Pressure washing can refresh and restore the look of everything from your driveway to your deck. When done effectively, it cuts time, improves the look of your house, and helps keep the surfaces in excellent condition. When not used properly, pressure washing can make the situation worse. It will cover the most common pressure washing mistakes and how to avoid them.
Pressure Washing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
With the information provided by this article, you’ll achieve professional results and ensure your surfaces remain safe.
Using the Wrong Pressure Setting
The PSI (pounds per square inch) scale measures pressure for a pressure washer, and picking the wrong pressure setting can result in severe damage. If you use a machine with too much pressure, you can quickly damage the paint, wood, or concrete, but too little pressure means dirt and mildew will not be touched. For example, decks and fences are best painted at moderate pressure, but you can use higher settings when painting concrete driveways.
This can be avoided by checking the manual for your pressure washer and understanding the surface you will clean. Do not hesitate to add more heat as you need it after continuously using a lower setting. Try painting in an area that is not too visible to see how it looks on the surface.
Holding the Wand Too Close to the Surface
Beginners also tend to put their wand very close to the canvas. Many people believe that blasting from a closer range would do a better job, but it usually causes uneven finishing and may even permanently damage the surface. Wood and concrete surfaces can be weathered and show signs of aging.
The solution? Keep the wand at a set distance from whatever you are using it on. Most experts suggest holding the cleaner about 6-12 inches away from any surface you are cleaning. Tweak the positioning of the brush to ensure every area is cleaned and won’t get damaged.
Not Using the Right Nozzle
You can switch nozzles on a pressure washer for different spraying methods. Applying the wrong nozzle may lead to less effective cleaning or damage to what you’re cleaning. A 0-degree nozzle will give a strong and focused flow of spray to cut into surfaces, but if you use a 40-degree nozzle, you can cover and smooth over more sensitive areas without risking damage.
For any cleaning job, pick the proper nozzle for the type of surface being cleaned. Look at the instruction manual to find the appropriate nozzle for your work. If uncertain, try using the widest spray and changing to a smaller one as needed. Avoiding this will make your cleaning safer and more efficient.
Overlooking Safety Precautions
Putting safety aside is likely to result in disaster when operating a powerful tool such as a pressure washer. Water can cause harm, and not managing it safely may result in objects flying around and possible electrical hazards. Using inappropriate footwear can result in accidents.
Wear goggles, gloves, and non-slip shoes to avoid getting hurt. Always be aware of what’s happening around you, especially in the presence of people, pets, or anything electrical. Take time to read the product manual and learn how to shut off the gas in case of an emergency.
Neglecting to Pre-Treat or Pre-Wash Surfaces
Many people do not pre-treat the area before pressure washing their yard and mistakenly believe that just the spray will remove dirt and grime. However, missing this area might cause the cleaning to be incomplete and strange stains, grease, and mildew to remain.
Treating the surface with suitable cleaning products beforehand leads to much better results. Opt for a scrub brush to help dissolve hardened dirt, and after that, let the detergent sit for a while before washing the dishes. With proper cleaning, you won’t need to use high-pressure washers for hours, as this could cause harm.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Solution
Different cleaning products can harm or work poorly on certain surfaces or pressure washers. Using a solution strong enough to harm your house could strip paint, mark surfaces, or harm the plants near your property. Using the wrong detergent could cause dirt to form clogs within your equipment.
Select cleaning products for the type of surface you wish to clean. Verify whether using a cleaning product with your type of pressure washer is recommended, as suggested by the manufacturer. Whenever you work adjacent to vegetation, choose eco-friendly detergents to ensure your lawn and gardens are not exposed to harmful substances.
Skipping Regular Maintenance of Your Pressure Washer
Many individuals fail to care for their pressure washers properly, which often results in the pressure washer not working as efficiently and possibly stopping functioning. If you find oil leaks, a bad seal, or a nozzle that does not work right, your machine may perform poorly, and its parts could decay more rapidly.
Be sure to plan regular maintenance and check-ups for your equipment. Care for your nozzles, look for any damage in the hoses, and change the oil or filters whenever necessary. Well-maintained equipment works correctly for several years and allows you to save time and money.
Attempting to Wash Fragile Surfaces
Sometimes, using a pressure washer on fragile surfaces, such as windows or furniture, leads to lasting damage. Water blasting a fence can cause the fencing materials to crack, scratch, or break when the settings or nozzles are incorrect.
Use your hands or wash delicate things with a garden hose and a soft brush when needed to clean them. For the safest use of a pressure washer, set it to the lowest power and use a wide spray. Be very careful not to cause any harm.
Failing to Plan Ahead
A lot of people begin pressure washing without making proper preparations. They may not clear the path, cover near plants and things, or account for draining off rainwater. In many cases, people don’t finish cleaning, cause damage to their environment, or have difficulty handling cleaning afterward.
Be sure to set up the area you will clean before starting. Eliminate things from outside or shield them so that moisture or particles do not destroy them. Clean from the highest points in the house and work your way down to reduce the chance of recontaminating things you just washed. Getting ready before you clean will help you clean more efficiently and effectively.
Using Too Much Pressure on Sealed Surfaces
Driveways, decks, and pavers are specially treated to keep their appearance and structure strong. If you push too hard, you may break the seals, allowing the surface to become damaged, wet, or stained.
When cleaning a sealed area, use the lowest pressure possible and aim the spray broadly. Add gentle cleaning solutions to assist in cleaning, reducing the force of the water flow. Taking care of the seals lets your exterior stay weather-proof and look good.
Conclusion
Avoiding these typical mistakes with pressure washing can prevent costly expenses and unsatisfactory results. Always get prepared, know what your equipment can do, and select the fitting techniques for all surfaces.
A little care and attention to pressure washing will leave your property clean and restored. Be patient, and if you are unsure what to do, follow the directions in the manual or ask a professional.
