There’s a part of us, deep down, that instinctively feels good whenever we see a mess tidied up or something dirty being cleaned. It’s all part of our innate desire to turn chaos into order. Right up there with accidental symmetry and fractals and when things line up perfectly in a photo, is none other than pressure washing which our perfectionist souls find oh-so-satisfying to watch.
The before-and-after photos from power washing projects are too good not to share, so Bored Panda has collected some of the best ones to make you go ‘mmm’ and ‘oh fudge, yes’ and think about what parts of your home or back yard need a good, long, hard, symmetrical clean.
If you’re anything like us, some of these pics will have calmed your OCD down, so give the images you enjoyed the most an upvote. Was this list too short for you? Then you’ll want to check out our previous posts about pressure and power washing here and here. Enjoy!
(One note of warning: if you use a pressure washer, follow the instructions carefully; do not use it to wash animals or other people, no matter how dirty they may have gotten.)
This post may include affiliate links.
Not Power Washing, But Too Good Not To Share
So that is what “it’s fleece was white as snow” means lol. I have never seen a real lamb/sheep that white before.
You're not supposed to wash them like that. It removes the protective oils from the wool and makes them susceptible to the elements.
Why the downvotes? Don't you know where wool comes from? Jeeeez
Load More Replies...No makeover that threatens ones health or possibly ones life is a good makeover. Sorry.
Load More Replies...That's Imperial Castle In My Hometown Poznań. It Looks Way Better After Cleaning
When it was new, the clock tower was higher - it was destroyed by the Soviets during WW2, well, power washing will not fix it. :)
Load More Replies...It's also beautiful inside. When I was a little girl, my dad took me on the concert in there. something magical....
Roommates Thought The Sink Was Permanently Stained. I Got Bored In Quarantine And Proved Them Wrong
That would have taken a s**t load of elbow grease and some strong chemical.
You might be surprised what you can do with elbow grease and bicarbonate of soda
Load More Replies...Wow nice job! But I gotta say I don't know why you would let the sink reach the previous state it was in...
Rentals. It may have been stained like that when they got there.
Load More Replies...Um, actually, your roommates only said that because they were too lazy to clean it themselves, and hoped someone else (you) would do it for them. So I’d bar them from using the sink at all until they learn to keep it clean.
Bar Keeper's Friend is the BEST EVER cleaner for ceramic sinks. Works on metal cookware, too (don't use it on cast iron though you can use it on enamel or painted parts). Powder better than cream in most instances.
Absolutely. That stuff is also great for glass stove tops. W/ a non-scratch pad and a little bit of scrubbing w/ it, it gets that crusted on burnt stuff right off.
Load More Replies...I did a number on a grungy old gas stove for some friends I was rooming with, and the guy really appreciated it, but his wife got so mad because she felt insulted.
I can understand the missus having the hump with you but when you have finished and stand back it makes the work seem worth while. You could of put the picture on here
Load More Replies...Bored Panda reached out to Stephen, a Dublin-based power washer who runs The Powerwash Man service (does exactly what it says on the tin!). "Everyone, from kids to older people enjoy watching our videos," he told us about the fact that people love looking at pressure washing videos and photos. "I think this may be because satisfaction is nearly instantaneous, seeing the results before your eyes. And with the ease of the power washer it is so satisfying."
Stephen also revealed how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the power washing industry in Dublin. "With Covid this year, it's thrown everyone off. We've seen a difference from last year. At first, we were just ticking by, but as people were at home, business actually went up. I'd say, as customers were looking at the dirt and grime everyday, they decided to get their power washing done," he gave us his take about the ups and downs of the business during the pandemic.
"We had to approach how we dealt with customers differently, as I love to shake a customer's hand at the start, tell them who I am and have the chats. This year, I find I'm not engaging the same as in the past due to Covid, but I'm sure we'll be back to normal soon."
Power Washed Patio Then Built A Canopy
Power washing is a lot easier than most people think.
