One of the quickest ways to spruce up your home is to pressure wash the exterior. When done correctly, you can wash off the dirt, grime and algae which has built up over the years and make your home shine again. Pressure washing can make a tough clean-up job a lot easier.
However, if you use the wrong setting or the wrong type of detergent, you can do more harm than good. You may want to test the pressure washer on an inconspicuous portion of your home to make sure it won’t damage the exterior of your home. Those living in homes on Longboat Key or other Sarasota Keys may see the need for pressure washing due to salt spray and sand. Be sure to check out these tips first.
Prepare Your Machine before Pressure Washing
Pressure washers vary in cleaning ability and function. Be sure to read the paperwork before beginning to use the machine, and ensure that the model is appropriate for the job. Settings will need to be changed depending on if you will be applying detergent or using high-pressure.
Prepare Your Home for Cleaning
The project will be much safer and easier if you get rid of obstacles and make a clear path. You don’t want to trip, or to have to keep stopping the job to unsnag the hoses. You’ll want to make sure to turn off power to outside electrical outlets which could get wet, and cover them with plastic if they do not have a weather guard. Trim back landscaping and hedges which are too close to the home exterior. Be sure to all windows and doors are closed.
General Pressure Washing Guidelines
It may seem silly to point out, but pressure washing uses very high pressure. The water stream can cause serious injury to people and animals, so it is necessary for you to keep the area clear of anyone else – and to take care not to point the sprayer down towards your legs, or put your hand in front of it.
- Be sure to have stable footing and maintain your balance.
- Wear the proper eye protection.
- Consider wearing hearing protection when utilizing a gasoline-powered pressure washer.
- Never leave the spray gun unmanned while the machine is turned on.
- Keep the pressurized spray away from electrical fixtures, power sources and power lines.
- Do not operate gas-powered pressure washers indoors or in any area without ventilation.
- If using an electric pressure washer, be sure to keep connections dry and off the ground where there may be puddles.
Lead Based Paint Warning: You should never pressure wash your home if you t suspect it was painted with lead paint. Because lead based paint restrictions were imposed in 1978 – which was over 40 years ago – this would be a rare occasion. If you are dealing with a very old home, you should contact a professional for an inspection and recommendation on how to proceed.
Using Detergent Safely
Completely cleaning resistant dirt, grime and stains on your home exterior may require a detergent. It is important to only use detergents which are intended for use in pressure washers. Employ a low-pressure spray pattern, and avoid streaking on vertical surfaces by applying the detergent from the bottom up.
The detergent should remain on the exterior surface for several minutes before you rinse it off, but should not be allowed to dry. If the surface is drying, rewet it with water. When you are done applying detergent, take out the detergent supply attachment, set to the spray pattern appropriate for the surface you’re cleaning, and clear any residual detergent from the hose. Spray off the detergent, starting from the top and working down.
After you are done, flush the exterior areas to remove any residual detergent and dirt.
The professionals at Lindahl Construction are experts in all aspects of general contracting, both custom homes and home renovations. If you have any questions about pressure washing the specific materials on your home, be sure to ask before you begin.