Ever woke up in the morning, looked at your house possibly and thought it needed a little touch-up? Pressure washing may just turn out to be the magic wand you have been in search of! If properly applied, it can turn the darkest colour of siding, decks, and driveways into a clean-looking area. But wait, don’t just take out the pressure washer and start blasting at everything at full strength. This is the art behind this effective cleaning process. If not well done, you could have a deformed house instead of that darn stylish look you were keen on.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pressure Washing Your Home Exterior
This guide is designed to give you a head start on some of the most critical positive things to do and negative things to avoid when pressure washing your home exterior. Before you’re through, you will feel comfortable making your home sparkle safely and efficiently!
Why Pressure Washing is a Game-Changer
Picture this: Your house looks dull, and your driveway needs cleaning. Now, consider the nozzle if a pressure washer removes months or even years of dirt in a second. Pressure washing is like giving your home a dirtiest facial, though! It cuts off all dirt, mould, grime, and stains that give the outside of your home that old and worn look.
Not only will the exterior of the house and the entrance look beautiful and more attractive, but neighbours will undoubtedly recognise it. A dirty surface harms walls and roofs with mould and dirt over time. If you are thinking of selling your home, consider pressure washing; it could increase your home’s resale value!
DO Understand Your Pressure Washer
To begin with, you must familiarise yourself with your pressure washer’s capabilities and, let’s face it, it packs a punch! Whether you’re a regular renter of one for the weekend or an owner of one, the machine can be your greatest ally or your worst nightmare. This is the one thing that most people underestimate: the strength of your pressure washer.
Additionally, feel free to adjust the nozzles! Low angles are better for siding and decks as they spread at a wider spray angle in contrast to the higher angle that targets concentrated cleaning. If necessary, start from a broad area and gradually move in—it will be a lot easier to apply more pressure compared to fixing jiggling siding!
DO NOT Forget Why We Wear Protective Gear
Pressure washing is extremely satisfying, but before you get grimy with it, safety comes first! Oh yes, that mighty stream of water can cause a whole lot of harm to your home—or you!
Ensure you wear protective clothing, eye protection, hand protection, and foot protection whenever you are working. And please do not shoot at people, pets, or glass objects, as this is as enjoyable as having to clean up broken glass.
DO Start with a Test Patch
If pressure washing is done by mistake, it is not something you can efficiently workaround. If the water jet is damaged, it is tough to contain or retrieve. That’s why a test patch is your new best friend!
Before painting your whole siding or deck, choose a small area that will only be noticeable if something goes right. Your goal now is to try the different pressure settings, angles, and techniques you’ll use to avoid accidentally ruining the surface. A test run effectively guarantees that the product’s quality is standard and there are no rude shocks later.
DO NOT Pressure wash every surface.
Although it might sound very enticing to take on everything you can see (who isn’t a fan of instant results?), not all surfaces can be treated with a pressure washer.
Do not use the pressure washer on the painted areas, as this will remove the paint. Other materials, such as stucco or older wood siding, are also no-nos, as the pressure can cause the former to crack or splinter.
DO Use Cleaning Solutions Safely
Sometimes, a simple rinse with water will not remove the stubborn stains or moulds, which is where cleaning agents are considered. The kicker? Or the right one for your job.
Before going in, make sure your pressure washer is suitable for use with detergents, which, it turns out, most of them are. When pressure washing, use a cleaning product meant for pressure washing. Mould removers, deck cleaners, and siding washes are easily purchased and make all the difference.
DON’T Overdo It
Here is some advice that you will be grateful for: simplicity pays. With a pressure washer, one can easily pressure-wash away much more than intended without causing more damage than good.
If the nozzle is applied close to the working surface, it is possible to peel paint off, burn wood, or mar concrete with scratches. However, it is essential not to get too close – 6-12 inches is usually optimal.
Conclusion
Pressure washing is not a one-time service; it is about maintenance. Programming for regular maintenance helps keep the home’s exterior looking its best all year round.
For most people, pressure washing the house is done about once a year and does the job just right. However, based on how hard (and stained) driveways, patios, and decks are, it may be advisable to use them more frequently.
Consistency not only makes your property look neat and clean but also gets rid of dirt and stone, which form difficult-to-clean stains.
