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.