Pressure Washing for Allergies: Can It Help Improve Indoor Air Quality? 


Pressure wash to remove allergens

Indoor air quality is the condition of the air inside and around buildings and other structures. It is known to have an impact on building occupants’ comfort, health, and well-being. Indoor air quality and well-being are closely related. Since we frequently spend our time indoors, improved indoor air quality contributes to a higher quality of life, a lower risk of respiratory illnesses, and a lower risk of developing several chronic conditions. 

Common indoor air pollutants include allergens, mold, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and other air pollutants from indoor combustion, such as carbon dioxide, ozone, and particulates. The main technique for raising indoor air quality in the majority of buildings is pressure washing.

These layers of allergens can make you want to stay indoors even when you want to enjoy your outdoor spaces. The siding, driveways, decks, and other exterior parts of your home can all be cleaned of mold, mildew, and pollen by pressure washing, which is a great solution to eliminating allergens.

Importance of Good Indoor Air Quality

Clean indoor air is essential for responding to COVID-19, improving cognition and productivity, reducing the spread of other airborne diseases, protecting against outdoor air pollutants, and advancing equity and environmental justice. It also decreases environmental triggers for conditions like asthma and allergies. Improving indoor air quality helps improve health equity and ensures we all have healthier lives.

What Are Allergies? 

Allergies occur when your immune system responds to a food or substance that typically does not affect most people, such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander. Antibodies are substances made by your immune system. As a result, when you have allergies, your immune system creates antibodies that falsely classify a particular allergen as harmful. Your immune system’s response when you are exposed to the allergen may cause inflammation of your skin or airways.

Additionally, individual differences in allergy severity mean that it can range from a minor to a potentially fatal emergency called anaphylaxis. 

Common Causes of Indoor Allergens

The main sources of indoor allergens are:

  • Pets
  • Soft furniture
  • Stuffed toys
  • Beddings
  • certain medicines.
  • house dust mites.
  • foods, such as peanuts and eggs (food allergies), areas
  • Indoor plants
  • Mattresses not covered with allergy covers
  • Pillows

Common Causes of Outdoor Allergens 

Outdoor allergies can be caused by seasonal allergies and triggers, such as pollen and mold. Here are the top allergens that could be behind your symptoms.

  • Insect stings, such as bee stings.
  • Tree pollen
  • Grass Pollen
  • Ragweed Pollen
  • Fungi 
  • Dust 
  • Mold
  • Weed

Symptoms of allergens in the home

pressue washing against allergies
Symptoms of Allergens

Hay fever and other seasonal allergies are lifelong conditions, but over time, symptoms may improve or deteriorate. Some signs could be:

  • Stuffy or runny nose.
  • Frequent sneezing.
  • Itchy or red eyes.
  • Sore throat.
  • Itchy throat or ears.
  • Trouble sleeping or waking up at night.

How allergens impact indoor air quality

If you’re wondering whether there is a link between poor air quality and a person’s allergies getting worse, the short answer is yes.

Whether you notice it or not, the air quality in your home can have a significant impact on your allergies. Every day, both indoors and outdoors, we breathe air that may contain allergens and other irritants that cause allergies. Your allergies are probably going to start acting up more frequently as spring approaches. However, you can lessen these effects’ negative impact on your allergies by enhancing the indoor air quality of your home. 

The Role of Pressure Washing in Allergen Removal

Pressure washing is the practice of cleaning surfaces and objects, such as concrete, vehicles, buildings, and paint, with high-pressure water spray to remove loose paint, mold, grime, dust, mud, and dirt. 

Therefore, it’s likely that you or someone in your home suffers from seasonal allergies. In the spring, allergy sufferers frequently experience a variety of symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and breathing difficulties. When you pressure wash your home, you can help eliminate allergens that could enter through open windows or while you’re outside in warmer weather and affect you and your family.

Additionally, through pressure washing, mold, and mildew can be removed from siding, brick, decking, and other exterior materials. Mold allergies are widespread, so if you can get rid of the mold or mildew, it might help with the symptoms of rhinitis.

Using the right cleaning solutions for allergen removal

Detergents for pressure washing that are of the highest caliber are made to simplify cleaning. These efficient solutions use a mix of surfactants to remove stubborn stains as well as tough grime. Pressure-washing detergents mix easily with water to produce a foamy layer that can be sprayed onto surfaces with a pressure washer. These detergents can blast dirt and grime away with high-pressure water, leaving your surfaces spotless! 