Load More Replies...Exactly, and those flowers and vines just add that little extra touch
Load More Replies...Feast Your Eyes, You Power Washing Freaks
always a great idea to keep rock, stone, and brick free from grime like in the first photo because its SLIPPERY! had a math teacher in high school slip, fall, and break his leg. Had to be in a wheelchair for the whole semester
The fact that they're all different sizes and directions makes me uneasy.
A Building Janitor In France Trying To Give A Smile For The Residents During The Lockdown
this has nothing in common with the cute kitty but have you ever heard music that sounds like it is pixelated?
Ralph Ryback, writing on Psychology Today, links our desire for organization and cleanliness to the fact that our bodies are well-organized and well-regulated even on an atomic level.
“It wouldn’t be surprising, then, if the reason we crave symmetry and cleanliness in our homes is to mirror the organization within our very own bodies. Neatness and order support health—and oppose chaos,” he explains.
Whether or not that’s the case, tidiness and cleanliness are essential parts of being a grownup. By keeping our homes neat, we improve our health and we also stay fit because we’re on the move doing chores. It’s an essential part of living a high-quality life. So the next time you’re asked to take out the trash, do it with a smile. Or tell your partner that you’d gladly switch chores with them if they’ll let you power wash the patio.
We might not have a power washer at home, but guess who’ll be doing the dishes with a grin on their face today?
I'll Finish Washing The Fence Tomorrow. But Until Then...
That's the right idea. Why do any job without play if that is possible? We all need to play more, no matter the amount of years we carry on our shoulders.
Picasso On Driveway. Dirt, Water, Power Washed Concrete. Me. 2020
I know!!! i want this on one of my walls.
Load More Replies...You could have made a normal picture and then smash the pavement with a sledge hammer, you would have gotten that Picasso effect
Picked Up This Old Concrete Park Table As A Freebie. Had To Take The Power Cleaner To It. Apologies About The Cat, He’s An Exhibitionist
I would have done like a chess board design on the top. Great for gaming outside.
And i love your username. Probably because I love Izuku too!
Load More Replies...Looks Almost Like Fresh Paint
I'm fairly certain that IS new paint. Just painted after being washed...
Yep, knot holes are missing on the bottom middle and right
Load More Replies...Power Washed For The Very First Time, Thought You Guys Would Enjoy
But it looks more like a new floor has been laid. At the top you can see fringe stones that have disappeared on the bottom picture.
Yup, you can clearly see the ragged brick border, which suddenly disappeared.....
Load More Replies...Pressure Wash The Driveway She Said
Very nicely done! Had to have been difficult to get those curves just right.
I Told My Wife I Was Taking Pictures For My Friends On The Internet. She Said "They're Not Your Friends"
I'm your 57 friend. I'm sure this number will only grow. 🙂
Load More Replies...We ARE your friends and we are as excited as you are about how good the tiles look.
Hey if you come and make my house look that good, you can be my friend! ;)
Half Way There
Pretty slabs. Unfortunately, mostnpeople don't realise that you do have to be very careful not to remove the mortar when power washing. Can make the patio unstable. So far these photos look like they have had the balance right... until this one.
They don’t realize just how much power water can have. If you use the smallest nozzle on a power washer, it will have enough pressure to strip lines of paint off your car—-down to the metal.
Load More Replies...Now We Won’t Slip Going Down The Stairs
I think they were dry in the first image. The dampness highlighted the color.
Load More Replies...I Didn’t Even Know We Had Multi-Colored Tiles
"If you don't know, now ya know, Mr. President." (For all those Hamilton fans out there:)
Very Dirty Tractor From Fall
Customers' Patio Area That I Cleaned Recently
Why didn't they have you do the stairs and above, lol...
Load More Replies...you forgot the stairs.. wood and concrete.. (yes.. we are terrible un appreciative humans.. lol)
Shame you didn't do the steps and decks. It would have all looked good!
Simply beautiful. Shame you didn't do the steps and deck as well. That would have completed the look.
