Cleaning hard surfaces in the backyard or outdoors without specific equipment is not difficult, but it is ineffective. In reality, other ways of removing tenacious outdoor filth fall short, which is why pressure washing your home is the go-to solution. Aside from that, cleaning the outside is quite different and more challenging than cleaning the inside.
When it comes to washing the exterior of your home, a pressure washer is 10 times more effective at removing stubborn dirt and things that have accumulated long-term exposure to the elements.
Pressure washing your home or property is, of course, only a smart option if you know what you’re doing! The truth is that if this high-powered device is mishandled, it can do a lot of harm to the exterior of your home.
As a result, there’s no reason to be frightened of doing a pressure washing project in your home yourself; instead, prepare yourself for the project so that you can use the equipment safely while getting the desired outcome.
Before pressure washing the exteriors of your home, here is a list of dos and don’ts.
Dos
1: Because pressure washers are such strong devices, you should start with a low setting and gradually increase the pressure once they’ve gotten the hang of it.
Even then, the machine should not be set to the highest level because it would most likely affect the materials or finish. Therefore, evaluate the area each time you increase the pressure; once it appears to be cleaning the surface efficiently, stay at that level.
2: When using a pressure washer, keep your arms and hands steady. Learning how to operate the machine requires some practice, so it’s a good idea to practice a few rounds in a safe, outdoor setting.
3: When using a pressure washer on your home’s exterior, keep it moving. This means you shouldn’t leave it in one place for more than two or three seconds at a time. A sweeping motion is recommended to ensure that the water pressure is equally dispersed across the surface.
4: While pressure washing your home’s exterior, keep a safe distance. When cleaning siding and/or painted materials, you should keep yourself at least two feet away from the surface.
5: Always use your pressure washer in an inconspicuous place first to check that it will not damage the surface. After testing the equipment, inspect the area for denting, etching, and peeling.
6: Remove/unplug any non-water-resistant electrical equipment. In the case of outdoor ports, use waterproof tape to seal them.
7: Before you pressure wash the exteriors of your property, clear the area surrounding it, also known as the splash zone.’ Make certain that fragile goods are not in the firing line.
8: Protect flower beds, plants, and vegetation with homemade stilts and sheets of plastic. Make sure the pressure washer is angled so that the cleaning solution does not come into contact with the soil or mud around your house.
9: Instead of using harmful cleansers, use a moderate cleaning solution. There may be a few good alternatives to harsh chemicals depending on the outside substances you’re seeking to remove.
10: Start from the bottom and work your way up while applying the cleaning solution; after rinsing it off, start at the top and work your way down.
When it comes to pressure washing your home, there are a few things you should avoid.
Don’ts
1: While the machine is in action, do not increase the water pressure. You might not be able to handle a sudden increase in power and wind up accidentally spraying or denting a substance.
2: Use a higher water pressure on the surface only after testing it in a small, inconspicuous place of the material. Even a small increase in temperature can harm paint or other types of finishes, therefore it must be checked first.
3: Use a low-temperature water source. Although hot water is usually recommended for eliminating heavy dirt by loosening or breaking it down with heat, the pressure therefore this piece of equipment is what allows it to clean outdoor materials/surfaces effectively.
4: Use a different nozzle for each place. The various pressure washer accessories are designed to cover larger or smaller areas, and so provide different water pressures or levels.
5: Cleaning windows with a power washer is not recommended (even on a low setting). When this kind of pressure is applied to outside windows, the seals are readily damaged or weakened. After you’ve completed pressure washing your house, go ahead and clean your windows manually.
6: If the spray is angled too much, the pressure provided to the surface will be reduced. For 100 percent effective outcomes, spray the grime straight on and/or perpendicular to the surfaces.
Consider utilizing a pivot nozzle or adjusting the pressure as needed when pressure washing places where the sprayer cannot be held straight.
7: Excessive cleaning chemicals should be avoided because a powerful cleaning solution is not necessary. A moderate cleaning solution will suffice as long as you use adequate water pressure.
8: If you’ve not mastered the skills and handling of the machine, don’t try pressure washing on your property. Keep in mind that misusing a high-pressure washer can cause damage to your property.
Final Notes
The most vital point to do is to engage a professional pressure washing service provider to clean the exterior of your home and the surrounding area. Before investing in any one company, make sure to perform thorough research and also evaluate the prices associated.
Professionals understand how to use appropriate water pressures on different surfaces/materials and finishes for safe and effective results. In addition to having high-end pressure washing equipment and accessories.
However, do-it-yourselfers interested in taking on this job should keep some essential dos and don’ts in mind when pressure washing your property.
At Clean it Up, We’re a family-owned home cleaning company that caters to all your pressure washing needs. We use environment-friendly cleaning equipment and are available every day of the week. If you need your roof, building, deck, or concrete cleaned, get in touch with us. Our team will have them looking brand new in no time.