Best Techniques for Pressure Washing Indoor and Outdoor Areas to Remove Allergens

Pressure washing is a powerful tool for removing allergens from indoor and outdoor areas. Here are five techniques to help you effectively pressure wash to remove allergens:

1. Seal windows and doors, and cover any nearby vegetation.

Cover the lawn with drop cloths or plastic sheeting to protect the shrubbery, plants, gardens, and other landscaping. If your doors and windows leak frequently, seal them shut, and cover them with plastic sheeting or duct tape. Use duct tape to affix all sheets and clothes.

2. Use the right equipment: 

Pick a pressure washer with the strength necessary to eliminate allergens, dust, and dirt. A 25-degree nozzle is a good option for most surfaces, so be sure to use the right one for the job. 

3. Pre-treat surfaces:

Pre-treat surfaces with a cleaning agent made to remove allergens before pressure washing. Search for items that are hypoallergenic or made to trap dust and pollen. 

4. Work from top to bottom, working in 10-foot-wide sections. 

Spray a section of one floor of your house liberally with the mildewcide mixture. Use a soft siding brush to firmly but gently scrub the siding, working your way up from the bottom of the section. Working your way up is advised because if you start at the top, suds will run down the wall and it will be more difficult to see the dirt and debris that needs to be scrubbed off. When cleaning a two-story house, start at the top story and work your way down from the “floor” of the scaffolding to the top of the house.

5. Use the right pressure: 

To match the pressure of the surface you’re cleaning, adjust your pressure washer. For instance, apply more pressure to concrete or brick and less pressure to delicate surfaces like wood or vinyl siding.

6. Be safe: 

When pressure washing, always wear sturdy shoes and eye protection. Avoid aiming the pressure washer at yourself or other people, and turn it off when you’re finished using it.

Furthermore, turn on the pressure washer after ensuring a 3-foot nozzle-to-wall distance. Maintain it if you can remove dirt from this distance without doing any damage. If the dirt won’t come off, get closer by 4 to 6 inches at a time, stopping each time to assess the cleaning effectiveness and look for damage. Work from the same productive distance as before.

7. Repeat steps 4–5 until you’ve washed the entire house.

Repeat steps 4–5 on the next siding section until the entire house is clean. When you’re done, remove the plastic sheeting and drop cloths, discard the duct tape, and store the cleaning supplies and tools. Wait at least two days for the exterior to completely dry before painting the house. If not, take a step back and admire your spotless house.

These methods will help you pressure wash indoor and outdoor areas to get rid of allergens and make the area cleaner and healthier. 

Types of Surfaces that Benefit from Pressure Washing for Allergies

Pressure washing interior surfaces

Pressure washing is typically discouraged from being applied to interior surfaces like carpets and furniture. Utilizing a pressure washer indoors can be risky because it can result in water damage and the growth of mold. Additionally, high-pressure water can erode finishes and harm delicate surfaces.

Instead, it is recommended to use appropriate cleaning methods for each surface, such as a steam cleaner or a professional carpet cleaning service, to ensure that carpets and furniture are cleaned effectively without causing damage or creating safety hazards.

Pressure washing exterior surfaces

Pressure washing is a practical and efficient way to clean a variety of outdoor surfaces. There are a few advantages to pressure washing:

pressure washing the curb
Pressure washing the curb

  1. Removes dirt and grime: Over time, dirt, grime, and other stains can build up on exterior surfaces like siding, decks, and driveways and can be removed with pressure washing.
  2. You save time and energy: Cleaning large exterior surfaces can be a laborious and taxing process. Pressure washing can quickly remove dirt and grime from these surfaces, saving time and effort.
  3. Enhances curb appeal: Regular pressure washing can enhance the curb appeal of your home or place of business by getting rid of unsightly stains and giving exterior surfaces their original appearance.
  4. It prevents damage: Dirt can eventually corrode or cause wood to rot on exterior surfaces. By removing these harmful elements, pressure washing can aid in avoiding such damage.
  5. You prepare surfaces for painting or sealing: Surfaces can be effectively prepared for painting or sealing with pressure washing by getting rid of dirt, grime, and other elements that might hinder the adhesion of paint or sealant.

In general, pressure washing is a practical and efficient way to maintain the exterior surfaces of your home or place of business, which can help to enhance its overall appearance and safeguard it from harm.

