Looking for a good “DIY” project this summer? You may be tempted to pick up a pressure washer and give it a try. Before getting ahead of yourself, it’s important to know a few things about pressure washing. Here are some of our best pressure washing tips for beginners:
Before you read: SPARKLES is a division of POLLI Construction that provides Vermont homeowners with pressure washing and window cleaning services. If you have a bigger pressure washing project, or simply don’t have the time to do it yourself, visit our website today!
Understanding Pressure Washing
Pressure washing involves the use of high pressure water to remove debris from the home such as paint, dirt, dust, mold, mud, or grime. This is done to keep up your home’s appearance but also has a practical purpose as it can help prevent wear and damage.
Surfaces in your home that may be suitable for pressure washing include driveways, decks, porches, patio, and siding.
Essential Equipment and Safety Gear
First, be sure to round up all of your gear and equipment necessary for the job. Here’s a list of all the things you will need:
- Pressure washer (electric or gas-powered)
- Nozzles and attachments
- Extension wands
- Cleaning solutions
You should also prepare yourself with safety gear before handling any tools or chemicals. We recommend the following for any pressure washing job:
- Safety goggles
- Gloves
- Boots
- Protective clothing
Preparation Before You Start
Next, you’ll want to prep your area. Start by inspecting the area fully, checking for any damage and removing any obstacles. Then, choose the right pressure and nozzle for the job.
Pressure is measured by PSI (pounds per square inch) and it’s important to know what PSI is appropriate. Typically, 1,000-1,500 PSI is best for delicate surfaces such as windows or gutters, 1,500-2,000 PSI is suitable for moderate surfaces like concrete, brick or wood, and 2,000-3,000 PSI is ideal for harder surfaces such as driveways. As for nozzles, these are usually color-coded with their varying uses.
The last step for prep work is to pre-treat any tough stains. This can be done by applying detergent and allowing it to soak before washing. By pre-treating, you’ll make your work a lot easier.
Pressure Washing Techniques
Step-by-step guide to pressure washing:
- Start with a low-pressure setting
- Maintain a consistent distance
- Use a sweeping motion
- Adjust pressure setting as needed
Tips for specific surfaces
There are a few things to look for when dealing with certain surfaces. For wood, be careful to avoid damaging the wood when washing. For concrete, you’ll want to make sure you’re evenly cleaning the entire surface. For siding, it’s extremely important that you prevent any water from intruding.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you’ve never used a pressure washer before, there are a few common mistakes people often make. The big one to avoid is using too much pressure. Using too much pressure when pressure washing can damage the surface, remove paints or stains, or even injure someone unintentionally. This is also why it’s important to hold the nozzle at an appropriate angle and distance.
You may also be tempted to skip any safety precautions and get right to it but doing so can not only affect the efficiency of your washing but can also be dangerous. Lastly, be sure not to avoid any necessary post-cleaning maintenance. Although the pressure washer will do most of the heavy lifting, you’ll still want to evaluate the surface after for any light touch-ups.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Once you’ve finished your pressure washing project, you’ll need to properly care for your newly washed area. Inspect for any missed spots and then allow it to thoroughly dry. Then, clean any pressure washing equipment and attachments before storing.
When to Call in the Professionals
If your DIY project starts to seem a bit overwhelming, you may want to consider calling a professional. At Sparkles, a division of POLLI Construction, we offer pressure washing, window cleaning, and roof and gutter cleaning services to Chittenden County, VT residents.
By hiring Sparkles, you’re gaining the benefits of years of expertise and experience, high-quality equipment operated by a trained professional, and the convenience of time being saved.
Visit sparklesvt.com to get an instant online estimate for FREE!
