Mar 11, 2022

Tips and Tricks To Get The Most Out Of Your Pressure Washer

Isn’t cleaning fun? Here’s how to clean every nook and cranny with a pressure washer…

When it comes to hard outdoor surfaces, a pressure washer can help you quickly clean a wide area. You can use it to clean cars, wooden or concrete surfaces such as driveways. The joy of having pressure washers (aka power washers) is incomparable, and the results they give is immediate and impressive. That’s why they’ve become the trend these days. It is becoming increasingly popular to use pressure washing to clean a variety of surfaces for both residential and commercial use in the Philippines. In this AllHome article, we’ll be discussing a few tips to help you use your pressure washer to its fullest potential.

Pick the perfect pressure washer for your home

There are two types of pressure washers–gas and electric. To help you decide, ask yourself these two questions: “How frequently do you intend to use your pressure washer?” and “what type of cleaning do you expect to do with your pressure washer?” In order to measure a pressure washer’s cleaning ability, look for pounds per square inch, or PSI, and gallons per minute, or GPM when shopping for a pressure washer. These measurements provide you with an idea of how much power and pressure the washer produces and how quickly it cleans. 

Use a pressure of 1500 to 3500 PSI and 4 to 6 GPM for most hard surfaces when cleaning. Meanwhile, if you are cleaning wood or other “softer” surfaces, you should use a pressure of 500 to 2,000 PSI.

Take note of the nozzles

There are a variety of nozzles depending on the type of cleaning the pressure washer will do. Although the size of the pressure washer’s engine determines the machine’s power, the type of nozzle you choose affects the direction of the water stream because the direction impacts the power of the water stream. 

Nozzles on pressure washers are universally color-coded and here are their uses:

•  Red – The narrowest nozzle tip is the red tip, which creates a stream of water with a zero-degree angle. Using the nozzle with a red tip creates a stream of water that can be very damaging, so use it carefully and avoid using it up close. 
• Yellow – The yellow tip of this nozzle produces a spray at an angle of 15 degrees, which is ideal for washing concrete around your home. 
• Green – If you want to wash your car or scrub mildew off patio furniture or your deck, a green tip will produce a 25-degree spray. Use this nozzle for all-purpose household pressure washing. 
• White – A white tip produces a 40-degree spray, which makes it the ideal nozzle for exterior home cleaning. You can use the white tip on windows and vinyl siding. 
• Black – Black nozzles deliver the gentlest spray, with an angle of 65 degrees. Because of its gentle pressure, the spray is so light that it normally won’t remove dirt or stains, so it’s best to use this nozzle when you just need to dampen a surface.

Don’t pressure wash without protection

Water pressure washers are loud, and as the water is shot back at you, you will be doused with dirt, debris, and water. When operating a pressure washer, ensure eye and ear protection, and don’t forget to hold the hose with both hands. 

Maintain a safe distance 

When used inappropriately, pressure washers deliver extreme pressure that can cause serious injury. Avoid pointing the water stream at people or pets or putting your hand directly in front of the nozzle. This could actually cause serious injuries due to the pressurized water stream. The spray tip should be kept about 18 inches away from the surface you’re cleaning to prevent damage. Also, water should not be sprayed within six feet of power lines, electrical masts or outlets.

Be mindful of your pressure washer

If you are changing nozzle tips or uncoupling hoses, turn off the water faucet before disengaging the trigger and releasing all the system’s water pressure. Turn on the safety lock when not washing and when changing nozzle tips.

Detergents make cleaning easier

Pressure washers are more effective when they are equipped with detergents and accessories. When you are shopping for a pressure washer, ask what accessories and detergents are available as bleach and other detergents not intended for pressure washers can damage the internal parts of the machine. 

Using a pressure washer with a wide spray pattern is recommended for detergents. Also, electric power washers require a low-pressure setting on the spray wand. If necessary, hook up a chemical injector and follow your pressure washer’s instruction manual  for using detergents. 

All of these tips will make your cleaning experience more efficient and make it last longer. Make sure to try out these tips to improve the performance of your pressure washer. Once you try these tips out, you’ll surely grow to love cleaning with a pressure washer!

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