Is your home dirty? If so, the best way to make it look amazing again is by pressure washing it. However, if you have never used a pressure washer, you could make mistakes that cause damage or worse, injuries. Improper pressure washing may also make the curb appeal of your home look bad. Without experience or a house washing professional, you could be faced with paying a costly amount to fix any mistakes made during the pressure washing process.
Don’t Use Too Much Pressure
Strong pressure from a pressure washer could punch a hole in your vinyl, etch your concrete, or splinter your wood if you are not experienced with using a pressure washer. If you are going to pressure wash your concrete or home yourself, starting out at a lower pressure and adjusting the washer as you go will help with adjusting to the pressure. With well-adjusted pressure, you will not have to worry about losing control of the pressure washer and the cleanliness of your home will be a success.
Use of Safety Equipment
While a pressure washer may look like a big squirt gun, it is not. A narrow stream of water discharging from the pressure washer can easily tear through flesh and can even cause an infection if the high pressure from the water and dirt is sprayed into the open wound. By making sure you are wearing the proper clothing and equipment this will help avoid any serious injuries. So, try to avoid wearing open toe-shoes and wear protective glasses at all times during the cleaning process.
Protect Your Landscaping
Taking the time to thoroughly wet down adjacent plantings with a garden hose, will ensure that the cleanser you use won’t dry on foliage and leave burn marks behind. If your plants begin to dry off before the pressure washing process is finished, you may have to water them again. Depending on the chemicals used to clean your property, you may want to use a tarp to ensure your plants stay protected.
Wash in the Right Sequence
If you are considering taking on the task to wash your home yourself, it is best to start with washing the roof first. After soft-washing your roof, work your way down to the siding and then the patio and concrete. Washing in sequence will guarantee that your home is cleaned thoroughly and effectively.
Wash Away Mold the Right Way
While some surfaces of the home are safe to wash effectively when removing mold, other surfaces like drywall and fabric can develop mold if they cannot thoroughly dry out. It is best to know what surfaces can be power washed and which ones can not. This will eliminate the worry of mold and mildew becoming a bigger problem.
Know Your Equipment
A lot of damage can be done to your property if you do not know how to use the equipment you need for your pressure washing project. Whether you rent or buy a pressure washer for your project, it is best to read the instructions before using it if you are inexperienced. However, if you don’t have the time or patience to get through learning the equipment, it may be best to call in a professional.