My Husband Bought Me A Power Washer For Mother’s Day. I Wasn’t Thrilled At First, But Now I Can’t Be Happier
I think lots of people don't realize how satisfying power washing is until they try it.
Load More Replies...Bought one when I bought my fixer upper home. You'll be amazed home much nicer the place looks with just a good washing.
Load More Replies...lol, if you look hard enough, you can notice that there is a layer of wood missing, that's a really nice pressure washer!
Beautiful cedar wood. Most cedar wood keeps it's color for decades, just needs to be cleaned.
It's amazing how dirt really covers things and you have to wonder for how long.
Oh oh! A woman with a tool!! Nothing will be dirty outside again! Whoo!
Before And After My First Wash Job
16 Years Of Neglect vs. 3200 PSI Pressure Wash
Two thoughts, it is either a stone step which has worn down in the center over time, or if it is concrete the forms sagged during the initial pour.
Load More Replies...The entry looks so warm and inviting now. Love the plants and potted flowers too. Lovely touch.
Got This Table For Free Today
When I Mentioned Starting A Pressure Washing Business, People Laughed, Shrugged It Off, Or Claimed There Is No Money In It. Four Years Later, I’m So Glad I Did
Moral of the story - don’t listen to the people who haven’t accomplished anything. Find a positive mentor and chase that dream.
To get paid to do a job that is so satisfying... that’s happiness 😁
Just be your own mentor. Be positive and believe in yourself. Keep going and enjoy the journey and just be happy 😊
To me I think the grey color is cuter, I know its dirt but still.
Yeah most of the dirty pictures have more character.
Load More Replies...I See Your Driveway, And Raise You An Entire Ship
haha! that looks like one of those $250,000 jobs! and my dad love pressure washing, so he would do it in an instant!
Did This For My Grandpa, What Do You Think?
I think your grandpa raised his son right, and they raised you right! I know he's SO proud of you.
Today The Fence, Tomorrow The World
I Told My Dad That People On Internet Love This Kind Of Stuff
Hubby bought a power washer right before the stupid Covid, it's still in the box. I just reminded him about it, guess what he will spend all weekend playing with? Tehe Tehe
Just Moved Into A New Rental And Knew This Would Be My First Thing To Do
Something tells me you'll be getting your whole deposit back
Maybe. I once moved into a two flat. The old lady who owned it, lived on the first floor. I was on the 2nd. I cleaned and painted the apartment from top to bottom (including the filthy appliances), and she told me I would have to pay more rent since it looked better. LOL I laughed and laughed, but she was serious.
Load More Replies...Can You Tell Where They Stopped For The Day?
And by the time they get to the end they will have to start all over again.
Just like with painting the Sydney Harbour Bridge ;)
Load More Replies...Power Washed These Adirondack Chairs That Have Been Sitting Outside For 30 Years
I’m so impressed by these - and surprised! I always thought the wood just became bleached, dry and that was just a patina to be expected. Now I want a power washer for Christmas.
To get them to stay that color you have to also stain and seal them.
Load More Replies...Hmmmm, suspiciously looks like new stain after the power-washing...
Wife Wanted To Buy A New Playhouse. I Wanted To Use My Power Washer
so you and the kids can get to have fun. problem with that is she is going to have you jet washing everything else. busy busy
The Back Patio Of Our New House. I Have On Good Info That It Hasn’t Been Cleaned In Around 40 Years
Interesting ^^ But I like the after version, it seems easier and cleaner to decorate with flowers or something.
Load More Replies...One thing about brick, no matter how long the crud is on it, it will clean!
One thing about brick, no many how many years the crud has been on it, it will clean up!
My Clothes Smelled Like Swampy Ocean And Seagull Poop But That Was A Price I Was Willing To Pay
those ropes are way thicker than you can tell from the pic
Load More Replies...For sure. Must have taken a loooooonng time to do that.
