Why Pressure Washing Is Important For Your Home
Using a pressure washer can make short work of accumulated grime, dirt, mold, and mildew. However, always be careful when using one. Keep the nozzle well away from plants (it can break them), kids, and pets. Also, ensure you’re testing your machine by washing an inconspicuous spot first. Click Here to learn more.
Professional pressure washing is one of the best ways to clean a home’s exterior without causing damage. Seasoned professionals use industrial-grade pressure washing equipment and cleaning products to get consistent, quality results. They know how much pressure to apply and what kind of cleaning solutions are safe for different surfaces. This protects the integrity of shingles, siding, vinyl, wood and Trex decking and paving stones while also preventing harmful chemical run-off that could damage plants and soil.
Dirt, grime, mildew and fungus can cause severe structural damage to your home over time if left unchecked. Regularly pressure washing your home’s exterior prevents deterioration and extends the life of your property’s siding, roof and paint. It also prevents the growth of dangerous moss and lichen that can eat away at your shingles and damage your gutters. In addition, pressure washing removes clogged gutters that can lead to water damage to walls and foundations.
While traditional cleaning methods often require the use of harsh chemicals, pressure washing relies on the power of water to lift stains and dirt, making it a safer, more environmentally friendly option. It can even be used to prepare surfaces for repainting, which can help extend the life of your paint job.
However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using a power washer. The high-powered water blast can easily damage delicate surfaces such as windows, screens and outdoor rugs if the spray is directed at them at too high a pressure or at the wrong angle. It is also important to always test the pressure on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to an entire surface to ensure that the water and cleaning solution are safe.
Prevents Allergies
Pollen, mold, mildew, dust and animal dander are all airborne allergens that can cause itchy eyes, noses or throats. These contaminants stick to surfaces like shingles, gutters, roof tiles, porches and patios. They can even etch into brick or concrete, making them very difficult to remove with ordinary cleaning methods. Pressure washing, however, can blast these pollutants away in a snap.
This process also kills and prevents the growth of mold and mildew, which is another common trigger for allergies. In fact, many homeowners find that regular pressure washing with a low-pressure setting can significantly reduce their hay fever symptoms.
Another advantage to regular pressure washing is that it can help to prevent the onset of seasonal allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. This is because pressure washing can remove the mold, mildew, pollen and other allergens that float in the air and stick to outdoor surfaces.
The best time to pressure wash is late winter or early spring, before the high season of allergies kicks in. Homeowners should always follow a few simple precautions when using a pressure washer, including wearing proper protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area. It’s also important to choose a reputable pressure washing service that is experienced in the use of this equipment and can provide a thorough cleaning without causing damage to exterior surfaces.
In addition, some pressure washing services are now offering environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions that are safe for the environment and can effectively remove allergens without harming surfaces or contaminating nearby waterways. Ultimately, regular pressure washing can help to keep your home safe and clean while enhancing its curb appeal and value.
Prevents Vermin
The organic debris, mildew, mold and algae that builds up on the surfaces of buildings can provide ideal habitats for pests, allowing them to grow and thrive. This can be a real problem for the health and safety of anyone who spends time in the building. Pests can carry diseases, and they may also aggravate allergies and asthma. A regular pressure washing prevents these issues from developing by eliminating the pests’ food and shelter sources.
If left untreated, organic debris can lead to structural damage to the exterior of a home or commercial building. Pressure washing can remove this debris before it causes any problems and keep the building looking its best. Mold and mildew growth can also eat away at concrete, compromising its strength and integrity. Regular cleaning via pressure washing can prevent this problem before it becomes a serious issue and save the property owner money in repairs.
Pests are attracted to dark areas, making a dirty house or building more attractive to them. A regular pressure wash will brighten the surfaces, preventing them from becoming a breeding ground for pests.
The high-pressure spray of a pressure washer can also remove spider webs, beehives, wasp nests and the beginnings of termite colonies before they become a major problem. This can help prevent these pests from entering the home, and it can also make the exterior of the property less appealing to them. A clean-looking building can also boost a company’s image and encourage customers to come back. This is especially true for restaurants and other businesses that rely on foot traffic to bring in revenue. Regularly cleaning these types of spaces with a pressure washer can help them maintain a high level of cleanliness and appearance that will increase customer satisfaction.
Prevents Mold and Mildew
While mold and mildew are unsightly, they’re also a health hazard that needs to be removed from surfaces like walls, roof tiles, and siding. When mildew and mold aren’t removed, their microscopic spores can become airborne and spread to new surfaces, where they grow again. Regular cleaning with a pressure washer prevents this.
