The Dos And Don’ts Of Effective Pressure Washing
Are you interested in doing pressure washing at home?
To ensure effective pressure washing and optimal results, keep in mind the various dos and don’ts of pressure washing cleaning.
The Different Dos And Dont’s Of Effective Pressure Washing
Before you embark on doing pressure washing at home, check out the following dos and don’ts recommended by experienced pressure washing professionals, like Platinum Pressure Washing and Window Cleaning, themselves to beginner homeowners like you.
The Dos Of Effective Pressure Washing
When doing pressure washing at home, it’s advised that you do the following:
- Do Make Preparations Like A Home Pressure Washer Pro
Before doing any pressure washing-related cleaning, it’s advised that you make different preparations to ensure a smooth sailing cleaning process.
Begin making preparations by clearing the spot you’re going to clean of furniture, plants, and any loose objects that might get in the way. In addition, protect windows and delicate surfaces with masking tape or cardboard.
- Do Allow Yourself To Learn More About The Pressure Washer’s Nozzle
Among the most important parts of your pressure washer is the nozzle. Your pressure washer comes with a variety of nozzles for various cleaning purposes.
Wide fan nozzles for gentle rinsing, narrow pencil streams for stubborn stains, and everything in between – choosing the right one is crucial. Always test on an inconspicuous area first to avoid unleashing the nozzle’s full fury on delicate surfaces.
- Do Be Mindful Of The Strength Of The Pressure Washer
Your pressure washer’s water discharge comes with immense strength, which is measured by pounds per square inch or PSI. It’s best that you look into your pressure washer’s user manual regarding its PSI settings and the recommended cleaning settings for specific types of dirt and grime.
It’s recommended that you start low and go slow. This is to avoid exerting too much pressure and accidentally damaging delicate surfaces. Gradually increase the pressure as needed if you’re dealing with more stubborn stains and a more sturdy surface.
- Do Use The Proper Cleaning Agents
Cleaning agents help in allowing pressure washers to do their job properly. In fact, they can even make the cleaning job much easier. Pre-soaking with a cleaning solution designed for your specific surface loosens stubborn dirt and grime. This minimizes the need for high water pressure. Just like with the nozzle, choose a detergent specifically made for the material and/or surface you’re cleaning.
The Don’ts Of Effective Pressure Washing
After going through the different dos when it comes to pressure washing, check out the following don’ts, things that you should avoid, to ensure effective pressure washing.
- Don’t Forget Your Safety Gear
Always remember to have your safety gear with you. Goggles, gloves, sturdy shoes – consider them your pressure-washing armor. These pieces of safety equipment will help you protect yourself from the hazards of the strong water pressure.
Wearing goggles will protect your eyes from hazards like flying pieces of debris, chemical splashes, and so on. On the other hand, a pair of gloves will protect your skin from any chemical burns from the cleaning agent you’re using. Besides that, wearing gloves allows you to properly grip the handle of your pressure washer’s nozzle, helping you avoid any accidents during cleaning. Lastly, having a pair of sturdy work shoes prevents you from accidentally slipping and falling caused by water, cleaning detergent, and so on.
- Don’t Go Rambo On Your Pressure Washer
Pressure washing is a controlled way of cleaning. Holding the trigger down like a machine gun might seem efficient, but it’s a recipe for uneven cleaning and wasted water. Short bursts and controlled movements are your trusty friends when doing pressure washing at home.
- Don’t Point The Nozzle Like A Loaded Gun
Never, ever point the pressure washer nozzle at yourself, others, or pets. The force of the water coming out of the nozzle can cause severe injuries. Practice safety at all times when doing pressure washing at home.
- Don’t Use Hot Water
While hot water might seem like the ultimate grime vanquisher, it’s often unnecessary and can even damage certain surfaces. Stick with cool water in most cleaning cases. If you really need the extra cleaning power, use a low-pressure setting with hot water, but test it on a small area first.
- Don’t Disregard The Local Weather
Don’t forget to look into the local weather report on the day you’re planning to do at-home pressure washing. Experts only recommend pressure washing during calm and sunny days for optimal pressure-washing results. Never do pressure washing during strong winds, heavy rains and snowfall, and so on.
- Don’t Get Discouraged Easily
Embrace the learning curve that comes with pressure washing. Pressure washing is a skill, and like any skill, it takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t end up great. Start small, experiment with different techniques, and enjoy the process of transforming your living space into a sparkling, squeaky-clean haven.
To Conclude
Remember, pressure washing is a powerful tool, but with the right knowledge and a healthy dose of caution, it can be a safe and effective way to bring your living spaces back to life. Set forth and unleash the sparkling potential of your home with the help of your trusty pressure washer.