Load More Replies...The old one looks like the sea snake from the black lagoon or something.
where I live we have ropes set up along the walkways so when tourists come they don't cross at the wrong spots. the town power washes the ropes every spring.
No Caption Needed
same here just because of the darker color - but it was dirty so im okay with it
Load More Replies...After would look pretty as a flowing fountain (not of course at the same time as stairs)
I Just Assumed That Those Were The Colors Of The Tiles When I Bought The House
Omg, those black tiles look so natural! U would've thought that too!!!
Fence doesn't look in good enough shape to withstand cleaning
Load More Replies...So Satisfying
Needs repointing now as they've washed out the mortar... can cause cracked tiles as the mortar shifts underneath and pointing can't help with that.
I think the mortar was already gone, looks like the just removed the dirt and grass that was growing in there.
Load More Replies...Do a strong mix at 3 to 1 and point it all up again. I’m a female builder and find pointing very therapeutic
Dirty Tractor And Cart. Not A Perfect Job But Still A Little Difference
What do you mean, not a perfect job? You can just about eat your dinner off those tracks now!
Power Washed Half The Tennis Court
our tennis court looked like the non-power washed side, there was no net, you couldn't get inside and it seemed like it been ears since use. they fixed it and ow you can see people playing almost every day
First Time Using A Power Washer And It Was The Most Joy Filled 45 Minutes I've Had Since Pre-Corona Times
Will y'all stop with the "mortar this"and " mortar that"stuff? Sick of hraring it already!!!!
A Little Tennis Court Cleaning We Did This Week
I Was Passing By A Building In Tehran And I Saw This
More stunned at the patience people have than that awesome brick- work
The Previous Owner Left Her Power Washer. After 9 Months, My Husband Finally Used It. 2020 Thrills
Fire pit? Fish pond? Don’t be koi, help a sleep depraved fella out and explain.
It's a swimming pool for gnomes and elves from the wood.
Load More Replies...Is it me or does the wall in the second picture look more level than in the first??
Totally Did Not Realize The Amount Of Grime Build Up
I find the lack of serifs impressive! Anytime I've tried to write with mine, the kick from the initial trigger squeeze gives everything a 'swoosh' at the beginning.
Load More Replies...And I thought that I wasn't a very observant person...but that black screams grime.
First Time With A Power Washer! I Played Tetris With Paving Slabs
Quickly move the reversed L one block to the left and turn it 90 degrees or you won´t make it to level 2 :-)
My Neighbor Knows Where His Property Line Ends
My neighbour was power washing his block paved drive and our shared part and I begged him to stop doing the bits we shared as he was washing out the mortar. Since he had already done some he had already damaged it and now parts of the drive have sunk. Sometimes we can only hope people will just do their own as they don't always know what they are doing.
Load More Replies...I used to have a neighbor who hired people to trim a hedge on our mutual property line. I really didn't want my side done because I wanted it to grow up high and we did it ourselves. She was a summer person and couldn't understand that. She thought she was being nice but it was kind of irritating. If I don't ask you, don't do it. Thanks anyway.
There is no way I could just stop there, I would do the rest. Walking past that would actually annoy me lol.
Shame he didn't show how nice he could be by doing the whole wall. It's the little things that count!
New Fence, Who Dis?
I Never Knew These Stones Had Such An Awesome Pattern. At Least 10 Years Since Cleaned
Beautiful. It sucks just how expensive these sidewalk stones are, I would love to use them much more in my garden.
Come to Az., we pay people to take them away LOL
Load More Replies...Love those agate type colors. Beautiful shades and markings. Going to want to keep those clean!
I Just Remembered This Picture From 4 Years Ago. I Think It Fits Nicely Here
Actually the before is soo cute it kinda looks abandoned and secret garden-ish but the power wash is sooo clean!!!
The before *looks* great... but would you sit on it?
Load More Replies...May back yard neighbor has a huge tree. Hangs over my yard. apparently filled with birds, as the bench I have on that small patio is covered in bird s**t. I need a power washer.