A high-pressure wash removes the food sources that mold and mildew need to survive, such as dirt, grime, and organic debris that collect on surfaces. For this reason, it’s also one of the best ways to prevent future growth and keep surfaces clean.
Unlike some cleaning products, which can contain harmful chemicals, a pressure washer uses only the power of water. It’s a safe and effective way to clean the entire exterior of your home or business, including hard-to-reach places. It’s also a great way to blast away mold and mildew from decks, driveways, patios, and roofs.
Even though it’s impossible to eliminate all traces of mold from the surface of your building, regular power washing can help you avoid a major mold infestation. This is especially important if you’re planning to paint your home or business.
A professional pressure washer uses the right nozzle and surface cleaner to eliminate mold and moss from decks, roofs, siding, and more. It can also get rid of clogged gutters, which often contribute to water buildup and mold. This is a great way to maintain your investment in your home or business and protect your family or employees’ health. Using a pressure washer also helps you identify any minor damage to your property that can be easily fixed. For example, if your siding is loose or cracked, a simple repair job can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Prevents Cobwebs
Cobwebs can be dangerous to anyone who suffers from respiratory problems, asthma or allergies. Cobwebs also trap dust and other airborne irritants which can cause additional health issues for these people. Regular pressure washing keeps cobwebs from forming which is important for the health and safety of those who live in or visit a building. Cobwebs are often found in dark and dusty areas which can be difficult to reach with traditional cleaning methods such as sweeping or dusting. Pressure washing is more effective in removing these webs and is less time consuming than using other equipment such as cherry pickers or scaffolding.
Another way that pressure washing helps to prevent vermin is by reducing the number of bacteria and other germs on surfaces which can attract and spread disease. This is particularly important in commercial settings where the cleanliness of surfaces can impact the productivity and safety of employees. Regularly sweeping and dusting can remove some of the germs and bacteria but the powerful jet stream from a pressure washer is more effective at killing them and eliminating the conditions which allow them to grow.
Pests are attracted to dirty surfaces because they provide the perfect environment to breed and thrive. Dirty surfaces also create a host of conditions that are ideal for them including humidity, dampness and temperatures. Pressure washing can help to sanitize outdoor surfaces which is necessary for preventing the growth of mold, mildew and other organic growth that can trigger allergies in humans. It can also help to sanitize surfaces that will be painted or stained which is important for ensuring that the paint or stain adheres properly and that the surface is not damaged in the process.
Tips Every Pressure Washer Should Know
Pressure washing is a great way to quickly remove dirt, grime, mildew and more from surfaces. But it’s important to take your time and follow these tips to ensure you get a quality result.
Your pressure washer comes with five universal spray nozzles. Each creates a different angle of water spray. The red tip has the narrowest angle-zero degrees-and is the most powerful.
1. Use the Right Detergent
You need detergent to get your clothes clean, but there are many different kinds. The type you choose depends on your needs, preferences and washer type. Some people swear by liquid detergent, while others prefer powder detergent. The truth is, both liquid and powder detergent can do the job just fine when used properly.
Liquid detergent dissolves more easily in all water temperatures, which reduces the likelihood of soap buildup on your washer or clothing. This also makes it ideal for high efficiency (HE) washing machines. However, be careful not to use too much, or you could end up with a lot of suds in your machine. Too much suds can lead to a host of problems, including residue, bad smells and even damage to your washer.
Both powder and liquid detergents contain enzymes, surfactants and other cleaning agents that lift dirt away from your clothes and suspend it in the water. The difference is that liquid detergent is often easier to measure than powder detergent, which can be difficult to scoop out precisely.
If you’re using a powder detergent, look for one that comes with a dosing ball or scoop to help you measure out the exact amount you need. If you’re using a liquid detergent, it’s important to read the label carefully, as the amount needed will depend on a number of factors, including load size and soil level. For example, if your clothes are very heavily soiled, you may need to add an extra ounce of detergent than for a lighter load.
Both liquid and powder detergents should be free of chlorine bleach, whiteners and fabric softeners, as these chemicals can be damaging to your washer and clothes. Instead, look for a detergent that’s made from plant-based ingredients and biodegradable, which is better for your laundry, your health and the environment.
Remember, any kind of runoff from your washer will eventually drain into the groundwater, and the toxins from the detergent can pollute the earth and poison fish and wildlife that drink it. To avoid this, try a natural plant-based laundry detergent like Rest Linen Mist from Parachute, which is made from natural and organic ingredients and is biodegradable so it won’t harm the environment.
