When the time comes to pressure wash your home, it might seem like a job that anyone can do by renting the machine and getting to work. To most people, a pressure washer just seems like a powerful hose that even a teenager could operate and do a good job. However, a pressure washer is an extremely powerful tool that requires a lot of experience and skill to be able to operate safely. In this article, we have laid out some of the things you should never do if you are going to use a pressure washer in your home.
1 - Disregard Safety Concerns
The number one thing you should avoid when pressure washing a house is disregarding safety before and during the cleaning process. To help ensure you complete the cleaning process safely follow these steps:
- Always wear protective gear.
- Make sure the area you’re going to clean is cleared of any debris.
- Secure or remove any items that might be easily dislodged as you clean.
- Answer any questions you have about how to use the machine.
- Paying attention to your surroundings.
2 - Apply Too Much Pressure
It’s always best to start a pressure washer at the lowest possible setting, This will allow you to get a feel for the way the machine operates. It will also give you a sense of how forceful the spray is at the lowest setting. Starting with the washer turned up full blast could not only damage your home, it also lead to serious injury if it gets out of your control. Starting slow and turning the pressure up as needed will help you adjust to the force and operate the washer safely.
Related Topic: Affordable Ways to Give Your Home Exterior a Fresh, New Look
3 - Start with a Tight Pattern
When you start cleaning with a pressure washer, always begin by using wide, even strokes. This is another great way to help you adjust to the power and get used to it before you start focusing on smaller areas. Wide, even strokes will also help protect the finish of your home by spreading the pressure out over a wider surface area.
4 - Blast Directly into Corners
Never blast a stream from the pressure washer directly into a corner. This will direct the flow of water right back at you and could result in an injury to your eyes, head, or face if a piece of debris is dislodged in the process. At the very least, you’ll wind up with soaking wet clothes. Wash each side of the corner using slow, even strokes to get each side clean.
5 - Use Water Only
Use a combination of cleaning solution and tap water in your pressure washer. Depending on the strength and potency of the cleaning solution a 50/50 ratio often works best. The water in a power washer is merely the vehicle that delivers the cleaning product, it should not be a substitute for it. Using just water will not give you the bright, rejuvenated look that you are trying to achieve by pressure washing your home.
6 - Clean Windows First
Cleaning your windows after you have pressure washed your home is highly recommended. The spray of a pressure washer is difficult to contain and will not always be concentrated exactly where you want it to be. Since you will inevitably get some spray and other debris on your windows when washing the house, it is best to clean your windows after pressure washing to avoid having to clean them twice.
7 - Ignore Electrical Hazards
Never ignore open electrical boxes or loose electrical connections on the side of your home. If they are not properly sealed and taken care of, these can quickly become fire hazards when pressure washing. Be sure to take care of any potential electrical issues before you begin pressure washing.
Professional Pressure Washing
While doing your pressure washing might seem like it could save you some money, the potential hazards are just not worth saving a few dollars. Window Genie has the experience and equipment to safely and effectively pressure wash your home. All our work is guaranteed, and you can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that a professional is handling your pressure cleaning job.