I am all for antiquiey and all that, but I don't think I would sit on the before!
Washed Off 20 Years Of Texas Weather This Weekend
Before & After: Power Washing Our Patio Furniture
UV radiation from sunlight bleaches the wood fibers. The power-washing blasted off all of the degraded wood from the surface. It will quickly turn gray again unless a protective oil is applied to the cleaned furniture.
Load More Replies...Interior designer: "You ruined the patina, this chair is worthless now."
Do you have to lacquer them after cleaning? It's only raw wood after cleaning, or is that wrong?
Should’ve Taken A Video But Satisfying Nonetheless
What dug the big tunnel on the unfinished side? and is it dead? I hope
One Of The Only Good Things About All Of This Free Time
This Is Perfect
Cedar Picnic Table I Power Washed Last Summer. It Had Sat In The Shade Unused For 9 Years. It's Good As New
Now this is a good use of a hexagon (unlike those silly stairs above)
My Sister Has Been Busy
We Picked Up A Castle Play Set For The Kids. It Was In Serious Need Of A Good Pressure Wash
This what I’m constantly thinking seeing these- I thought the discoloration was sun bleaching!
Load More Replies...Transformation
I like both but the first one i would maintain or something, of course it wouldn't be practical but, BUT!! I like the secret garden look lol
Such Nice Bricks
me too. There is this tennis courts down the street, oh you should see it! it is THE WORST THING EVER!
Load More Replies...Just Power Washed My Trekking Shoes
Seems a better idea than the usual laundry ... may work, but broke one of my shoes in half.
Another One Revived
1930s Tile Roof Power Washed To Reveal Original Colors
Blasting Away The Red Georgia Clay
Been A Lurker For A Long Time, Decided To Get My Own. This Is The Result
"Gosh darn it, Martha, I slipped on the patio again!"
Load More Replies...Cleaned Half Of Our Steps To Show Off The Results. I Thought The Stone Was Black
Get someone to fix them though, you have some cracks and settling on the right. Get it before it all falls in
A Weekend Well Spent
Blowing Off The Old Deck Table
Power Cleaning A Bird Bath
As Bought On Ebay (Left) vs. Now
This could of been an item for pick up if not shipped.
Load More Replies...Found Out How To Spend Time In Quarantine
Probably Should Have Done This Sooner
Gonna Be A Long Day
Before And After. Just Need A New Net Now
Probably Been Over 80 Years Since My Patio Was Made And It Has Never Been Power Washed
Um, it might be a good idea to clean out the water, too. Just saying.
New Deck, Who Dis?
Cleaning Up The Fire Area Next To My House
It's sunk in many places so actually needs redoing.
Load More Replies...Gave Our Side Patio Some Love. This Was Satisfying
Welp, I Guess It Was Finally Quaran-Time To Power Wash The Back Courtyard
Even power washed that little white table with the little white chairs! uWu
Saw My Friend's Porch And Insisted On Pressure Washing It For Her
Yes, porch, genius. U know, a porch doesn't have to be wood
Load More Replies...10 Years Of Dead Leaves Dirt And Roots Between 4 And 6 Inches Deep Covering A Concrete Slab Poured Over A Decade Ago
Also needs some edging on the garden beds to keep the dirt in place.
Load More Replies...Not that deep, you can see to the bottom of the wall and fence in the before pic
No Video, But The Satisfaction Of Removing All That Moss Already Made Buying The Pressure Washer Worth It
So I Recently Moved Into My First Home, And Thought “I Wonder What A Jet Wash Could Do To The Garden, One Karcher K7 Later
Old Federal Courthouse Getting A Good Cleaning
My Wife Now Thinks I Bought The Jet Washer Just To Get Karma Over Here. She’s Not Entirely Wrong
After A Winter Outside, Definitely The Highlight Of My Quarantine
Quick, We’re On The News, Better Clean This Building So It Doesn’t Look So Ugly. (Coronavirus Quarantine Block At Arrowe Park)
I'm Having So Much Fun
That is exactly what I wondered. But, if you look closer, the white one isn't white all over, and has brown and black underneath.
