TRANSFORM THE TASK of pressure washing into an effortless
Before heading outside to take your new tool for a spin, brush up on the basics of using a pressure washer and learn how to avoid the most common mistakes people make when using.
So you got yourself a new pressure washer, huh? Those things are awesome – they can blast away dirt and grime in no time flat. But as your dear uncle Ben once said, with great power comes great responsibility. Pressure washers are powerful machines, and if you’re not careful, they can cause some serious damage around your place.
Before you head out for some high-pressure fun, let me give you some tips from experience. The last thing I want is for you to wreck your house or hurt yourself using that new toy!
1. Using too much pressure
When applying too much pressure on an unsuitable surface, you can damage them instantly. When you start cleaning, pay attention to what you're aiming for. Wood and vinyl siding will require less pressure to clean than concrete surfaces.
Start by selecting the lowest pressure and flow rate on your power washer, increase the pressure gradually, and keep a safe distance. This will do the least amount of damage if things go wrong in the beginning.
2. Getting too close to the surface
Be careful not to get too close when power washing and staying back a few feet is key to avoiding damage.
For most home power washers in the 1500 to 2500 PSI range, staying at least 3 to 4 feet back is recommended. For higher pressure models around 3000 PSI or above, you'll want to maintain a distance of at least 5 or 6 feet to be safe.
3. Using the wrong nozzle
Starting on the widest spray nozzle setting and the lowest possible pressure is the safest approach. Each pressure washer has many types of nozzle which are different in angle, so choosing the right nozzle for each surface is very important for washers. A wider spray pattern spreads the water pressure out over a larger surface area. This means there's less concentrated force hitting any one spot, reducing the risk of blasting through paint or etching sensitive materials like wood.
4. Not protecting plants and the environment
Before you start power washing, take a few minutes to protect nearby plants and the environment. Wet down any nearby shrubs, flowers, trees, or other landscaping. This will help prevent potential damage from the cleaning chemicals you'll be applying. Pressure washing solutions and soaps can dry on plant leaves and foliage, creating concentrated spots that burn and damage plants. By giving plants a good soak first, you minimize this risk.
5. Power washing window
The high-powered spray from a pressure washer – especially a narrow, concentrated spray – can be too much for windows to handle. The force of the water can break the seals around windows, loosen window frames, and damage screens.
And at higher pressure levels, there's a real risk of actually shattering glass panes. The fast-moving spray hits with a lot of impacts, and it doesn't take much to break glass when you're blasting it with 1500+ PSI.
6. Not following safety precautions
Before pressure washing, you need to wear protective gear such as eye protection, close-toed shoes, and protective clothing. The high-pressure stream can cause injury if mishandled or misdirected. Operate the washer carefully according to instructions.
