Pressure Washing Tips For Homeowners

Pressure Washing Tips

When it comes to cleaning your home, regular cleaning just does not cut it. This is why it is crucial that you consider pressure washing. As dirt accumulates, you have to bring out the big guns. Besides, your property is constantly exposed to a variety of elements. Hence, you have to put in extra effort to clean it thoroughly. Otherwise, your home would continue to have a worn-out feel.

Through pressure washing, you can easily eliminate dirt that has built up over the years. It is one of the best cleaning techniques that will bring the exterior of your property back to life. The fact is that you cannot sit around and allow your home to go to ruin. You have to do something. This is where pressure washing truly shines. However, if it is your first time using pressure washers, you have to be careful. Otherwise, you can easily cause significant damage.

Doing a bit of research will go a long way in helping you achieve the results that you are looking for. In our guide, we cover everything you need to know to get started. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive right in.

Electric vs Gas Pressure Washer

The first thing that you need to consider is whether you should use an electric or gas washer. A pressure washer uses a pump for increasing the pressure of the water as it flows through the hose. This pump can either be powered by electricity or gasoline. Both options have their share of advantages and disadvantages

Electric Pressure Washer

An electric pressure washer is known for offering greater convenience in comparison to its gas-powered counterpart. Besides, it would ensure that you do not have to deal with any gas fumes.

Advantages of Electric Pressure Washer

A lack of harmful emissions. You can even use it indoors once you know how to remove the water properly.
There is no need to stress about oil changes as an electric engine would be used. Similarly, you would not need to deal with stringent maintenance tasks.

Disadvantages of Electric Pressure Washer

A disadvantage of an electric pressure washer that you have to consider is the fact that it simply cannot produce as much power as its gas-powered counterpart. This means that it would take more time and effort when cleaning a huge area.
Unlike gasoline pressure washers, most electric pressure washers do not offer portability as a power outlet is necessary.

Gas Pressure Washer

If you use a gas pressure washer, you will be delighted to know that it offers a higher GPM (Gallons of Water per Minute) and PSI (Pounds of Pressure per Square Inch) when compared to an electric pressure washer. The fact that you would get greater power means that you would have an easier time cleaning surfaces.

Advantages of Gas Pressure Washer

A great thing about a gas pressure washer is that it produces a variety of GPM and PSI levels. This is why you can expect a more efficient clean. Besides, you would have many more options.
As gas pressure washers tend to be cordless, your cleaning options would not be restricted to where there is a power outlet.

Disadvantages of Gas Pressure Washer

Consistent maintenance is necessary to keep gas pressure washers running. A periodic change of oil would be required to ensure that the proper fuel additives are used so that the machine lasts a long time.
A gas pressure washer also produces more noise as well as emissions. You also cannot use it indoors or to clean a covered space.

Which Size Pressure Washer Should You Consider?

The size of the engine is something that you cannot overlook no matter whether you opt for an electric pressure washer or a gas-powered machine. The size of the engine would influence the total power the unit can provide. There is a huge difference when you compare the output of a small engine with that of a large one. Generally, there are four types of pressure washer engines as mentioned below.

Light-Duty Pressure Washer: A light-duty pressure washer produces a water pressure level that is not more than 2,000 PSI. It is suitable for cleaning a patio, a small deck, or an outdoor household item.
Medium-Duty Pressure Washer: It is typically used for cleaning the fencing, driveway, and siding. A medium-duty pressure washer produces a water pressure level that is under 2,800 PSI but over 2,000 PSI.
Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer: If you plan on cleaning a larger space, you would have to opt for a heavy-duty pressure washer. It can easily deliver a pressure level of up to 3,300 PSI.
Professional Pressure Washer: When preparing your property for a renovation project, a professional pressure washer is the way to go. It uses an extra heavy-duty engine that can easily handle bigger jobs that would otherwise take many hours to finish. The pressure washer can offer more than 3,300 PSI.

In addition to PSI, you also have to look into the GPM.

Which Pressure Washer Nozzle Should You Use?

The nozzle you use will determine the water stream’s angle. Since the angle of the machine is just as important as its engine, you have to choose the right nozzle. Generally, you can never go wrong with a narrow-angle spray as it is a lot more powerful. Pressure washer nozzles tend to be color-coded. This means that you can pick out the desired nozzle by considering the following colors.

Red Nozzle: A read nozzle offers a very narrow-angle. Its tip can cause significant damage. This is why you need to be careful. Avoid using it close to any surface.
Yellow Nozzle: If you use a yellow tip, it would spray at a 15-degree angle. It is normally used for washing the concrete outside your property.
Green Nozzle: Offering a 25-degree angle, a green tip is a great option as it suits all-purpose cleaning. You can use it to wash your deck, patio furniture, and car.
White Nozzle: With a 40-degree angle, the white nozzle is user-friendly and ideal for cleaning the exterior of your property such as the siding and windows.
Black Nozzle: Boasting a 65-degree angle, the black nozzle tends to be a lot gentler. This is why it is only used to wet surfaces and cannot rely on it to eliminate stains or dirt.

How Should You Pressure Wash?

Since pressure washing is no easy task, you must be careful. Otherwise, you could cause considerable damage to your property. Here are some safety tips that will prove useful.

Eye and Hearing Protection: Since most pressure washers can be quite loud, you must ensure eye and hearing protection. The high pressure could result in the water spraying your way.
Use Both of Your Hands: For an effective clean, you must maintain a proper grip. This is why it is essential that you use both of your hands to get the job done.
Avoid Getting Too Close: Make sure to keep away from the surface by at least 18 inches to prevent any damage.

Pressure Washing Wood Tips

A pressure wash is just what your wood fence or deck needs to be brought back to life. In fact, you should be able to complete the task during the weekend. You can either use an electric power washer or a gas-powered pressure washer to get the job done. However, an electric pressure washer would take more time. You will need to use a green nozzle and a wood sealer. Make sure to perform a spot test if it is your first time. Since softwood such as cedar or pine is used to construct decks and fences, you have to go easy. Stick to an up-and-down motion for the best results.

Pressure Washing Concrete Tips

If you have spotted mildew and stains on concrete, you need to give it a pressure wash. It will help clean the area in no time. You will require protective gear, a concrete sealer, a scrubbing brush, a cleaning solution, a yellow nozzle, and a high-GPM pressure washer to get the job done. Make sure to sweep and brush the surface before you begin the pressure wash. You might also need to use more soap to get rid of stubborn stains.

Pressure Washing Vinyl Siding Tips

The siding is prone to mildew growth and dulling. However, there is no need to worry as a pressure wash will help brighten up your property in no time. You will need a gas pressure washer, a soap nozzle, a white or green nozzle, an exterior cleaning solution, and a long-handled brush to perform the job. You will need to patch up problem areas before you get started.

Can You Pressure Wash Everything on Your Own?

Although you can pressure wash your car, the siding, and the windows, it is best that you opt for a professional. When you wash your property, old paint is likely to flake off. It might even contain lead if it has been around since before 1978. You must never inhale lead as it is extremely dangerous. Therefore, to keep everyone safe, you should opt for an expert.

Redline Exterior Cleaners LLC.
Vineland, NJ, 08360
Phone: 609-414-2919

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