Pressure washing blasts dirt, mildew, mold, and stains from surfaces like patios, driveways, and outdoor furniture. It also helps extend the life of your outdoor materials. Read on to know more.
Use green or white nozzles on most jobs; their wide spray angle is less likely to damage surfaces. Reserve yellow nozzles for the toughest cleaning—but be careful around electrical devices, like backup generator cabinets or outdoor light fixtures and outlets.
Detergents
A high-quality detergent is a must for any pressure-washing project. A good detergent makes cleaning a breeze by breaking down and lifting pesky dirt, grime, mildew, and oil from surfaces. It also prevents scratching. Whether you are looking to revitalize your deck, clean your siding, or prepare a surface for painting, the right detergent can help get the job done faster and easier.
If you are tackling a bigger cleaning project, you may want to consider investing in a concentrated cleaner that works with hot and cold water pressure washers. Karcher’s multi-purpose detergent is a great option for pressure washers since it can be used on wood, metal, and brick. It can also easily remove oil stains, mold, and mildew.
Another option is Simple Green, a non-toxic and biodegradable cleaner that can be used on wood, metal, concrete, and other surfaces. It can also remove mold, mildew, and rust stains. It is safe for use with a pressure washer and is non-corrosive.
Equipment
When it comes to professional pressure washing, high PSI and water volume are the keys. This Simpson model delivers both, as well as a constant-run motor that keeps the pump turning even when you’re not pulling the trigger on the spray gun. This helps improve trigger response and reduces priming. It also has five quick-connect nozzle tips, including a turbo nozzle and a soap nozzle.
It also has a 50-foot, steel-braided hose that’s more abrasion resistant than rubber hoses. That’s a big benefit for a tool that may go back and forth between jobs in different locations on your route.
This Greenworks model is a good budget choice for light-duty cleaning jobs around the house and yard. Its 20-foot hose provides adequate pressure for most tasks, and the unit is lightweight, compact, and easy to assemble. A downside is that its hose can be stiff to unroll, but that should loosen with use and regular usage.
Preparation
As a homeowner, there is a never-ending list of maintenance and repair projects to keep up with. One of these is pressure washing, an efficient method to rid surfaces of dirt, grime, and mildew.
Before starting any cleaning project, it is crucial to prepare the area. Survey the property and look for cracks, gaps, or leaks that could admit water during pressure washing. This includes examining any areas around your house that have decorative plants and shrubs. These can be damaged during the process, so you need to cover them with a drop cloth or plastic tablecloth.
It is also a good idea to unplug any outdoor outlets that are within the vicinity of the area you plan on washing. This is to prevent electricity and water from combining, which can cause a dangerous jolt. It is also a smart idea to clear the surrounding area of inanimate objects like toys and lawn furniture. This can prevent them from getting sprayed and potentially injured by the high-pressure water spray.
Safety
There are a few important safety measures to take when using a pressure washer. First and foremost is eye protection as water shoots out at extreme speeds that can cause serious injury. You will never see a machine shop worker without their eye protection and it is a mistake to ignore the same danger when cleaning your home.
Another safety measure is to cover exterior outlets and doorbells to prevent water from getting into a home or garage and mixing with electricity. It is also a good idea to cover plants, vehicles, and furniture to avoid damage.
Finally, it is not a good idea to pressure wash items while holding them as the powerful water jet can cause lacerations. For example, this guy thought he could clean off a bug with the spray from his pressure washer and ended up lacerating his leg. This is why it is so important to keep your hands clear of the nozzle and to always point the nozzle away from yourself. Check this out for more details.
