Pressure washing mistakes to avoid

Pressure washing is suitable for all kinds of surfaces except fragile and delicate ones.

Pressure washing is a quick and easy way to get rid of all the dirt and debris stuck on your home, driveway, decks, furniture, etc. Even though pressure washing is easy, people often make mistakes while using a pressure washer and end up damaging their property. In this article, we will tell you about these common mistakes and how to tackle them.

See also: Step-by-step guide for power washing concrete patio

 

Using a lot of pressure while pressure washing

People tend to use high-pressure settings whenever they clean something, thinking it will help in cleaning their property more efficiently but it ends up causing more harm than good. It is important to know that high pressure can damage wooden decks, peel off furniture and wall paint or even break glass. Even materials made from metal can suffer damage due to these pressure washers. One should know when to use high and low settings while using a pressure washer. Manufacturer’s guidelines often mention the surfaces that you can wash on different settings.

 

Ignoring safety precautions while pressure washing

It is expected to ignore safety precautions while pressure washing. However, this can lead to electrical hazards and put you at risk of cuts and bruises. It is essential to wear proper safety gear while pressure washing and keep a distance from the nozzle.

 

Not cleaning surfaces before pressure washing

Not cleaning surfaces before pressure washing can lead to ineffective cleaning, making the cleaning process longer and tiring. If there is a lot of dirt, you can spray water before using the pressure washer, as it can help loosen the dirt and debris and make cleaning quicker.

Besides this, people often use harsh chemicals while cleaning the surface before pressure washing, which can cause significant damage. You can do a small patch test on the entire surface before using the product or refer to the product labels to check if it contains no harsh chemicals.

 

Using incorrect nozzles while pressure washing

Nozzles have variable settings and spraying angles that must be considered while cleaning a surface. Using the wrong nozzle can make cleaning even more challenging and tiresome. If you are unsure which nozzle to use, test them on a small area before cleaning the entire surface. Nozzles are generally colour-coded according to the surfaces they can be used on, and you can check the pressure washer’s manual to determine which nozzle would be best for your cleaning project.

 

Not maintaining proper distance while pressure washing

Maintaining distance between the surface you are cleaning and the nozzle is crucial. If you do not leave proper distance, it can lead to uneven cleaning and damaged surfaces. Instead, go an appropriate distance and evenly use the pressure washer while making steady strokes. Being too close to the cleaning surface leads to missed spots and water streaks that are unpleasant to look at.

 

Not testing on a smaller area first

People often need to test various settings in a smaller area. Not trying the nozzle settings on a smaller area first can lead to significant damage. Since pressure washers come with various speed and angle settings and different types of nozzles, you can perform a patch test before you start washing the entire surface, as it can help you identify the appropriate settings.

 

FAQs

Can I pressure wash any kind of surface?

Pressure washing is suitable for all kinds of surfaces except fragile and delicate ones. If you want to check if a surface is suitable for pressure washing, then you can run a small patch check.

Can pressure washing remove paint from my walls?

If you apply too much pressure while washing your walls, you can end up peeing the paint.

How often should I pressure wash my home?

Although it depends on several factors, such as climate and the dirt collected on your home, you should wash it once or twice a year.

Can pressure washing damage my roof?

If you apply too much pressure, you can end up with a damaged roof.

Can I pressure wash my deck in cold weather?

While it is safe to pressure wash your deck during winter, you should ensure that the water supply does not freeze while doing so.

Should I call a professional to pressure wash my home?

While it is easy to use a pressure washer to clean your home, if you face any difficulties in following the instructions, you should call a professional for help.

Is it safe to pressure wash my windows?

No, it is not recommended to pressure wash your windows as the high-pressure water can cause a crack in them.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

 

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