Why we don’t pressure wash in cold temperatures
If you have exterior cleaning booked on days that are below 5 deg C, you should definitely reschedule!
Winter brings crisp air, frosty mornings—and very real limits on exterior cleaning. Recently, we had to make the call to walk away from a scheduled job because temperatures were simply too cold to work safely or deliver the quality our clients expect. It’s never an easy decision, but it’s always the right one.
Here’s what happened—and why cold weather and pressure washing don’t mix.
The Job Scope (and the Reality on Site)
The scope included:
Window washing
Gutter cleaning
Pressure washing concrete pavement behind the house
When we arrived at 9am, the gutters were frozen solid. Overnight temperatures that dipped below 0 had locked water and debris in place, making proper cleaning impossible without risking damage. Even more concerning, any water used on the concrete would have instantly turned into sheet ice, creating a serious slip hazard for both our team and the homeowner.
We considered waiting it out. The forecast suggested it might warm up after noon—but that created a new problem: daylight. Winter days are short, and starting late would mean rushing a job that requires care, setup, drying time, and proper cleanup.
That’s not how we operate.
So we paused the work and told the homeowner we’d return when conditions improved.
Why Cold Temperatures Are a No-Go for Pressure Washing
1. Water + Freezing Temps = Ice Hazards
Pressure washing uses a lot of water. In cold conditions, that water freezes fast—on walkways, driveways, and steps.
The result?
Dangerously slippery surfaces and unnecessary risk.
2. Frozen Gutters Can’t Be Cleaned Properly
When gutters are frozen, debris is locked in ice. Forcing it out can damage the gutter system or fasteners. We won’t compromise your home to “just get it done.”
3. Equipment Performance Suffers
Hoses stiffen, seals are stressed, and pumps aren’t designed to run in freezing conditions. Cold weather increases wear and the chance of failure mid-job.
4. Quality Drops When You Rush Daylight
Starting late to “wait for it to warm up” often means finishing in fading light. That leads to missed spots, streaked windows, and uneven results—none of which meet our standards.
Safety and Quality Come First—Always
Walking away from a job might seem inconvenient in the moment, but it protects:
Your property
Your safety
Our team
The quality of the finished work
We’d rather reschedule and do it right than push through unsafe conditions and deliver subpar results.
The Bottom Line
Cold weather doesn’t just slow exterior cleaning—it can make it unsafe or ineffective altogether. When temperatures rise and conditions are right, we’ll be back to complete the work properly: clean windows, clear gutters, and spotless concrete—without ice, shortcuts, or risk.
Thanks to our clients for understanding, and for trusting us to make the call that puts safety and quality first!
