentionally damaging the surface with concentrated water pressure.
6. Be Mindful of Water Usage
   • Why it’s important: Historical homes are often more porous and can absorb large amounts of water if exposed for too long. Prolonged exposure to water can cause damage to the structure over time. Use short bursts of water and take frequent breaks between sections to allow the building to dry properly. The key is to make it quick and efficient, while making sure to avoid spraying the same spot for long periods of time.

Additional Tips for Specific Historical Features

• Gutters and Downspouts: Often, gutters on historical homes are made of copper or other metals that may require extra care. Don’t use high-pressure washing directly on these metal surfaces, as it can strip the finish. Instead, use a gentle approach with a soft wash to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris.
• Windows: Older windows are often single-pane or feature leaded glass, which can easily be cracked under high pressure. Clean windows with a soft wash solution or low-pressure settings, and avoid spraying directly onto the glass. Consider a water fed pole cleaning on windows when all other surfaces are completed.

Safety Considerations

Pressure washing historical homes comes with additional safety considerations. Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Use Fall Protection: Many historical homes have steep roofs or hard-to-reach areas. Always use fall protection gear, such as a safety harness or rope, when working at heights. Aim to reach from the ground when possible.
2. Proper Gear: Make sure you’re equipped with the proper gear, including gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip footwear, especially when working on slippery or high surfaces. Use a respirator when using hazardous chemicals.
3. Protect Surrounding Areas: When washing sensitive materials, always cover windows, doors, and plants that may be vulnerable to over-spray or cleaning agents. This will help prevent accidental damage during the washing process.

Conclusion

Pressure washing historical homes and buildings requires a balance of knowledge, skill, and caution. By using low-pressure techniques, specialized cleaning solutions like Eacochem Heritage Restore, and the right equipment, you can ensure that a historical property remains both clean and well-preserved. With these strategies in mind, you’ll be able to maintain the charm and integrity of these timeless structures while keeping them looking their best. Ensure to follow all safety protocols and adjust your cleaning techniques based on the unique needs of each surface for a safe and effective pressure washing process.