As the outdoor season kicks into full gear, dirt, mildew, and mold can quickly build up on surfaces from decks to driveways. Pressure washing makes quick work of these messes. You can return to our home page.
Just be sure to keep the pressure low enough not to damage any surface. Choose the right detergent to tackle stubborn stains and surfaces.
Detergents
Some surfaces and stains are best cleaned with water alone, but others require more power. For these jobs, the right detergent is essential. There are many options available, from all-purpose cleaners to heavy-duty formulas that can tackle grime and rust. You can even find solutions that are environmentally friendly or designed specifically for your pressure washer.
You’ll also want to consider the price and whether a product is ready for use straight out of the bottle. Some products require you to mix them with water before adding them to your pressure washer, while others are pre-mixed and ready to use.
One option is the EcoGen LCW Pressure Washer General Cleaner, which works well in hot and cold water to quickly break down dirt, oil, mildew stains, and other contaminants on a wide range of surfaces. It’s also non-toxic and biodegradable. It’s ideal for those who need a general-purpose solution or those looking to save money on a high-quality product.
Pressure washers
The right pressure washer makes cleaning a snap. These tools blast away mildew, grime, dirt, and grease with up to 40 times the water pressure of a garden hose. They also make short work of scrubbing decking, scouring patio furniture, and wiping down the underside of lawnmowers.
The Karcher K5 Premium is our top electric pressure washer for its high-end performance at a reasonable price. It can legitimately replace gas models and comes with a variety of spray nozzles to handle everything from light to heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
Alternatively, opt for a gas-powered model like the Simpson Clean Machine Gas Pressure Washer, which has an easy-start residential engine and an industrial pump. It’s a bit expensive, but if you have big cleaning jobs on the calendar every weekend it may be worth the investment. It comes with all five basic nozzles and a double reservoir but suffers from a clumsy assembly, no onboard detergent tank, and loose spray wand storage.
Safety
Whether they’re used to clean heavy machinery or to brighten up a home’s exterior, pressure washers are powerful tools that can cause serious damage and injuries if not operated correctly. To avoid injury, start with the lowest pressure setting and always test your spray on an inconspicuous area of the surface you’re cleaning to make sure it doesn’t do any damage. Wear protective gloves and goggles to shield yourself from flying particles, and hold the wand tightly to reduce recoil.
Remember to turn off and disconnect the gas engine before putting it down, and use the expandable hose to reach hard-to-reach areas without a ladder. It’s a good idea to read the machine’s instructions and safety manual before using it, and only an adult should operate it. If you injure yourself while cleaning, seek immediate medical attention. Many pressure-washing injuries are not immediately apparent, so it’s important that a medical professional asses the wound and provides appropriate treatment, such as tetanus shots or antibiotics.
Tips
Pressure washers are handy cleaning tools for getting rid of built-up grime, dirt, mildew, and other substances on surfaces. However, they can also cause damage to certain materials if they are used improperly. To make the most of your lean, mean cleaning machine and avoid damaging your home’s siding, patio, or other outdoor surface, take note of these important tips.
Choose the right nozzle for your job. Different nozzles have different output levels, and they are usually color-coded to identify their capabilities. This allows you to choose the right one in a fraction of a second, cutting down on time wasted making decisions.
Attach a soap nozzle to your hose to spray detergent into the water stream. This helps dissolve grime more quickly, and it prevents the cleaning agent from causing damage to wood or other delicate surfaces. Position yourself a few feet away from the surface you are washing, and point your nozzle at an angle to lift dirt rather than blast it into it. Click here for the next blog post.
