Pressure Washing Do’s and Don’ts
Pressure washing can do wonders when it comes to exterior cleaning. But just like any other machine, pressure washers should be handled appropriately to get the maximum benefits that they can give. If misuse, it can be harmful to properties and dangerous to lives. That is why it is always advised to let the professionals do any cleaning job that uses a pressure washer.
Why powerwash?
Here are some of the benefits of pressure washing your building exterior:
- It increases curb appeal.
- It increases property value.
- It prevents damage.
- It saves money.
- It prepares exterior surfaces for repainting.
- It keeps you and your family safe and healthy.
- It saves time.
- It is an eco-friendly choice.
- It saves water.
The do’s and don’ts of pressure washers and pressure washing
Pressure washers have 50 times the pressure compared to an average garden hose. You can just imagine how powerful it is in cleaning dirt and stubborn stains on outdoor surfaces. But that same power can be harmful. If you want to make the best out of your pressure washers and pressure washing jobs, take note of the following points that professionals do observe in every project.
Do protect yourself and others.
High water pressures can cause dirt, debris, and other particles to fly off from any surface that is being cleaned. It is important to wear personal protective equipment for your safety. Wear appropriate goggles to protect your eyes from eye damage and injuries. Professionals are even required to wear a full mask for tougher jobs. Do wear protective clothes that cover your arms and legs. Much better, prefer clothes that can stand dirt and water. Power washers can also be loud so wear proper noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears. Avoid open-toe shoes and slippers during pressure washing and opt for footwear that will give maximum protection and cover to your feet with proper grip to prevent slip and fall.
Also, be sure that the area to be wash is cleared and no other family members or even pets are present during cleaning time.
Prepare and check the pressure washer before starting.
Read the machine’s manual of instruction before use. Operating the machine varies on the brand and the machine’s model or variety. It does not automatically follow that if you can run one pressure washer, you can handle all. Also, always see to it that parts (like the nozzle and other accessories) are correctly attached to each other to avoid any problem. Power washers that run on fuel should always be checked to be sure that the oil level is enough. Do the necessary refilling if needed. If the fuel drained during operation, it can cause damage to the machine. Always make sure that enough fuel is on standby and turn off the machine when refilling. Pressure washers need an adequate supply and pressure of water when in use. If water is not enough, pressure washing will not be effective, giving unsatisfactory results.
Do not underestimate the pressure washers’ power.
The efficiency of the pressure washer depends on its speed and strength. That same speed and strength can cause dangers to lives and properties. Always start on the lowest pressure setting and grip the wand tightly.
Do not use the same nozzle and water pressure for every job.
Not all exterior surfaces are the same. Some are delicate and fragile as compared to others. Because of this, power washing should be done accordingly. Adjust the water pressure depending on the materials on which the surface is made of. Also, there are different types of nozzles that can be used during pressure washing. The narrower the pressure, the stronger the pressure is. Be sure to do the necessary adjustment for safer power washing.
Do aim the nozzle at the right angle and the appropriate length of time.
When you see, stubborn dirt and stains, you tend to point the nozzle directly on that particular surface for a longer period of time. This can do more harm than good as it can damage the surface, especially when the pressure is too high. Do not aim the nozzle on people, pets, or plants. Always maintain the appropriate distance between the surface and the nozzle. Do not aim upward or too close or the surface will blast off.
Do not leave the pressure washer unattended.
Be sure to lock the machine to avoid unnecessary use. A pressure washer is neither a toy nor a garden hose and should not be treated as such.
Do clear the area before pressure washing.
Remove unnecessary objects before cleaning. Unplug and cover electronic items and electronic outlets for safety.
Do not use harsh cleaning solutions.
Harsh chemicals can be dangerous not only on your property but also on humans, pets, and plants. Note that not all cleaning solutions are the same. You should understand what is applicable to a particular type of surface. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning solutions if needed.
Pressure washing is not a do-it-yourself task. It should be done by professionals who were trained on how to use the machine and understand different building exterior surfaces. If you need pressure washing services in the Greater Portland Area, Racine Property Services is always ready to assist you. Established in 1995, we, at Racine Property Services have gained the experience and the expertise needed to excel in the pressure washing business. As we always want to give excellent services, we always keep up with the recent technologies and undergo series of training to keep up with the advancement in the field. We value our clients so we always work with them with professionalism, a friendly attitude, and honesty to provide a positive experience to each and every one of them. We offer pressure washing jobs like roof and gutter cleaning, house washing, window cleaning, and driveway cleaning. Leave the dirty works to us. Let us handle any exterior cleaning jobs and we can guarantee you satisfying results. Contact us now for more information and consultation.