Pressure washing is an effective method to clean various surfaces around your home, but it requires proper technique and caution to avoid potential damage. To achieve the best results and prevent mishaps, it’s essential to be aware of the common mistakes that people often make when pressure washing. Our All Brite Pressure Washing & More Team put together this blog to review the most common mistakes that pressure washer users make in hopes of helping users to avoid these mistakes.
Common Mistakes To Avoid For Optimal Pressure Washing
Using Incorrect Pressure Settings- One of the primary mistakes is using the wrong pressure setting for different surfaces. Not all surfaces can withstand high pressure. For instance, delicate surfaces like wood or painted areas require lower pressure settings to avoid damage. Always adjust the pressure according to the surface being cleaned. That being said, All Brite Pressure Washing & More focuses more on a higher GPM (Gallons Per Minute) technique that doesn’t put much pressure on any surface that we treat.
Using the Wrong Nozzle– When it comes to residential pressure washers, they often provide different nozzles for different surfaces. Using the wrong nozzle can lead to inefficient cleaning or damage. Different nozzles offer various spray angles and pressures. For example, a narrow nozzle might deliver higher pressure suitable for concrete, while a wider nozzle might be better for siding.
Holding the Nozzle Too Close- This is one of the more common pressure washing mistakes. Maintaining the right distance between the nozzle and the surface is crucial. Holding the nozzle too close can cause damage by gouging or etching the surface. It’s generally recommended to keep the nozzle at least 2 feet or more from the surface.
Overlooking Surface Preparation- Proper surface preparation and inspection of electrical components are crucial steps before pressure washing. Neglecting these precautions can lead to serious safety hazards and damage. Surface preparation ensures that the area is ready for cleaning and helps achieve better results. Inspecting electrical connections and covers is essential to prevent electrical shock or damage. It’s important to turn off power or cover exposed electrical components before pressure washing to avoid accidents and protect the equipment. By prioritizing these steps, you can ensure a safe and effective pressure washing process.
Using Just Water To Clean- When cleaning a surface, sometimes pressure washer users try to clean the area with just water. Not only does this usually take longer, but it also leads a less thorough clean with stains likely to come back sooner. Using the recommended detergent for that surface is always the way to go.
Letting Detergents Sit Too Long- Leaving cleaning solutions or detergents on surfaces for too long can lead to streaks, discoloration, or damage. Always rinse surfaces thoroughly after applying cleaning solutions. The best practice is only let detergent sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
Skipping Regular Maintenance- Regular maintenance of your pressure washer is crucial for its optimal performance and longevity. Neglecting maintenance, such as cleaning filters, checking for leaks, or replacing worn parts, can lead to reduced efficiency or breakdowns. Check your user manual to understand the ideal maintenance for your pressure washer.
How To Contact All Brite Pressure Washing & More
Avoiding these common pressure washing mistakes is crucial to achieve effective and longer lasting cleaning results. By understanding these errors and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure that your pressure washing projects are successful while preserving the integrity of the surfaces you’re cleaning. If you would like assistance with your pressure washing our efforts, our team is always here to offer guidance and free quotes for your projects. You can reach our office by clicking this link to our ‘Contact Us’ page or by calling our office at 910-398-2249.