Load More Replies...Day 2 Of Lockdown
So Satisfying. The Patio Will Be Next
Caught The Mirage Doing Some Winter Cleaning Of The Pools
This is the Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas
Load More Replies...Al I see is a lot of men standing around with their hands in their pockets.
Damn, can’t the poor dudes catch a break? Look at how much work they’ve done already
Load More Replies...Actually some buildings, patios and stairscases in decay look really nice.
Gosh I wish I had a quarantine lock-down where I couldn't work.. I got so much to do about the house and no time.... I've been working 6/7 days a week since March and it's not slowing down..
Same. I'm steady working, which I'm grateful for, but my house is definitely not getting all this special treatment like quarentiners are. Essential worker means my home projects aren't essential.
Load More Replies...When I was younger, my dad water blasted the path, steps and porch thingies up to our house (an old as Victorian house they were fixing up a bit), and then as the 100+ years of muck and moss came off we discovered they weren't dark grey but very light grey, and the steps and landing/porch were a totally different colour, more of a pale tan stone. They looked lovely but it was irritating that they didn't match lol. The other big improvement they made was the inside downstairs hall: it was carved wood with arches and scrolls, and the previous owners had painted all the wood a glossy black (barf), they spent yonks very carefully stripping and restoring it. One of my chores was dusting it, by god I hated how intracite it was XD
I always worry that if I power wash, I'll remove something important, like the sealant... But then, I "power wash" with a broom and soapy water!
Worrying about removing something important is a very sensible approach. Always be sure you know that the surface of the area to be washed, as well as anything keeping it together (pointing and anything underneath paving), is going to be able to take it. I've seen a lot of damage caused by people innocently power washing things.
Load More Replies...I hope everyone inspired to do the same reads the safety instructions. Need to wear heavy duty shoes, gloves and goggles. If the stream crosses your unprotected toes it can cut it right off!
I wish some if the wives would just do it them selves instead of playing feeble and make the husbands do it. ( for all the “finally my husband did this)
Does anyone know if power washers work when one lives on tank water and not main water lines?
Actually some buildings, patios and stairscases in decay look really nice.
Gosh I wish I had a quarantine lock-down where I couldn't work.. I got so much to do about the house and no time.... I've been working 6/7 days a week since March and it's not slowing down..
Same. I'm steady working, which I'm grateful for, but my house is definitely not getting all this special treatment like quarentiners are. Essential worker means my home projects aren't essential.
Load More Replies...When I was younger, my dad water blasted the path, steps and porch thingies up to our house (an old as Victorian house they were fixing up a bit), and then as the 100+ years of muck and moss came off we discovered they weren't dark grey but very light grey, and the steps and landing/porch were a totally different colour, more of a pale tan stone. They looked lovely but it was irritating that they didn't match lol. The other big improvement they made was the inside downstairs hall: it was carved wood with arches and scrolls, and the previous owners had painted all the wood a glossy black (barf), they spent yonks very carefully stripping and restoring it. One of my chores was dusting it, by god I hated how intracite it was XD
I always worry that if I power wash, I'll remove something important, like the sealant... But then, I "power wash" with a broom and soapy water!
Worrying about removing something important is a very sensible approach. Always be sure you know that the surface of the area to be washed, as well as anything keeping it together (pointing and anything underneath paving), is going to be able to take it. I've seen a lot of damage caused by people innocently power washing things.
Load More Replies...I hope everyone inspired to do the same reads the safety instructions. Need to wear heavy duty shoes, gloves and goggles. If the stream crosses your unprotected toes it can cut it right off!
I wish some if the wives would just do it them selves instead of playing feeble and make the husbands do it. ( for all the “finally my husband did this)
Does anyone know if power washers work when one lives on tank water and not main water lines?
