A pressure washer no doubt ensures an effective wash. But in the end, it's only a machine. Getting a good wash requires more than an expensive pressure washer. Some practices ensure that all the dirt and stains eradicate.
Ineffective cleaning is a waste of time and energy. Moreover, the mold buildup resumes after a short while. Therefore, it is important to know the ins and outs of pressure washing to get the best results. Because without them either, you’ll dent the surface, or the mold will stay intact.
Getting the Right Equipment
Firstly, you need to choose which pressure washer suits your use. For commercial projects, you’ll need a powerful gas-powered pressure washer. While for domestic projects, you’ll need something economic and powerful. In other words, you may also consider checking out an electric pressure washer.
Next are the cleaning units a pressure washers provides. Multiply the GPM value with the PSI value to know the cleaning units. For instance, an 8 gpm pressure washer with 400 PSI has 3200 cleaning units. In short, more the cleaning units get the job done faster.
Choosing and Using the Right Nozzle
Although, it may not look like big fuzz; but the position of the pressure washer’s nozzle dictates the effectiveness of the wash. Put the tip about 5 to 6 inches away from the surface with a slight tilt. In case, you are using a red nozzle, keeping it at a 90-degree angle will likely dent the surface. Resultantly, doing more harm than good.
Also, choose which nozzle will suit your application. The black nozzle is the gentlest having a spray angle of 65 degrees. While the red one is the hardest with a spraying angle of 0 degrees. Yellow, Green, and White nozzles have 15, 25, and 40 degrees spray angles, respectively.
Using the Right Detergent
Detergents help ease the overall process. Instead of powering up the washer to its full strength, you can use an effective detergent to get better results. Ensure that the detergent type matches your use.
For instance, detergents are available for cleaning vehicles, wooden surfaces, general-purpose detergents, etc. Using the appropriate quantity of detergent is necessary to ensure a good clean.
Preparing the Washing Area
Avoid pressure washing the area without a pre-clean. Using a pressure washer on the grime-caked surface will cause the grease and dirt to fly all over the place. Ultimately, staining the nearby things, be it a vehicle or the house’s outer wall.
For dry dirt, sweep the area first. And if there are grease patches on the surface, mildly scrub it with a brush. This way when you pressure wash, the grime won’t fly everywhere.
Ensuring Safety
Pressure washers throw a high-pressured stream of water. If you are not careful, you may injure yourself. Therefore, it is necessary to wear closed-top boots and wear protective glasses and gloves before starting.
Conclusion
Many users believe that pressure washing is the endeavor of the machine deployed. However, it is contrary to that. Although, a powerful pressure washer does the job well; but the user’s knowledge is also necessary.
The tips above will help you get a good wash. Moreover, they also provide a good insight into the technicalities associated with cleaning power and nozzles of pressure washers.
