Power washing removes dirt, mold, mildew and oily stains from surfaces like driveways and home exteriors. It also kills weeds and moss.
It’s a great way to boost curb appeal and increase your home or business value. But it’s not just about appearances; regular cleaning prevents deterioration and keeps your surfaces in good condition for years to come.
Pressure
Power washing is often the better option for tough dirt, grime, mildew, moss and other substances that need to be removed from surfaces that aren’t easily cleaned by hand. Power washers use hot water and blast it at high-pressure. This can be helpful for removing grease and blackened surfaces, and the force behind the hot water can also help to loosen up stubborn materials. However, if not used correctly, the pressure can damage some materials and cause injury to those in close proximity. A professional knows how to control the temperature and amount of water that is sprayed as well as the distance from which it is aimed at a surface to avoid damage or over-washing.
While it is possible to rent a power washer and try to get the job done yourself, it’s best to let professionals handle the process. They will know how much pressure to apply and what nozzle extension works best for each situation as well as how to work safely around the machine. A professional will also know the right mixture of cleaning solution and water to ensure that all surfaces are cleaned thoroughly without damaging them or creating unnecessary risk.
Another benefit of hiring a professional to handle your power washing is that it will save you time and effort that you can dedicate to other things. Trying to manually scrub away a large area of your building could take hours, while the same results can be achieved in minutes with a power washer.
Adding power washing to your home maintenance routine can help prevent damage to the exterior of your house from substances like mold, mildew and algae that can grow, eat away at paint and lead to costly repairs later on. It can also reduce airborne irritants that can affect the health and wellbeing of your family, including spores, pollen and dust mites that can cause water eyes and runny noses.
A clean-looking property is a great way to boost your curb appeal and increase the value of your home. It is also a good idea for business owners to consider regular power washing to improve the appearance of their buildings and give their customers a positive first impression.
Water Temperature
When using a power washer, it is important to know the proper temperature of water. The warmer the water, the more effective it will be at removing materials and dirt from outdoor surfaces. It also helps to eliminate stubborn substances like moss, mildew, and algae. In addition, hot water is particularly effective when tackling things like greasy or oily surfaces. This is because the heat of the water breaks down the fats and oils that are stuck in the surface, making it easier to rinse away.
However, the use of a high-temperature power washing machine must be done carefully and with caution. The hot water can do damage to some surfaces if it is used at the wrong pressure or for too long. This is why it is always a good idea to have a professional take care of the cleaning process.
In addition to the temperature of the water, it is also crucial to understand how much pressure is necessary to properly clean an exterior surface. The level of pressure needed varies depending on the type and condition of the surface, as well as the amount of dirt and residue build-up. For example, a brick driveway may need more pressure to remove dirt and grime than an asphalt sidewalk.
A power washer is a great tool for cleaning large outdoor areas, such as a parking lot or a warehouse floor. It is especially useful in areas that are difficult to clean with a hose or by hand. In fact, the results of a power wash are often better than those achieved by manual scrubbing.
It is a good idea to schedule regular power washing services, which can be especially beneficial for commercial properties that are frequently visited by the public. This ensures that the building and surrounding outdoor spaces are kept in pristine condition, extending their lifespan.
In addition, a regular power wash can help to prevent the premature aging of exterior siding, brick, concrete, and trim by preventing dirt and grime from settling in the cracks and crevices of these surfaces. Ultimately, proper maintenance through power washing is the key to keeping your home or business looking its best year-round.
Nozzles
The nozzle is the most important part of your pressure washer, and understanding its purpose is crucial to a successful cleaning application. The nozzle has a variety of orifices that shoot water in different configurations. Pressure washer nozzles are usually color coded to indicate the kind of water blast they produce, which is an important factor in selecting the right nozzle for the job at hand.
For instance, the yellow nozzle creates a 15-degree wide sheet of water spray at the nozzle and is suitable for removing thick dirt and heavy debris. It’s commonly used for preparing surfaces for painting, staining or re-sealing. This nozzle can strip paint, though, so be careful when using it.
A green nozzle creates a 25-degree wide sheet of water spray at the spray nozzle and is good for general cleaning applications. It’s a great choice for removing mud and dirt from driveways, patio furniture, decks, vehicles and more. Its moderate-pressure spray is less intense than the red nozzle head, but it can still scar wood or vinyl siding, so it’s important to be cautious when using it.
Black soap nozzles have large orifices and blast water at low pressure, making them perfect for applying detergents to surfaces. These nozzles also activate your washer’s chemical injector, which is necessary when washing certain materials, such as aluminum trim or wood. Be sure to use a detergent that’s appropriate for the surface you’re cleaning, as many materials require special cleaning solutions.
The white 40-degree nozzle heads have wider spray patterns that are gentler on cars, boats, stucco and wood. They’re useful for light cleaning and rinsing windows. They’re also great for removing moss, mildew and lichen from concrete surfaces.
Cleaning Solutions
The right cleaning solutions can make all the difference when it comes to power washing. The right detergents will help break down grime, making it easier to remove with water pressure alone. In addition, these cleaners can help to loosen up dirt and debris that has settled into hard-to-reach places. They also work well on materials that require special attention, like wood or painted surfaces that need to be sealed or repainted after being cleaned.
Harmful particles, such as mildew and mold, can build up on the outside of a building, and can impact the health of those that live or work in the building. Power washing can be used to remove these harmful substances, allowing the building to function as it should and helping to improve the health of those that live or work in it.
Regular power washing can also help to reduce the need for repairs on a building, as it can prevent the build-up of harmful substances that may damage or deteriorate the surface. The process of power washing can also be used to remove insects, such as spiders and ticks, that may have made their home on the outside of a building.
Lastly, power washing can increase the curb appeal of a building. A clean building will look much nicer than a dirty one, and can be very appealing to potential buyers. This can be particularly important for those that are looking to sell their home, as a dirty or rundown building can significantly decrease its value. Power washing can be an affordable way to add a significant amount of curb appeal to a building. It is best to perform this service on a regular basis to keep the exterior of the building looking its very best. As a result, this can help to ensure that the building maintains or even increases in value over time.