How to Use Pressure Washing Properly
Pressure Washing is a powerful cleaning tool, so it’s important to use it correctly. Start by wearing goggles and gripping the wand tightly to reduce recoil when the power kicks in. A rotary nozzle divides a high-pressure water stream into multiple zero-degree sprays, ideal for removing hard-to-reach dirt and grime.
Exterior Cleaning
Regardless of what type of home exterior you have, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Dirt, mildew, and other debris build up over time and can damage your home.
Using a pressure washer, or power washer, to blast away the dirt can keep your home looking clean and new. Just remember that it’s important to use the proper technique. If you spray too direct, you can blast off paint or ruin softer wood materials like cedar. You should also always aim at an angle to “scoop” the dirt up rather than blasting it into it.
Before you begin, take a look around and make note of any items that can’t be pressure washed (like electrical outlets or light fixtures). Put on your safety gear and start by scanning the area to identify and cover any plants or items that could be damaged by the high-pressure water blast. Then, attach the soaping nozzle to your wand and fill the detergent reservoir.
Roof Cleaning
A dirty roof can detract from your home’s curb appeal and may even lower its value. A moss-free, algae-free roof increases the lifespan of shingles and reduces cooling costs by improving its reflective capabilities.
During roof cleaning, it is essential to use the correct pressure washer setting and detergent. Too much pressure can damage or remove shingles, as well as strip them of their protective granules. Using low-pressure water and a biodegradable, pressure washer safe detergent is the best method for washing roofs.
Do not aim the nozzle up toward your roof, as this can push the water under shingles and into your home. Instead, face the nozzle towards your gutters and slowly move it closer to the surface if additional power is needed. Be sure to rinse the entire area thoroughly, but avoid spraying directly under shingles and chimney stack bricks. This can cause damage to these materials and can void your roof warranty.
Deck Cleaning
Cleaning a deck is one of those rights-of-passage manly projects that can be fun and rewarding — or a complete disaster, depending on how you do it. If you’re inexperienced with a power washer, it’s easy to damage wood planks by blasting too close or using the wrong technique.
Start the pressure washer at a low setting and increase it incrementally to find the best combination for your specific deck’s surface material and condition. For most decks, 500 to 600 psi will clean the material gently without damaging it.
When you’re ready to start washing, hold the nozzle tip a couple of feet away from the surface of the deck board and sweep the wand across the deck in a sweeping motion. Be consistent to avoid lap marks and to keep the distance between the nozzle and the deck surface the same for each pass. The goal is to leave no area of the deck unwashed or over washed.
Fence Cleaning
Sun and rain can wreak havoc on wood fences, leaving them soft, gray and prone to breaking boards and loosening nails. Regular cleaning with a pressure washer can prevent these issues from occurring and restore a beautiful look to your yard.
While it is possible to clean your fence by hand, using a pressure washer saves time and effort and results in a better, more thorough clean. When washing a fence with a pressure washer, it is important to use proper technique to avoid damage.
Stand about three feet away from the fence and keep the nozzle of the power washer at least a foot or two away as well. If the nozzle is too close to the fence, the high water pressure could cause warping or indentations. Alternate between applying detergent and rinsing, working in sections. This allows the cleaner to soak into the surface and also ensures that the detergent doesn’t dry on the fence before rinsing.
Moore’s Pressure Washing
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15807426333973800125
(865) 205-2751
https://moorespressurewash.com/
