So, you’ve landed your first power washing job—congrats! 🙌 But before you roll out the hose reel and fire up the engine, it’s critical to make sure you’ve got everything you need on-site. Showing up unprepared doesn’t just look unprofessional—it can cost you time, money, and credibility. ⏳💸
This article breaks down the ultimate first job site checklist for new power washing professionals, including must-have tools, safety equipment, paperwork, and customer prep tips. Whether you’re washing siding, concrete, or a deck, this guide will help you walk onto the job fully prepared and walk away with a satisfied customer. 🧼🏠
🧰 Essential Equipment Checklist
Start with the gear you absolutely cannot do the job without:
✅ Pressure Washer (Proper PSI/GPM for the job)
- Residential jobs: 2.5–4.0 GPM, 3,000–4,000 PSI
- Surface cleaning: higher GPM preferred
- Soft washing: low PSI but needs chemical injector or dedicated system
🔌 Make sure it’s tested and running before you leave.
✅ Hose Reel + 100–200 ft of Hose
- High-pressure hose
- Garden hose for water inlet
- Extra connectors and quick-couplers
💡 Bring more hose than you think you’ll need.
✅ Spray Nozzles
- Red (0°) – rarely used
- Yellow (15°) – concrete
- Green (25°) – general use
- White (40°) – siding, delicate surfaces
- Black (soap) – applying detergent
🧠 Color-coded for ease—label your storage box if needed.
✅ Surface Cleaner
- For driveways, sidewalks, patios
- Helps you finish 4x faster with better results
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🧪 Cleaning Chemicals & Solutions
You should never arrive empty-handed when it comes to chemicals:
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) – for mold/mildew
- Surfactants – help bleach stick and lift grime
- Degreasers – for oil stains or commercial jobs
- Oxalic acid – for rust or organic stain removal
- Pump-up sprayer or downstream injector – to apply soaps
📦 Label and secure all chemicals properly in transport.
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🧤 Safety Gear Checklist
Even solo power washers need basic PPE (personal protective equipment):
- ✅ Safety glasses or goggles 🥽
- ✅ Chemical-resistant gloves 🧤
- ✅ Non-slip waterproof boots 👢
- ✅ Long sleeves and pants (no shorts) 👖
- ✅ Ear protection if using loud gas equipment 🎧
- ✅ Respirator (if spraying overhead bleach or confined areas) 😷
Accidents happen fast when working with 3,000 PSI and chemicals—don’t cut corners.
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🛑 On-Site Safety Setup
Before you start blasting, walk the job site and prepare:
- 🔎 Check for tripping hazards (hoses, toys, uneven concrete)
- 🪑 Move outdoor furniture and potted plants
- 🪟 Close windows and doors
- 🚪 Alert the client before starting
- 🚿 Identify water source and test pressure
- 🌿 Cover sensitive plants with plastic or water them before/after
- 🛑 Use safety cones or signage if working near pedestrians or driveways
Always look like a pro—even if it’s your first job. 😎
📄 Paperwork & Admin Must-Haves
Don’t forget the business side of the job:
- ✅ Printed or digital work order
- ✅ Signed estimate or service agreement
- ✅ Certificate of Insurance (COI) on hand
- ✅ Pre-job checklist (signed if needed)
- ✅ Payment system ready (Square, Venmo Business, cash app, etc.)
💳 Make it easy for the customer to pay you on the spot.
📸 Pre- and Post-Job Photo Checklist 📷
Documenting your work is essential for:
- Marketing
- Customer trust
- Protecting against liability
Take photos of:
- ✅ Entire job area before starting
- ✅ Close-ups of stained/problem areas
- ✅ After photos from same angles
🧠 Create a folder per job in Google Drive or Dropbox to stay organized.
🧼 Extra Nice-to-Haves (for Bonus Points)
These aren’t mandatory, but they’ll elevate your service:
- 🌡️ Water temp gun (for checking surfaces)
- 🧻 Towels/rags for quick cleanup
- 🧊 Cooler with drinks/snacks (especially on hot days)
- 💬 Branded door hanger for neighbors
- 🧾 Printed invoice or thank-you slip
Customers notice small touches. They may not say it—but they do. 🧽✨
🧪 Quick Chemical Dilution Guide (Example)
For soft washing siding using 12.5% bleach:
- Mix ratio: 2 parts bleach, 3 parts water
- Add surfactant for cling
- Apply with soap nozzle or soft wash system
- Dwell for 5–10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly
Know your mix ratios and prep them ahead of time to save time on-site.
⚠️ Common First-Job Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Forgetting key hoses or nozzles
- ❌ Using the wrong PSI on delicate surfaces
- ❌ Letting bleach runoff damage landscaping
- ❌ Leaving overspray on windows or doors
- ❌ Not taking before/after photos
- ❌ Showing up late or unprepared
First impressions are everything—make yours unforgettable (in a good way). 😅
✅ Final Thoughts
The best power washing pros don’t just know how to clean—they know how to show up prepared, perform efficiently, and present professionally. Your first job is a chance to prove your value, build confidence, and start generating referrals.
Stick to this checklist, double-check your gear, and treat every job like it matters—because it does.
🧰🎯 Every surface cleaned is a brand impression made. Make it count.
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