2. Use the Right Nozzle
The most important tip every pressure washer should know is to use the right nozzle for the job. A pressure washer pumps water through a special pipe called a lance or wand, which is then forced out through a spray nozzle at the end. A wide-angle nozzle produces a large fan of water spray, while narrower nozzles produce more concentrated streams. Using the right nozzle for your cleaning tasks will make the work go much faster and save you time.
You should also be familiar with the different nozzles your machine comes equipped with and what each one does. The most common nozzles are color-coded to indicate the angle of the spray. For example, a red-tipped nozzle creates a very narrow water stream and is the most powerful of all. This nozzle should only be used for tough jobs, such as pulling caked-on dirt off tools or stripping rust from metal.
A green-tipped nozzle provides a broad water spray and is ideal for general washing, such as rinsing outdoor furniture or loosening dirt on redwood or cedar decking. A 25-degree nozzle is good for tackling dirt and grime on concrete and other types of masonry, while a turbo or rotary nozzle uses the power of a tight-spraying fan of water with a rotating cone to blast away stubborn debris.
No matter what nozzle you use, always start out well away from the surface you’re cleaning and move slowly toward it to prevent damage. The force of the water spray from even a low-psi pressure washer can cut through wood, brick, or vinyl siding. It can also break glass or knock over electrical fixtures, so it’s essential to use extreme caution when handling this tool.
Wear closed-toe shoes, a hard hat, and eye protection when operating a pressure washer. You should also cover any areas you don’t want to get wet with plastic or cardboard. Finally, it’s a good idea to set up a ladder so you can reach higher areas. Once you’re done washing the area, pause for five to 10 minutes before you rinse. This will give the detergent time to penetrate and dissolve the dirt before rinsing it away.
3. Don’t Get Too Close
Pressure washers are powerful tools that can blast years of accumulated dirt and grime from the side of your house, driveway or garage. But the force of the trigger spray can also knock you off your feet if you’re not careful, so it’s important to stand back and watch where you’re shooting the water. Before you begin cleaning, make sure no one or anything is in the path of the spray and that you’re not close enough to damage delicate surfaces like vinyl siding and window screens. Once you’ve set up the nozzle and positioned it to your desired work area, start from a distance of about eight feet and move closer if needed. Moving too close to the surface you’re washing can cause damage and even crack the material, so it’s best to take your time to get it right the first time.
It’s also worth spending some time experimenting with different nozzle settings and finding the ideal spray pattern for each surface type. Once you know how to control the flow of water and which nozzle to use on each surface, you’ll be able to save time by working faster and by avoiding unnecessary damage to your clients’ surfaces.
When you’re done with the job, don’t forget to clean underneath your vehicle, especially in the wheel wells and chassis. This is where salt, sand and dirt can gather to wreak the most havoc on the undercarriage of your car. And finally, be sure to wear proper footwear when using your pressure washer, especially on ice and snow. Spiked shoes or boots are the way to go to keep you from slipping and falling and damaging your equipment or your client’s property.
While starting a pressure washing business may seem intimidating, with the right tips and tricks you can keep your clients happy and grow your business over time. And don’t forget to automate your client emails to streamline quoting, invoicing and more so you can spend less time on admin and more time growing your company.
4. Don’t Forget the Rinse
Pressure washers are extremely useful tools for cleaning a wide variety of items. They can blast away caked-on grime on decks, driveways, patios and outdoor furniture as well as clean vehicles and some types of siding. And, they can do so in a fraction of the time it takes to use scrub brushes and a garden hose. But, it’s important to know how to use a pressure washer safely and effectively to get the best results.
The secret to effective pressure washing is adjusting the nozzle and spray pattern to match the surface you’re cleaning. Most models come with five different spray tips that produce different spray patterns for specific tasks. A red spray tip, for example, produces a highly concentrated blast that is ideal for quickly removing thick layers of grease and oil from metal surfaces like grills and cars. However, this tip is also the most powerful, and it can damage delicate materials if you are not careful.
Most pressure washers also include a soap nozzle that works alongside the sprayer to deliver detergent or other cleaning agents with the force of the water. These nozzles can be very effective on tough dirt, but it’s important to remember that the force of the water is still quite strong and could damage soft surfaces like vinyl siding or window screens.
When using a pressure washer, it’s also important to work in an organized fashion. Start by surveying the area you’re cleaning and making note of any areas that need attention or repairs. This will save you time by ensuring that you don’t accidentally push dirt back into already-clean areas or waste time cleaning the same spots twice. It’s also important to work in an overlapping pattern so that you can cover as much ground as possible without having to backtrack or go over the same areas again.
When you’re finished with your job, be sure to shut down the pressure washer and properly drain and refill the gas and oil. This will help extend the life of the engine and ensure that it’s ready to go when you need it next.
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