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Protecting Vegetation and Animals When Pressure Washing

June 20, 2026 · 3 min read · By Rick Dewberry

On surfaces that require bleach, I use a 1% mixture of SH (bleach) diluted with water. I only use bleach on surfaces that need it, for example areas with excess organic build-up.

Before any chemicals are applied, I saturate all surfaces, grass, and vegetation with water. Then I apply bleach where necessary and dilute all grass and vegetation again with water.

After the bleach has had time to react and clean the organic matter, I rinse the surfaces thoroughly to remove any hint of chemicals. As a finishing touch, I again saturate all grass and vegetation with water.

As a result, the 1% bleach solution has been diluted again and again, so there is only a minute trace of the active compound, if any.

On hard surfaces such as aggregate driveways, brick walls, and steps, I rarely use any bleach. Instead, I use extreme pressure from my surface cleaner and Turbo Tools to eliminate organic material and surface stains from these types of hard materials.

If requested, I can cover plants and vegetation if it gives you peace of mind. Animals must be kept out of the working area while work is going on, but they can return a few hours after the job is finished.

I can also use a product called Bleach Buster in areas of concern when requested, which totally neutralizes bleach.

In all the time I have been pressure washing, I have never had a complaint from a customer about plants or animals being harmed by my work. I am extremely careful with everything I do.

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