Pressure Washing Tips for Absolute Beginners

Is the exterior of your home looking dirty and dull? The accumulation of dirt and grime on the exterior surfaces of your home not only reduces its curb appeal but can also cause damage to the exterior surfaces. It will not only cause surfaces to succumb to wear and tear but also attract the growth of mold and mildew which can cause even further damage to the surface. You may be wondering how to pressure wash a house, pressure washing is a great way to refresh your property while protecting it from the exposure to dirt, grime and the elements. Below, we offer pressure washer tips for those that have never used a pressure washer before.

Pressure washers are designed to release a pressurized jet of water. A pump is used to achieve this. These pumps can be powered with either electricity or gasoline. There are pros and cons of each option.

Pros of gas pressure washers

If you’re looking for a pressure washer that can provide a high pressure per square inch (PSI) and expel a greater volume of water per minute, gallons per minute, then the gas pressure washer is your best choice. The high volume and pressure will ensure you can clean surfaces much faster.

Gas pressure washers also don’t need to be plugged in to work. They are cordless. This means you can move the pressure washer around without worrying about cords or power outlets. This gives you greater flexibility when pressure washing.

Cons of gas pressure washers

These pressure washers have gasoline engines that require consistent maintenance. They will require periodic changes of oil. You will also need to invest in the right fuel additives to keep the engine in good condition when the machine is in storage for an extended period of time.

Their engines are also louder than an electric power washer. You will not be able to use these pressure washers indoors or in covered spaces due to the exhaust from the gasoline.

Pros of Electric Pressure Washers

These pressure washers are fully electric. Since they do not use fossil fuels, they don’t emit any harmful gasses. You can therefore use them indoors.

Their engines are quieter than gas pressure washers. However, it is still always important to wear hearing protection when using them.

These machines are low maintenance. You don’t have to change oil or perform other maintenance tasks even when they are placed in storage for an extended period.

Cons of Electric Pressure Washers

These machines must be plugged in to work. They can only be used where a power outlet is available.

These pressure washers cannot provide the same power as gas pressure washers. It therefore takes much longer to clean using these pressure washers. You should be prepared to take a longer time to clean a large area. Electric power washers are best for small projects.

Both gas and electric pressure washers come in different sizes. It is important to use the right sized pressure washer for the job.

Light-Duty Pressure Washers

These are machines that cannot achieve pressure levels higher than 2000 PSI. They are ideal for cleaning small spaces such as patios or small decks.

Medium-Duty Pressure Washers

These achieve pressures between 2000 and 2800 PSI. They are ideal for cleaning larger spaces and areas where dirt may be more compact such as driveways.

Professional Pressure Washers

These achieve pressure levels greater than 3300 PSI. They are professional-grade machines designed for heavy duty jobs.

Below we discuss some pressure washing tips and how to use a power washer.

Eye & Hearing Protection

Wear eye protection to protect your eyes from the debris and water. Wear hearing protection to protect your hearing from the loud sound.

Use Both Hands

Always use both hands to secure the wand and prevent it from flying out of your grip.

Don’t Get Too Close

Keep a safe distance of at least 18 inches from the surface being cleaned to avoid the risk of damaging it from the pressure being applied.

Don’t pressure wash surfaces that have been painted as the paint will chip off. You should also avoid pressure washing siding as this can damage the material.

For the best results when using a pressure washer for house cleaning on wood surfaces, move the wand in up and down motions. Don’t stop the spray from any particular spot for too long. Simply pass over stubborn stains several times. Avoid overlapping strokes to prevent damage.

To get the best results, sweep the surface before you start. Pretreat stains such as motor oil stains with a concrete cleaner. Use a narrow spray nozzle. You can use soap with the nozzle designed for use with soap to clean stubborn stains.

Use the soaping nozzle for cleaning siding. You may have to pretreat areas affected by mold, mildew or other stubborn stains.

If you want the best results using a pressure washer for house cleaning, contact a professional. We at Crystal Clean A1 Window Service will ensure you get the best results without damaging your property.