The Do's And Don'ts Of Power Washing Your Home Exterior
Pressure washing is a great way to clean up your home's exterior and even the hardscape around your home. As long as you have the right equipment — a decent pressure washer — cleaning these spaces is pretty easy. However, there are some essential do's and don'ts to adhere to as you pressure wash the exterior of your home.
Do: Use a pre-soak.
There are numerous pre-soak detergents that you can buy at a home improvement store. Some are all-purpose. Others are made for specific surfaces, such as concrete or siding. Whether you use a general-purpose pre-soak or buy some more specialized ones, make sure you do use a pre-soak. You spray it on, let it sit, and then move on with pressure washing your home. The pre-soak will really enhance the effects and make it easier to get the gunk off.
Don't: Use more pressure than needed.
Most pressure washers come with a selection of tips that adjust the washer to a variety of pressures. Don't just skip to the highest pressure tip right away. Try one or two of the lower pressure options to see whether they do the trick first. The less power you use, the lower the chance of damaging the surface.
Do: Move slowly.
As you pressure wash a surface, don't move the pressure washer too quickly. Go in straight lines, and take your time, waiting for grime to completely rinse off a certain space before moving on to another space. Moving slowly the first time around will prevent you from having to go over the surfaces twice, saving you time in the long run.
Don't: Pressure wash on or around electrical components.
A pressure washer is strong enough to cause damage to electrical wires, which could lead to fires and other serious problems later on. So, do not pressure wash around electrical boxes or outlets. Wash these areas by hand.
Do: Start at the top and work your way down.
Follow this advice when pressure washing any vertical surface, whether that's your home's exterior walls or a wooden fence. If you work your way down, you won't end up with streaks or leftover dirt on the surface.
Follow the tips above in order to do a better job of pressure washing your home and the elements around it. Pressure washing can take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll love how clean it can make things. For more information about residential pressure washing, contact a local professional.