A pressure washer is a perfect tool if you’re looking for a quick and simple solution to remove all the dirt and stains from your truck tyres, siding, and driveway. A pressure washer may restore the exterior of your home to like-new condition because of its capacity to shoot very pressurised water—typically combined with a cleaning solution—at the problematic filth or stain.
Make sure you’re using the pressure washer safely before you begin dousing everything in sight, and finish up any outside cleaning tasks before lunch.
Contents
1. Choose The Right Tool
There are gas and electric versions of pressure cleaning in Melbourne. In comparison to electric versions, which typically produce 1,300 to 1,700 PSI (pounds per square inch), gas-powered washers produce 2,000 to 2,800 PSI. Gas washers are, therefore, thought to be more powerful and have a cleaning speed of ten times that of electric versions. Nevertheless, gas-powered washers produce more noise and need to be used with extra caution to avoid damaging wood or other surfaces.
When selecting a pressure washer, you should consider both PSI and the washer’s water flow rate in gallons per minute. A machine with 5 GPM and 1,700 PSI, for example, will clean more effectively than one with 4 GPM and 2,000 PSI. Choose a washer that will not only dispense water but also clean solutions. To thoroughly clean concrete and avoid the growth of mold and mildew, a small amount of chlorine will go a long way.
Power Washers vs. Pressure Washers
Despite the fact that you may have heard these phrases used synonymously, these are distinct machines. The most crucial distinction is that pressure washing is slightly milder on some surfaces than power washing, even though pressure washing is still an excellent method of cleaning. Power washing uses heated water, but pressure washing does not.
For the toughest materials, such as masonry, stone, and concrete, power washers should be utilised. Mud and other organic waste can easily be removed from your driveway by using hot, pressured water. Consider using a pressure washer for everything else.
2. Be Safe
Be Safe: Improper handling of house washing, which are incredibly strong devices, can be fatal. Always wear gloves, long sleeves, boots, goggles, and ear protection when operating one.
Make sure that nobody is in the way of the spray before you turn the machine on. Furthermore, use two hands to hold the machine and use caution while moving quickly because a pressure washer can harm screens, doors, windows, and overhangs. Waiting for calmer weather is a good idea if it’s windy outside because the wind can bounce the spray back in your direction.
3. Prep Properly
If your water supply isn’t sufficient, your pressure washer won’t perform to its fullest capacity. Measure the amount of time it takes to fill a five-gallon bucket with water in your house. If it takes longer than two minutes, your water supply may not be powerful enough for the washer.
Along with cleaning the inlet filter of your washer, make sure all of the hoses and accessories are fastened tightly. Trash and garbage should be cleared out of the way of your cleaning frenzy; toys, for example, are easily broken if dropped.
4. Protect Plants
Be careful where you spray because your rose garden may not look as pretty after being exposed to pressured chlorine. To ensure that any cleaning solution that comes into contact with your plants is diluted—dry leaves absorb cleaning solutions considerably more readily than wet ones—you should also think about watering them before, during, and after pressure cleaning in Melbourne.
Please do not attempt to save time by utilising your pressure washer outside in your garden while it’s out. It is never appropriate to point a pressure washer toward any living creature because it is not a hose. Keep kids, pets, and plants away from these sharp instruments.
5. Understand Cleaning Solutions
You may use a wide variety of cleaning products with a pressure washer. To get the most out of your pressure washer and get excellent results, you must understand the various cleaners and what you may use them for.
- Vinegar: A safe and efficient general cleanser for most surfaces
- Citric acid: Perfect for wood and concrete
- Oxalic acid: Works wonders for rust removal
- Sodium hydroxide: Capable of dissolving lipids such as grease and oil.
- Using potassium hydroxide, soft soaps are mixed.
- Ammonia: Frequently applied on external glass
Bleach: Bleach can harm plants, corrode metal, and fade clothes colour; it should only be used to eradicate mould and mildew.
6. Patch Broken Surface
Whether you’re washing a concrete floor, a brick wall, or vinyl siding, make sure to examine the area and record any surface imperfections. Prior to starting the washing process, fix these areas and allow the necessary time for them to dry or cure, depending on the type of repair.
7. Take Your Time
It can be rather powerful to hit any surface with a high-pressure water shock, so proceed when washing. To loosen and eliminate any filth, start washing from a distance of ten feet away and gradually get closer to the surface.
By taking your time, you can make sure that the cleaning process goes well and that you stay safe. Rushing might lead to accidents, damage to your house, or just shoddy work that has to be redone.
8. Know Your Nozzle
Your pressure washer has multiple nozzle tips because they are meant to perform different tasks. For general house washing, a wide nozzle (around 40 degrees) works great on wood decks and siding in your house. While a nozzle with a 15-degree nozzle or less can pour extremely high pressure and should only be used to remove stains on metal, a relatively narrow 25-degree nozzle may handle the filth on brick and concrete. Every nozzle tip has a colour code to make it easier for you to choose the correct one.
Conclusion
During the off-season, keep your washer indoors to avoid any weather-related damage. Another way to winterise the machine is to put undiluted RV-grade antifreeze in the pump. Make careful to run the machine several times with simply water after using any kind of cleaning solution. Any chemicals remaining inside the machine could harm internal components and reduce the pressure washer’s lifespan.