When To Use a Pressure Washer
Have you ever stepped outside and noticed unsightly dirt and grime buildup on your home’s siding, brick, sidewalk, driveway or patio? If you have, you’re not alone. Typically, once the layer of film and dirt is thick enough to notice, it’s time to use a commercial pressure washer to service your home. However, you may still have questions about what areas of your home that can be cleaned using a pressure washer, and we’re happy to make a professional recommendation. For example, a soft washing is a low pressure method that is safe for all types of siding, while high pressure methods may be used on sturdier areas like concrete driveways and sidewalks. Read our blog that covers four areas of your home that can be pressure washed, and follow along to learn about appropriate pressure washer techniques that help maintain your home.
Choosing a Pressure Washer Method
The most important decision you have to make is choosing what type of pressure washer to use — and it definitely depends on the task. For medium to heavy duty jobs like cleaning siding, most people think they will need a powerful washer that has a high PSI (pounds per square inch). However, we highly recommend using a soft touch wash that’s safe for all types of siding like vinyl, stucco, hardiplank, and painted wood. The key to a good soft wash is a grime-fighting solution that can eat away at mildew, dirt, and algae without blasting the surface and causing damage. On the other hand, please keep in mind that high pressure methods can be done more cheaply, but run the risk of damaging your surfaces.
Leveraging a Commercial Pressure Washer
While we understand your eagerness to maintain your home year round and work on manageable projects on your own, we strongly encourage you to call on professional help to operate a commercial pressure washer—specifically for big projects like siding or deck cleaning that can result in major damages if not done correctly. We can safely and effectively clean all of your surfaces using our expert pressure washer equipment, technicians, and solutions. Whether you need your driveway, sidewalk, or deck cleaned, we help increase efficiency, save money and hassle, and maintain your property’s value. Our team is fully insured, highly trained, and excellent at what we do—don’t stay in the dark when you can just ask for help!
However, if you choose to operate a pressure washer yourself, be aware of the nozzle options that are available to you. Typically, red nozzles are great for removing dirt and oil, yellow for deck and siding, green for driveways and concrete, white for areas by windows or lights, and black for smaller, more sensitive areas. As a reminder, this color key may vary depending on the pressure washer you’re using, so be sure to double check any instructions. Next, attach your desired nozzle, check the pressure, and start your project. When you’re finished, always be sure to properly shut off all equipment and detach from the water source.
If you’re interested in getting a free quote on our pressure washing services, be sure to contact us today. And, we’d be happy to chat through a unique maintenance plan that suits your home’s needs throughout the year. As a homeowner, you likely have other questions aside from how to use a pressure washer, so be sure to check out our blog for more information on topics like how to choose the right gutter cleaning company and what the long-term effects of clogged gutters can be.
