Having a power washer on hand can greatly simplify the process of washing and maintaining your home’s outside surfaces. But, there are a number of ways in which it may wind up damaging things, such as utilizing an excessively strong spray or applying it to the incorrect surfaces. Some typical blunders that people make when using power washers are as follows:
Excessive Use of Force
Misusing the power washer by applying too much pressure is a typical occurrence and a leading cause of damage. When you stand too near to the surface you’re washing, or if you utilize the incorrect power washer setting, the pressure will be too high.
You can use a power washer to clean vinyl siding, but be careful not to overspray the surface. Applying excessive force could cause it to break or develop holes. Aside from denting metal and splintering wood, it can also remove paint.
For this reason, one strategy to protect your deck from sun damage is to refrain from using a power washer. Power washers can etch or scrape concrete if the spray is too powerful.
Using Too Much Pressure on the Wrong Surfaces
You might be surprised to learn that power washers aren’t ideal for every surface, despite their versatility. One other typical error while utilizing power washers is targeting the incorrect surfaces.
Some painted areas may be power washable, but it’s usually not a smart idea. Even with mild pressure cleaning, many painted surfaces will not come clean. When the surface and paint are old, chipped, or sun-damaged, this becomes even more apparent.
Not Protecting the Surrounding Landscaping
A lot of work goes into maintaining landscaping and making sure it looks good. Do not risk damaging your landscape by not covering it with a protective covering before power washing. Before you use your power washer to clean, use a garden hose to spritz the nearby plants.
If the plants around you are already damp, you won’t have to fret as much about the cleanser splash drying on them or scorching them.
Plants may require additional watering if they begin to dry out while you are power washing. A tarp is another viable choice for shielding them from the cleaner and the spray’s pressure.
Never Using More Than Water
Power washers are great for professional power washing many surfaces, but there are times when you’ll need more than simply water spray. Use a detergent that is both effective and healthy for the environment if you want to remove mold or stubborn dirt and grime.
Before you clean or disinfect a surface, be sure to read and follow the product’s directions carefully. Be patient if it requires sitting on the surface before it can do its job. Afterwards, wash it off with the power washer.
Working in the Wrong Direction
Working in the wrong direction with power washers is another typical mistake. In general, clean from the top down. You ensure areas you’ve cleaned don’t need to be cleaned again.
If you need to power wash your home’s exterior, start with the roof and move down. This prevents runoff from dirtying previously cleaned areas and speeds up the process.
These are some pressure washer blunders to avoid, especially if you’re cleaning your home’s exterior. Using one may damage your siding over time, depending on its type.
