A power washer is a versatile machine that can help restore sparkle and shine to a variety of surfaces in your home. If you don’t want to invest in your own power washer, they are readily available for rent at home supply and hardware stores.
However, before you enthusiastically hook up the hose and douse every surface in a powerful spray, there are some precautions you should take. Here is a helpful guide to power-wash cleaning do’s and don’ts.
Be Safe
Before you begin any power-wash job, it’s important to protect yourself from the powerful blasts generated by the machine. That includes:- Wearing the proper protective gear for your face, eyes, and hands.
- Staying clear of the nozzle and following all manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attaching any accessories before beginning your power-wash cleaning.
- Never leaving the machine unattended.
- Never pointing the power wash nozzle at people, animals, or any surface that’s unable to withstand the force of the blast.
Try These Tips
A power washer is intended for outside surfaces only. There are some general tips and tricks that can help you use it more efficiently. In general:- Work from the top to the bottom of a surface so that grime doesn’t stain a clean section.
- Direct water downward, versus straight on or upward, on surfaces. This includes siding, brick, or masonry; doing otherwise might force water into cracks or seams.
- Continue with the power-wash cleaning until the surfaces are free of dirt.
- Use power wash-appropriate detergent or cleanser on applicable surfaces first, then rinse with a second round of water only from the power washer.
