As homeowners, one of our top concerns is maintaining our home’s exterior.
To do this successfully, we need to remove debris and (harmful) organic matter from every surface. Let’s be honest– cleaning outside can be more tedious than cleaning indoors.
One of the best ways to do this is with a pressure washer. Like most things, no matter your experience level, you can never say no to a few pointers.
Here are 10 pressure washing tips and tricks:
- Learn about the various attachments
- Understand PSI settings
- Choose the correct nozzle
- Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle
- Prepare the exterior
- Use environmental-friendly cleaning products
- Divide the walls into sections
- Remove the remaining dirt by scrubbing
- Safety first
- Maintain your pressure washer
About The Author
Meet Cody, the expert behind this article.
Cody
Co-owner & Service Director
Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing expertise led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
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10 Pressure Washing Tips and Tricks to Refresh Your Property
Pressure washers are a popular tool.
However, they can be a handful if you’re a beginner and are learning how to use a pressure washer.
Here’s what you need to know to get started.
1. Learn about various attachments
Before starting, reading the instructional booklet and testing the machine on a small area is essential. If you don’t use it properly, paint, walls, and soft surfaces may be damaged.
With this, there are many types of tools that you can use to your advantage, such as the surface cleaner below.
2. Adjust the pressure properly
Most pressure washers have different nozzles to adjust the water flow pressure (and degree).
Maintain 1500 and 1800 PSI to wash away cobwebs, dust, and filth.
Using more than 2500 PSI could damage material surfaces.
To learn more, read our full guide, pressure washing PSI vs GPM
3. Choose the correct nozzle
Choosing the correct nozzle is also an essential part of every project.
For example, there are fan nozzles with a yellow (15°) or green (25°) angle, white (40°) nozzles that can be used to wash windows, and black (65°) nozzles, which are preferable when mixing water and chemicals.
4. Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle
To avoid causing excess surface damage, keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle and spray from a minimum distance of 12 inches.
Move the nozzle away from the surface if you increase the pressure because as nozzle sizes decrease, more kinetic energy and force is expelled.
5. Prepare the exterior
We recommend using waterproof caulk to patch holes and cracks before pressure washing to keep your home’s exterior intact and safe. Moreover, before cleaning walls, safeguard external lights and electrical outlets.
Once the exterior is prepped, start applying chemicals and soap.
Still learning the ropes? Check out our complete guides:
6. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
Choose an all-purpose eco-friendly product to ensure local drainage laws are appropriately adhered to.
Next, apply the solution to one area and let it soak for about five minutes, then rinse thoroughly with the pressure washer before proceeding with the job.
7. Divide project into sections
By dividing jobs into sections, such as corners, windows, and downpipes, you can better clean them thoroughly. Wash them from the top down using long strokes.
8. Remove the remaining dirt by scrubbing
Using a rotating scrub brush or a sponge with a mild detergent solution is a highly effective way to remove any remaining debris.
9. Safety first
Remember that pressure washers are mighty machines that can be hazardous when misused.
Before you turn it on, wear goggles, ear protection, boots, long sleeves, and gloves. Moreover, make sure no one is in the way of the nozzle.
Finally, use two hands to grip the machine, and keep in mind pressure washers can damage windows, doors, screens, and you.
10. Maintain your pressure washer
It is preferable to store your washer indoors during off-season to avoid any weather-related damage and follow proper winterization techniques so you’re ready to go next season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions readers typically question that we think you’ll find helpful.
Is Pressure Washing Hard?
While pressure washing is not hard, some techniques require practice and proper training to master. However, routine washing can conquer difficult-to-remove stains from vast areas of your property.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your House?
Frequent cleaning might harm the siding and paint of your home. However, failing to clean your house might cause it to deteriorate due to different environmental factors slowly.
We advise cleaning your house every six to twelve months or one to two times a year. You can prevent the growth of mildew in your area and preserve its lovely appearance.
Conclusion
We hope this article served you well. Use these secrets to tackle your next project with ease. Nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing years of dirt and grime wash away.
