Top 5 Pressure Washing Tips for Raleigh Spring Cleaning
Do You Want to Refresh Your Home? Spring Cleaning: Best Pressure Washing Tips
It’s spring, and that means getting rid of the winter ick — which means spring cleaning! And when it comes to a clean start in Raleigh, nothing beats pressure washing. But don’t worry, we’re here with some pressure washing tips for beginners (or pros!) that you can use to help get your home’s exterior sparkly clean. Here are our favorite tips for how to get a successful spring clean.
How to Select the Best Pressure Washer for Your Raleigh Home
A 2000-2800 PSI medium-duty machine is a suitable choice for most homes in this area. It has enough power to get the gunk and dirt out but is still safe on most surfaces.
Gas or Electric?
Electric models tend to be quieter, more eco-friendly, and require less maintenance. Both gas and electric are great for small-scale cleaning jobs in and around the home. On the flip side, gas pressure washers can provide more power, making them a better fit for harder tasks such as cleaning large driveways or heavily soiled surfaces.
If possible, try to get a model with an adjustable nozzle. They let you adjust the pressure depending on the surface you’re cleaning. (For example, the higher-pressure quality is good for concrete driveways, and lower is safer for washing decks and siding.)
A built-in detergent tank is another useful feature. It simplifies the cleaning process since you can inject your cleaning solution directly into your pressure washer. It’s especially effective at loosening tightly held dirt and stains that can’t be removed with just water. As a sidenote, make sure that you’re following your HOA or county rules for runoff into your water – not just to follow the law but also to keep your community’s water clean.
Finally, a longer hose and cord will allow you to access more areas without having to constantly move the machine around, which will save you time and energy while you spring clean. Choosing the right pressure washer will give you a thorough and efficient cleaning job and will make your Raleigh home look pristine.
Learn Proper Technique for Pressure Washing
Follow up with a slight pump-up as required. This prevents surface scratches or dents. Constant extreme pressure can wear paint away, dent or warp siding, or crack pavement. Starting at a lower setting reduces the chance of making these expensive mistakes.
Make sure you keep a distance of around 6-12 inches from the surface. This allows for streak-free cleaning. Too far, and you might not be getting the job done, and too close you risk stripping paint or etching surfaces. Get too far away, and you’re not going to be cleaning well. Staying 6-12 inches allows for the best combination of being able to remove grime without doing damage.
Sweep the area back and forth, overlapping each pass slightly. This ensures that the surface is covered evenly. It’s common to miss spots while pressure washing, but overlapping will help you cover all areas. Like mowing the lawn, accurate, controlled actions provide the best look.
Heavily soiled areas should be pre-soaked with a detergent solution. For a great result, let the solution sit for a couple of minutes, then rinse. Detergents dissolve dirt and grime, making an easy rinse. Obviously, the more dirty an area is, the larger you’ll want to let it soak. Don’t forget to make sure that your area is safe to be soaked though. We know a few people who’ve ruined painted surfaces with heavy-duty detergents.
Finally, rinse from top to bottom. This stops dirty water from running down areas you’ve already cleaned and re-soiling them. With a final rinse like this, the process is repeated and most efficient, ensuring a clean flat finish. It’s an easy way to save time and energy later.
Ensure Safety When Performing Pressure Washing
Before you go off to grab your own pressure washer somewhere in Raleigh, a few safety precautions need to be said. Research from 10 years ago puts the yearly emergency room visits from pressure washers at 6,000. With the sudden surge in home pressure washers becoming more affordable and accessible, we assume that number has significantly increased. Pressure washers can be dangerous, and safety should always be front and center in your mind.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves, goggles, and non-slip shoes. Such protective gear is required to avoid injuries by high-pressure water and maintain steady and secure walking on a slippery surface.
- Use Caution with Ladders: If you have to clean high surfaces, avoid the use of ladders. The high-pressure force of the stream can easily throw you off balance, which can result in falls and other injuries. Instead, always use a stable platform or an extension wand to get to those high zones securely.
- Steer Clear of Electrical Outlets and Fixtures: Do not pressure wash near any electrical outlets or fixtures. Water and electricity do not mix, and this can be fatal. Be sure to seal all outlets and electrical fixtures tightly or cover them properly before you begin washing.
- Use Care: Never direct the pressure washer at people, animals, or fragile surfaces. The powerful jet of water can inflict serious injury or damage, so always be aware of where you’re directing it.
- Adhere to Manufacturer Guidelines: One of the first things you need to do with your pressure washer is to understand the maintenance and storage requirements set by the manufacturer. With proper care, your equipment will continue to work properly and deliver the best performance whenever you use it.
You now have a definite guide to avoid injuries while spring cleaning in Raleigh if you follow this and prioritize safety. All these safety tips should be followed to give you protection and plus help your pressure washing tool last longer.
These pressure washing tips can make spring cleaning in Raleigh a breeze! As long as you have access to the right equipment, can master your technique, and are safety-conscious, you’ll have an impeccably clean and refreshed exterior of your home. Ready to get started? Get out your pressure washer and truly make your house shine.
If you’d rather leave this to the pros, well, you know who to call – the Powerwash Guy! Get a quote today.