Pollen is a problematic little substance that does its best to make the transition into spring a little less whimsical than we remember from childhood. The yellow powder can be almost ubiquitous and stir up health issues in addition to its cosmetic flaws. By choosing to pressure wash pollen away, you can improve your property’s curb appeal and spend less time sneezing this April.
A Word on Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a powerful cleaning tool in a homeowner’s arsenal. It is a quick and efficient way to spray away dirt, dust, mildew, and mold, leaving your home sparkling clean. It can sometimes even blast away stains, making exterior walls look like new.
For best results, we recommend professional pressure washing your property twice a year. This makes sure that the worst grime and dirt is cleaned off before it can sink in or be baked on too deeply. The longer pollen and other debris are allowed to remain, the harder they are to get off, so regular power washing can actually save homeowners time and energy in the long run.
It is possible to pressure wash almost any home surface, from wooden porches to glass windows. Some surfaces, particularly roof tiles and siding, require special attention and a technique called soft washing to make sure the material is not damaged and that water doesn’t blow up underneath the surface.
Reasons to Pressure Wash Pollen
Cleaning pollen off with a garden hose can actually make the situation worse, but so can inexperienced efforts to pressure wash pollen. When pollen gets wet, it tends to create a sticky paste that is no picnic to remove. That being said, a professional pressure wash can ensure that all pollen is cleared away effectively and that no spots are missed. It is best to pressure wash pollen away once the height of pollen season has passed.
A Fresh Face
The bottom line is that pollen is not appealing to the eye. It gets everywhere, from vehicles to siding, to gutters to driveways, and once it lands, it tends to stick. When left unattended, pollen builds up rapidly, creating an unattractive yellow film. It can also sink into any porous surfaces like concrete and wood and nestles deeply into available cracks and crevices. You can remove all evidence of the ugly stuff with a good pressure wash.
A Healthy Home is a Happy Home
As unappealing as pollen may be to look at, the health risks it poses are far worse. Pollen is a common irritant for seasonal allergies, leading to itchy eyes, runny noses, scratchy throats, and more. Pressure washing your home can also cut down on dirt and dust that also contribute to asthma and other respiratory issues, such as choking, sinus troubles, breathing problems.
Prevent Staining
Not only is pollen unsightly when it first lands; it also tends to leave a mark. Pollen staining is common if the particles are not cleaned off in a timely manner. Because it sticks almost anywhere, no surface is safe.
Kick Bigger Bugs to the Curb
Pollen may be a great nuisance, but at the end of the day, it is not as harmful as other substances like mildew and mold. All three can cause respiratory irritation, but the problems associated with mold are much greater, both for homes and homeowners. When you make it a priority to pressure wash pollen, you can also clear away these more serious threats. Having clean walls can also prevent mold growth in the first place.
Prepare to Paint
When pollen sticks to exterior surfaces, it creates an uneven canvas for painting those surfaces, and the particles can gunk up painting tools. More importantly, caked-on pollen inhibits paint’s ability to adhere well to them, leaving you with a sloppy-looking paint job that won’t last very long. If you pressure wash pollen away early, you can prevent it settling into cracks and grooves and ensure that you have a clean slate when you paint.
Further Propagation
If you are concerned that blasting pollen off of your property is bad for the environment, don’t be. Pollen is designed to be easily transferred on the wind, water, or animals and insects so it is more likely to reach its intended plant destinations. It doesn’t help anyone—plant or person—when it is caught in your gutters. Choosing to pressure wash pollen away is more likely to help it further the circle of life.