Pressure Washing 101

Jun 30

Pressure washing or power wash is the spraying of water under high pressure to remove paint, dirt, mold, algae, and grime from surfaces. It can be used on buildings, fences as well as concrete or asphalt surfaces such driveways and patios. Power washing and pressure washing are often interchangeable. However, they are two completely different processes. Both use high pressure water to clean surfaces. Pressure washing, however, uses water heated by a heating element. Reach out to a company like https://www.pressurewashingbendoregon.com/ for your pressure washing needs.

Heated water cleans better than other cleaning methods. Some items should only be power washed/pressure washed using added chemicals like baking soda and citric or commercial power washer soaps, detergents, or disinfectants. There are seven other things that you need to know before pressure washing your home.

One - Know when to pressure wash

Steam cleaning your house, deck or driveway is an appealing option. You can get rid of even the most stubborn dirt and stains with hot water. This isn't the best solution for brick or concrete or masonry. The price for all the cleaning power is high. These surfaces can be affected by the power washing. Use a pressure washer containing the appropriate cleaner.

Heavy-Duty Option

You can use them for larger areas such as long driveways and large driveways
You should use this water where there is severe dirt, grease, or moss buildup. Heating water in this area can loosen stubborn grime outside, much like hot water cleaning dishes and floors. It can also kill mold and prevent their quick return.
Power washers are best for cleaning hard surfaces that can withstand heat or pressure.

Pressure washer - The Safer for Surfaces Option

Use this for small patios or decks.
Use them on soft surfaces such siding, wood decks, or tiled areas.
Use it on bricks, concrete, and other areas

Two - Learn the difference between professional and domestic detergents, soaps chemicals, and cleaning products

All cleaning solutions may not be the same. The difference between different cleaners can make all the difference in power/pressure washer cleaning. There are four types to choose from when power/pressure washing. These chemicals can be labeled according to the purpose of their use and the type of surface they are intended to be used. The cleaners get rid of dirt and the sanitizers kill 99.999% of bacteria in thirty seconds or less. Disinfectants kill all forms within 30 minutes.

Each surface is different. Each surface will require different methods, pressure, nozzle sizes and chemicals. Do not buy the premixed cleaners unless you are a professional. Krudkutter can be used for siding or houses and Krudkutter on decks or fences. There are soaps specifically made for concrete, wood, and driveways. Be sure to get the right cleaner for the job. It is possible to clean things with water and a power wash, but hot water, soap and pressure can make any surface look better.

Three - Know what to do and what not to do

There are not all surfaces that can safely be power- or pressure washed around your house. These surfaces should not be power- or pressure washed:

Laminar sandstone - It can be washed away, or you can make grooves. It's difficult to pressure wash or power wash because it is so soft.
Anything painted – Although painted items can be washed with ease, it is usually best to have a professional do it.
Asphalt roofing – Pressure washing, or power washing can take asphalt roof granules off and literally remove them.
Any item old, regardless of its condition - Furniture, decks, buildings, etc. There may be dry rot which will fall apart when it is washed under pressure. A pressure wash can make even good wood soft and brittle.
Stain on wood - Power washing and pressure can take the stain off wood. If that is what you want, do it. But, if it's not you can re-stain your wood once it has dried.

four: You need to consider both the size and type of surface.

Heat is the only difference between both methods. Therefore, you need to consider the area that will be cleaned and the type of surface. The main advantage of hot water is that it provides a more thorough and efficient deep cleaning than unheated. Heated water is more effective for cleaning large areas. A power washer may be a better option if there is a lot of salt or mildew in the area.

Five. Learn the difference in commercial and home power washers

If you are an avid DIYer, consider renting a commercial machine to wash large areas. Or hire a professional. Untrained homeowners, commercial or residential, can damage or leave marks on the items they clean. You can also hurt someone or damage the washer.

Sixty-six: Power washing is dangerous.

Although it might not seem like the thin stream is dangerous to humans, it can be. It can generate up to 2,000 lbs. of force from the end. It can cause concrete and stone chips to ricochet at you or another person with the force and deadliness of a gunshot. These are the things you should remember when power washing:

Never spray a pressure washer on a water supply or an electrical outlet. Before spraying, make sure to cover and secure any electrical outlets.
Do not spray a power/pressure washer on another person. The spray could seriously injure or even kill them.
Sprayers should wear safety glasses, goggles, and even a full-face shield.
Close proximity is ideal for certain applications. However, it's important to stay at least 5-to-6ft away from any surface you're cleaning, until you can see how the spray reacts.
Be sure to start at the lowest setting, and make sure you test it on a smooth surface before spraying windows or on soft surfaces.
Start at the highest point of a vertical surface. Wash your hands down until you reach clean areas.
Spray the area with a chemical cleaner or cleaning agent first. After letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, rinse with clean water. Don't let the cleaning solution dry on your surface. It simply redeposits the dirt you have removed. Spray it with an ordinary garden hose so it stays moist.
Depending upon the area to be cleaned and the resources available, it is often better to hire commercial power washing companies to clean your driveway, deck, or home.
If you are renting the unit, make sure you ask the shop clerk how the unit works and not just what it does.
It is important to use the correct nozzle depending on the job. The hardest spray is the 0-degree nozzle. It is used for dirt, algae, and stains. A 40-degree nozzle sprays wide, and is ideal for siding, patios/decks, and other exterior projects.

Seven. Consider the year

Most power/pressure washing happens in the spring and fall. Even if it is winter, you should always check the weather forecast. You can put water in cracks and crevices during warm or cool conditions. But, if there is freezing weather within a few weeks of pressure/washing, it's best to be cautious as water may freeze and expand. Before washing, ensure that temperatures don't dip below freezing

It's a great way of cleaning up your home. Be careful though if pressure washing is new to you. Before you turn on the washer, learn as much as you can about your home, fence, or driveway.

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