There are some precautions that should be taken when pressure washing. First, always avoid using this power washer on wood surfaces. It can damage the wood and remove its stain or sealant. The same is true for vinyl siding as it will cause serious damage to the material. With asphalt shingles, use low pressure as well as caution to avoid removing the granules from the surface.

When pressure washing, always start with a lower PSI and increase it if needed. This will help avoid damaging the surface that’s being cleaned. And always use a fan nozzle when possible. This provides a wider spray that is less likely to cause damage. When cleaning windows, use a low pressure and a detergent to avoid leaving streaks.

One of the most important things to remember when pressure washing is to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure there is plenty of room to work and that people and pets are kept out of the way. The powerful spray from the hose can cause injury if it’s not handled properly.

When pressure washing, there are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. Here are a few:

Do’s:

1. Inspect the surface before washing.

Make sure that there is no debris or dirt that could be pushed further into the surface or cause scratches.

2. Start with the bottom of a building and work your way upwards.

This will prevent water from running further up the surface and causing damage or dripping on windows or other sensitive areas.

3. Start washing from the top of a building.

Work downwards with overlapping strokes until you reach the bottom. This will prevent streaking on horizontal surfaces after high pressure washing has been completed.

4. Use a detergent or soap specifically designed for pressure washing.

This will help to lift dirt and grime from the surface and improve the results of the wash.

5. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing.

Make sure to remove all of the soap or detergent before it dries as this can cause staining.

 

Don’ts:

1. Be careful on what to pressure wash.

Don’t pressure wash a structure that has been recently painted or coated unless it is recommended by the manufacturer. This can cause damage to the surface or strip off the coatings.

2. Avoid using too much water.

Don’t use too much water while washing as this will cause damage to other surfaces and may not be effective in removing dirt from the surface being cleaned.

3. Don’t use too much pressure.

This can gouge or damage the surface being washed. Start with a lower pressure and increase if needed.

4. Don’t stay in one place for too long.

Move the washer back and forth to evenly distribute the pressure and avoid creating streaks on the surface.

5. Don’t spray too closely as this may damage the surface.

Allow the water to disperse and reach further into cracks and crevices, but do not let it directly hit the surface. Use low pressure.

6. Don’t pressure wash at dusk or when it is raining.

The water can cause slippery surfaces and the high pressure could damage surfaces.

7. Don’t use a power washer on plastic, vinyl, wood, or asphalt shingles.

These materials can be damaged by the high pressure of the washer.

8. Don’t leave wet surfaces untreated.

After washing, make sure to rinse the surface completely and dry it off as soon as possible to avoid any staining or damage.

 

Things to consider when pressure washing:

1. Protect the area being washed by parking cars away from the structure being cleaned, covering plants with plastic sheets, and protecting any other sensitive areas that could be damaged by running water.
2. Start with a low water pressure and increase if needed.
3. Use a detergent or soap to help break down the dirt and grime on the surface.
4. Always avoid using high pressure on wood, vinyl, or asphalt shingles as it can damage these surfaces.
5. Inspect the surface before washing for any debris that could be pushed further into the surface or cause scratches.
6. Start at the top of a building and work downwards with overlapping strokes until you reach the bottom. This will prevent streaking on horizontal surfaces after high pressure washing has been completed.
7. Wear safety goggles, gloves, and clothing that can get wet while pressure washing.
8. Keep the nozzle at least 8 inches away from the surface for high pressure washing and closer for low pressure.
9. Rinse any leftover debris or soap off after pressure washing has been completed.

Pressure washing can be a great way to clean surfaces and remove built-up dirt, but it is important to take some precautions before getting started. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your pressure washing efforts are successful and safe. If you wish to know more tips regarding pressure washing, do not hesitate to visit 501 Pressure Washing.

Do you have plants and shrubs at home? Learn How to Protect Your Shrubs and Plants from Soft Washing in our next blog!