Your house, driveway, and deck are constantly exposed to weather conditions, pollution, moisture, mold spores, and other unsavory elements. Over time, dirt, soot, mildew, and other debris can build upon these surfaces. Pressure washing Houston can be an effective way of getting rid of the buildup and restoring the appearance of your property. If you choose to use a residential pressure washer, learning to use it properly is important. Pressure washers are extremely powerful, and using one incorrectly could result in injury or damage to your home. Here are some tips to help you use a power washer properly.
1. Choose the Right Residential Pressure Washer for Your Task
When it comes to residential pressure washers, there are lots of options available. You can rent or buy. You can choose a gas-powered or electric power washer. Perhaps the most important aspect to look at when selecting a pressure washer is the flow rate, measured in gallons per minute. For a big job, such as cleaning the side of your house or a long driveway, you should choose a pressure washer with a GPM of at least 2.3. It would be best if you typically had a gas power washer for that. An electric residential pressure washer with a GPM of 1.5 may be sufficient for a smaller or more delicate job.
You should also pay attention to the nozzle of your residential pressure washer. Some are adjustable to focus a narrow stream of water on a specific area or widened to cover a greater area at one time. A heavy-duty unit may come with several interchangeable nozzle tips rather than having one adjustable one.
2. Choose the Right Detergent
The detergent you choose should be appropriate for the material you are power washing in Houston and for the task you want to complete. For example, most detergents do not remove mold and mildew. If this is what you want to do, you must be sure to choose a detergent that includes a fungicide ingredient.
3. Protect Your Property Before Using Your Residential Pressure Washer
If any repairs are needed on the surface you want to wash, get these fixed before using the residential pressure washer. Otherwise, you could cause further damage. Plants around your property may be damaged if exposed to the spray. You can protect your lawn, shrubs, and garden plants by covering them with plastic sheeting or drop cloths and using duct tape to secure them.
4. Observe Safety Measures When Operating a Residential Pressure Washer
While a power washer can be a useful tool, it can also cause injury if used incorrectly. You can protect yourself and those around you by observing the following safety measures for operating the pressure washer:
- Do not stand on a ladder while using a power washer. Keep your feet on the ground at all times.
- Do not direct the spray of water at yourself or someone else. Exposure to pressurized water can injure the skin or eyes.
- Wear protective goggles when using the pressure washer. This protects your eyes from any flying debris that the water may dislodge.
- Prevent any water from getting into outdoor electrical outlets by covering them with duct tape or closing the waterproof cover. If possible, turn off electricity to the outdoor outlets altogether.
- Keep your distance. Stand at least six feet away from the house, so the wand is no more than four feet away.
5. Start From the Bottom
When cleaning the sides of your house, start with a small section along the bottom of the wall. Once that section is clean, move up to the area on top of the one you just cleaned. Work your way up the wall in this manner to prevent liquid and suds from running down and obscuring sections that you have not cleaned yet. Otherwise, you may miss them. If cleaning a two-story home, start with the bottom of the top floor, work your way up to the roof, then start again at the bottom of the ground floor.
Professional Power Washing Houston Alternatives
There is a lot involved in operating a residential pressure washer safely and correctly. If you hire professional pressure washing services in Houston, we handle all the difficult parts for you. Contact us to find out more about the services that Geek Window Cleaning offers in Houston.
5 Tips for Using a Residential Pressure Washer Properly | Geek Window Cleaning
Recent Comments