How to Pressure Wash a Shed or Log Cabin

A wooden garden room can get grimy fast, with dirt, moss, and mildew building up over time. In situations like this, you don’t need to spend hours scrubbing once you know how to pressure wash a shed or log cabin. This guide shows you how and gives you that satisfying feeling of seeing grime disappear!

How to Pressure Wash a Shed

Pressure washing a shed isn’t just blasting water at the walls. There’s a bit of technique involved to get rid of stubborn dirt without causing damage. Here’s the way to get it done:

• Don’t pressure wash the roof felt; the water could lift the flaps and create leaks and trapped moisture inside. It can also weaken the UV resisting qualities of the felt. Brush and cloth are the best bet for the roof.
• With the pressure washer, work top to bottom to stop streaks.
• Keep the nozzle at least 30 to 40 cm away from the wood. Too close, and the water can strip the surface.
• Move the wand in a constant motion and don’t stay in one spot.
• If there’s moss or algae, pre-treat with a wood-safe cleaner and allow some dwell time. Rinse it off with a low pressure setting.
• Once finished, rinse the shed to wash away detergents or loosened dirt. If you can, leave the doors and windows open so it dries quickly and stops any damp smells.

Tip: Detergent is optional, but if your shed has stubborn dirt or algae, use a wood-safe cleaner.

Pressure wash inside a shed?

Don’t use a pressure washer inside your shed. There are lots of nooks and crannies such as panel seams, overlaps, floor joints, and fixings, where water can end up trapped. On plastic sheds, the pressure can also cause panels to flex. Sheds with electricity installed are also at extra risk with water being sprayed around.

Instead, clean your shed interior with these methods:

• Use a vacuum cleaner with brush attachment to capture cobwebs, dust and other muck.
• For dirt that’s stuck, use a moist cloth and mild soap to scrub the area.
• Leave the door and any windows open to allow any wet areas to dry.

How to Pressure Wash a Log Cabin

Pressure washing a log cabin isn’t the same as other sheds. As the walls are constructed of individually stacked logs, there can be small gaps which water under high pressure could penetrate, so take your time and be cautious.

• Set the pressure low and try a small area to check how the wood reacts.
• Work along the grain of the wood, keeping the nozzle at a safe distance. Avoid staying in one spot too long.
• Use a little wood-safe detergent on stubborn moss, lichen, or dirt, then rinse it off straight away.
• Finish a wall and scan for spots that got missed. Tackle one side at a time.
• Let the cabin dry fully before staining or sealing.
• Only pressure wash the outside.

Do not spray directly at cracks, splits, or parts with loose chinking! This can lead to rot, widen cracks, or make the gaps worse.

Pressure washing once a year is usually enough for most garden log cabins.

Round-up

Pressure washing doesn’t have to be a weekly chore, but a shed or log cabin will benefit from it every year or two. Low pressure, a rinse, and time to dry—that’s all it takes to keep your wooden building debris-free!

No shed or log cabin to pressure wash yet? Click below to browse and pick one that fits you.

Another guide you might find helpful: How to Add an Electric Supply to Your Shed