Whether it’s blasting away years of dirt on the side of your house or cleaning the driveway, gas or electric pressure washers provide dramatic and satisfying results. But it’s important to know how to use them safely.
A pressure cleaner is a powerful tool for cleaning outdoor surfaces, removing dust, grime, cobwebs, loose paint, mildew, moss, algae and other residue from brick, concrete, wood, vinyl, shingle, aluminum and other building materials. Often, it’s necessary to scrub these surfaces by hand, but the high-powered jet of water from a power washer provides a faster and more effective cleaning.
The key to successful pressure washing is to use the right amount of water pressure. Too little water pressure will not be effective and too much can damage the surface being cleaned. Concrete and paved areas require a higher pressure, while softer surfaces such as vinyl siding or cedar decking need less pressure to effectively clean them.
It’s also important to use the correct nozzle for each surface type when using a pressure washer. The nozzle size affects the force of the spray, with smaller openings allowing for more pressure. When pressure washing surfaces like tile, for example, use a wide-angle or fan-spray nozzle to prevent dislodging grout and to avoid over-washing. For most surfaces, it’s a good idea to start at the lowest pressure setting and slowly increase it until the surface is clean. Lastly, it’s always important to wear proper safety equipment, including eye protection. pressure cleaning