A pressure washer can be a powerful and effective tool for removing dirt, dust, and grime from various surfaces. But if not used properly, it can cause severe damage to sidings, glasses, landscape, and many other things. So, to prevent that, here are the six common mistakes you should avoid while pressure washing.
6 Common Pressure Washing Mistakes To Avoid
1. Not Adjusting The Pressure
We have seen many homeowners damage their property using the washer at the highest setting. If you are not careful, the high-pressure spray can tear through the vinyl sidings and even damage concrete and wood.
So, when pressure-washing a surface, always start at the lowest setting. Then, gradually increase the pressure depending on the type of surface you are working on. Also, keep at least 2 feet distance between you and the surface.
2. Using The Wrong Nozzles
A pressure washer comes with a set of different nozzles. They range from green ones with a wide spray to red ones, which are the most concentrated. If you are new to pressure washing, we recommend using the green nozzle for most of your cleaning.
It’s the best for safely cleaning sidings, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. You can also use it to clean the dirt off your vehicle’s wheels. But if you want a bit more force or are prepping for paint, use the yellow nozzle. It will wash off the stains and the old paint. However, don’t spray a single spot for too long with this nozzle.
Check out some more don’ts of pressure washing.
3. Leaving Landscape Uncovered
Another common mistake we see people make during pressure washing is leaving the plants dry and uncovered. It can result in damage to your landscape from high pressure and chemicals in the cleaning detergent. Here are some quick tips to prevent that.
- Wet the plants before you start washing, as it will make the chemicals slide off from them.
- Cover your garden, vegetable patch, and other foliage with a waterproof canvas to prevent any damage to the landscape.
4. Not Following The Proper Sequence
When pressure washing the entire home, our experts recommend you start with the roof ( avoid power washing roofs with shingles). Carefully wash it, then proceed to clean the vinyl sidings and other areas like patios and porches. Leave the driveways and sidewalks for the last. Following this cleaning sequence will stop the dirty runoff from ruining your efforts.
5. Washing Painted Surfaces
Avoid pressure washing painted surfaces if you don’t want to remove the paint from them. It’s because constant sunlight causes cracks in the paint, and it starts degrading. If you wash that surface with high pressure, the paint starts to peel off.
However, you can consider pressure washing painted surfaces to remove the old paint and prepare it for a new coating. But never pressure wash lead paint, as it can affect your health and environment.
6. Improper Equipment Storage
properly storing the power washer can increase its lifespan. But we have seen countless homeowners neglect this step in our years of experience. So, to take proper care of your equipment, do the following things after you finish cleaning.
- Unplug the washer.
- Detach the hose.
- Drain all the remaining water.
- Empty the detergent tank.
- Then, rinse the nozzle thoroughly to remove any residue.
Finally, store the pressure washer in a clean, dry place where the temperature stays above freezing till the next cleaning.