Pressure washing high-touch surfaces

Pressure washing is typically not advised for high-touch surfaces like light switches and doorknobs. These surfaces can be harmed by high-pressure water, which can also leak into electrical components and pose a safety risk.

Instead, regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces is essential to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. It is important to follow proper cleaning protocols and use appropriate cleaning products to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the cleaning process. 

Precautions and Safety Measures While Pressure Washing

When pressure washing, safety should come first. Here are some precautions you ought to take:

  • Before beginning work, secure the area. 
  • To reduce the risk of tripping and slipping, remove any obstructions, trash, or loose objects from the area. 
  • Before beginning work, set up a sturdy ladder or scaffolding and secure it. 
  • Wear protective clothing, including gloves, safety glasses, and non-slip footwear. 
  • It’s also crucial to use the pressure washer with caution. 
  • Always use the right cleaning solutions to prevent damaging your surfaces. 
  • If the high-pressure water stream makes contact with your skin, it may result in severe injuries. It is advised to keep a safe distance from the nozzle and to keep it pointed away from people and animals. 
  • When using the pressure washer, put on some insulation-providing rubber-soled shoes. 
  • Never cut or splice the extension cords or power cords for the pressure washer. 
  • Never take the grounding prong out of the extension cord or power plug for the pressure washer. 
  • After a pressure washer trips a circuit breaker, always have a licensed electrician inspect it for electrical issues. 
  • You should never let kids use a pressure washer. 
  • Keep kids away from adults using pressure washers when they are using them.
  • Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and the pressure washer’s manual. 
  • Before switching out the nozzle or taking a break, always turn the pressure washer off. 
  • You should never leave the pressure washer running unattended.

 

Conclusion

Maintaining a clean and healthy indoor environment is essential for people who suffer from allergies. Window cleaning and pressure washing are two essential services that can help reduce allergy symptoms and promote a healthy indoor environment. By removing allergens from the surface of windows and the exterior of your property, you can improve indoor air quality, reduce the risk of allergic reactions, and create a more comfortable living or working space. 

High-pressure injection injuries can seem harmless, but if the injuries are not properly treated, they can lead to serious infection and disability. In order to prevent such occurrences in your home, you must adhere to the instructions when using a pressure washer.

Finally, you should also look to schedule these crucial services with a reputable window cleaning and pressure washing business like Midsouthpressurewash right away to improve your indoor air quality.

FAQs

1. Can pressure washing eliminate all allergens from the home?

Yes,  pressure washing helps you eliminate and prevent the seasonal allergies that accompany the season. Your exterior surfaces can be cleaned of accumulated dirt, dust, and debris, which will aid in limiting the growth of pollen and other allergens. Which has the potential to be extremely helpful for those who have allergies.

2. How often should I pressure wash my home for allergen removal?

Generally speaking, homes ought to have a pressure wash at least once a year, preferably between March and November. You’ll want to make sure your home is taken care of before the chilly temperatures and winter weather arrive as the year draws to a close.

3. Can pressure washing help with mold and mildew allergies?

Yes, Because it eliminates common allergens like mold, mildew, and pollen, pressure washing can aid in the fight against allergies. Regular exterior house washing will get rid of these impurities that could otherwise build up and be harmful to your health.

4. Are there any eco-friendly cleaning solutions that can be used for pressure washing?

Green pressure washing is environmentally friendly and has a low carbon footprint. A popular solution is a mixture of powdered cleaner, phosphate-free laundry soap, and water. Frequent washing with this mixture should keep surfaces looking like new.

 

5. What should I do if I notice damage to my property after pressure washing?

You must allow your deck to completely dry after pressure washing it. This can occasionally take up to 48 hours. You should lightly sand your deck after it has dried. This is required to get rid of any splinters or fuzzy areas that pressure washing might leave behind.

6. Can I pressure wash my home myself, or should I hire a professional?

Pressure washing is not as easy as it looks and can cause serious personal injury. Hire a professional to pressure wash your house to avoid potential headaches. This is because improper use of a pressure washer can lead to serious personal injury, so it is important to be careful when using it.

7. Is pressure washing safe for use on all types of surfaces? 

No, this is because, even though many surfaces can be pressure washed without harm, some materials, such as fiber cement siding, are usually not advised to be cleaned with a pressure washer. Additionally, you should refrain from pressure washing painted surfaces as well as delicate ones like old brick, wood, or stucco.