5 Keys To Effective & Safe Residential Pressure Washing

Pressure washing, when done right, can transform the outside of your home. A green-stained mildew porch can become vibrant again. Your dirty siding can regain its luster. Your cement will look shades lighter and brighter and your patio furniture will shine. A pressure washing machine will allow you to quickly and effectively clean up the outside of your home. Here are things you should know before you take on this project.

1. Protect Yourself

When working with a pressure washer, the first thing you need to do is protect yourself. The water coming out of a pressure washer is forceful and can be harmful if you get directly in front of the spray. The water will also dislodge dirt and debris from objects that you will not want to get into your eyes. 

To protect yourself, you are going to want to wear gloves. In addition, wear goggles that enclose the area around your eyes; this will keep debris from getting into your eyes. Finally, wear clothing that is waterproof so you don't get bogged down when you get wet.

2. Be Careful with Electricity

Water and electricity never mix. If you have any outdoor outlets that you can turn off, do so. If you have any high voltage appliances running outside, like your air conditioning system, you will want to turn off the power to the air conditioner until you are done. Don't use any electrical appliance or tool while pressure washing your home.  

3. Repair Before Cleaning

The water that comes out of your pressure washer is intense. That is why you will want to check all surfaces for damage before you start using this equipment. If you find any damaged areas, you will want to repair them before you start pressure washing. On the other hand, you don't want to make the damage or crack worse with the intense water from the pressure washer.

4. Test the Pressure

Before you start spraying everything, test the pressure. Spray an area that is out of the way and ensure that the blast is not too strong that it is damaging or so weak that it doesn't remove any dirt. Start low and work your way up; don't start high and work down. You will need less pressure than you probably think you do to get things clean. When you have the right pressure, you can start cleaning.

5. Soak First, Then Clean

When cleaning an area, you will want to move the pressure washer over the area first quickly. This will help make the surfaces easier to clean and will help to loosen up the dirt and make the surfaces more welcoming for cleaners.

Once you have done a quick soak, then it is time to slowly move the pressure washer back and forth over the surface to work the dirt out. If you want to use a cleaner, now is the time as well.

Cleaning with a pressure washer can transform your space. However, it also takes time and skill to use a pressure washer. You can rent a pressure washer and clean up your home's exterior yourself, or you can hire a pressure washing service to clean up the exterior of your home. For more information, contact a company like PowerWasher Plus.