Clean gutters, moss-free roofing, and sparkling siding are only a few external parts of a house that contribute to a damage-free and healthy home. Homeowners normally hire a professional to take clean their home’s exterior, or they attempt to do it themselves. If you’re taking the DIY approach, then your first step towards becoming a pro is investing in a high-pressurized cleaning system. If you’re completely green when it comes to pressure washing, then read on to learn 5 helpful tips to use before, during, and after your first clean.
5 Pressure Washing Tips for Beginners
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Before pressure washing, it’s important to prepare the surface you’re going to clean AND the surrounding area. High-pressurized cleaning systems are heavy-duty tools that have the potential to do some serious damage to your property if handled improperly. Never use a pressure washer on glass windows. A high PSI (the measurement on pressure washers) may crack windows and do irreversible damage. Cover windows or avoid them altogether when using a high-pressurized blast.
If the surface you want to clean has surrounding landscaping and other vegetation, it’s a good idea to cover the area before cleaning. Secure a plastic tarp over any plants to prevent chemicals and high PSI streams from damaging the landscaping.
- Take Safety Precautions
All handlers of high-pressurized systems should exercise caution before, during, and after a clean. When cleaning, wear proper safety attire such as safety glasses, gloves, and other important gear to protect yourself. Also, keep a strong grip on the washer, especially at higher PSIs. Never use the pressure washer on fragile surfaces or on people.
- First, Test
Before you rid your dirty surface of all grime, make sure to test a small area of your surface at your target PSI. If the only thing that changes about the surface is its cleanliness, then you can begin using the washer all along with your masonry, decking, etc.
- Apply an Industrial Grade Solution
If you want to clean like a professional, then you need to invest in a high-quality cleaning solution. Either use it as a detergent and apply it to the surface while you’re pressure washing or spray it on before you blast away all the dirt and grim. Whichever way you choose, always make sure to start the wash from bottom to top. Industrial-grade solutions make sure that you get the most out of your clean and give long-term benefits that water alone does not.
- Clean Up The Right Way
Always rinse horizontal surfaces from top to bottom. This is especially important if you’ve applied a cleaning solution. Never leave chemicals on the surface of your target area.
Looking for an Industrial Cleaning Solution?
Tidal Washers sells eco-friendly cleaning solutions that wash away a variety of stains and other deposits. Visit our shop page to find which solution is best for you, or get in touch with one of our team members for a now!