Pressure washing exists because other methods of cleaning stubborn outdoor grime simply fall short. Apart from this, outdoor cleaning projects are very different and more difficult than indoor cleaning.
When it comes to home exterior cleaning, a power washer is 10x more efficient in eliminating hard dirt and substances caused by prolonged exposure to the elements. Of course, pressure washing your home is only a good idea if you know what you’re doing! The fact of the matter is that this high-powered piece of equipment can cause a lot of damage to your home’s exterior if it is misused. With that said, there’s no need to be afraid of attempting a DIY pressure washing of your home but rather prepare yourself for the project to ensure that you are using the equipment safely while achieving a desirable result.
The ‘Dos’ When Pressure Washing Your Home
- Because pressure washers are extremely powerful machines, a DIY job should start on a low setting, and gradually increase the pressure once they have the hang of it. Even then, the machine should not be used on the highest setting as this will likely cause damage to the material or finish. Instead, inspect the area each time you increase the pressure; when it seems to be effectively cleaning the surface, stick to that setting.
- Keep your arms and hands steady when using a pressure washer. It takes a bit of practice to learn how to handle the machine; therefore, it is advisable to do a few trial strokes in a safe, outdoor area.
- Always keep the power washer in motion when applying it to your home exterior. This means not holding it in one spot for more than two or three seconds. The water pressure needs to be evenly distributed across the surface which is why a sweeping motion is advised.
- Stand at a distance when you begin pressure washing your home exterior. You should be at least two feet away from the surface especially when cleaning siding and/or painted materials.
- Always test your pressure washer out on an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not have a damaging effect on the surface. Check the area for denting, etching, and peeling after testing the equipment.
- Remove/unplug any electrical fixtures that are not water-resistant. As far as outdoor outlets are concerned, cover them with waterproof tape.
- Clear the space around your home or the before you power wash the exteriors. More importantly, make sure fragile items are not in the line of fire.
- Stick to a mild cleaning solution as opposed to toxic cleaners. Depending on the outdoor substances you are trying to remove, there may be a few, good alternatives to harsh chemicals.
- Apply the cleaning solution from the bottom and move upward; when rinsing the cleaner off, start from the top and finish at the bottom.
The ‘Don’ts’ When Pressure Washing Your Home
- Don’t increase the water pressure while the equipment is in motion. You may not be able to handle a sudden jump in power and end up spraying or denting a material by accident.
- Don’t use a higher water pressure on the surface until you have tested it out on an inconspicuous area of the material. Even a slight increase may be damaging to paint or other types of finish and hence, must be tested beforehand.
- Don’t use a high-temperature of water. While hot water is generally advised for removing tough grime by loosening or breaking it down using heat, with this piece of equipment, it is the pressure that makes it effective in cleaning up outdoor materials/surfaces.
- Don’t use the same nozzle on every area. The different pressure washer accessories are intended to cover wider or narrower areas and hence, offer varying water pressures as well.
- Don’t use the pressure washer to clean windows (even on a low setting). Exterior windows have seals that are easily damaged or weakened when pressure of this nature is applied. Leave your windows to be cleaned manually after you have finished pressure washing your home.
- Don’t angle the spray too much as this decreases the pressure applied to the surface. The grime should be sprayed head on and/or perpendicular to the surfaces for 100% effective results. When pressure washing areas where the sprayer cannot be held straight, consider using a pivot nozzle or increasing the pressure as needed.
- Don’t use excess cleaning products as a strong cleaning solution is not necessary. As long as you are using the appropriate water pressure, a mild cleaning solution will suffice.
- Don’t attempt DIY pressure washing your home unless you have mastered the techniques and handling of the machine. Remember, misusing a high-power pressure washer can damage your property.
Power Washing can be a difficult job and a dangerous one if you don’t know what you’re doing. If you don’t think you are up for the job give RH Power Washing a call today on 087 6089310
Whether you are looking Power Washing, Oven Cleaning or Window Cleaning – at RH Power Washing, we are here to meet your needs.
We have built a loyal customer base by treating them and their homes respectfully, and we’ve worked hard to make sure we get the job done better than anyone else can. If you are looking for professional power washing washing , call us today on 087 6089310 or 01 5639624
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