Tips to Power Washing A House

Do you want an easy way to remove the dust from the outer walls of your house? Look no further. Try power washing. It gives you the ability to use high-power water to remove stains and make your home look new.

But before you start power washing your home, know its steps, do’s, and don’ts. Here’s how you can get the best result from power washing.

Before You Begin

Check the local weather report before you start power washing. Avoid power washing during summer because the harsh sun can quickly dry the cleaning agent before you can wash it. Ideally, you should power wash your home during spring or fall.

You can thoroughly wash your home with the right cleaning products, good technique, and scrubbing.

Choose the Right Power Washer

A power wash is ideal for cleaning sidewalks, boats, and houses because it generates high-pressure water spray. Its power is measured in pounds per square inch, which indicates the pressure that liquid puts on the walls of the container.

Power Washer

You can purchase power washers in gas and electric variants. The gas model can be used for tougher jobs and hardier material because it creates great psi. It is more mobile because you don’t need to plug a gas washer into an electric outlet. It is suitable for hard-to-reach areas.

Instead of buying, you can also rent a power washer. Consult professionals to find the right machine for your job. If it’s your first time using a power washing, ask the rental company to demonstrate how to use the machine and attach/detach the nozzles.

Remember that power washing machines are bulky, sometimes weighing more than 100 pounds. Thus, you must always have someone by your side to help you with the work.

7 Steps to Power Washing a House

Power wash your home with these steps to remove the exterior built-up and grime.

Step 1: Cover the Surrounding Greenery

Surrounding Greenery

Always cover the surroundings with a plastic sheet or drop cloth. Close the doors and windows, and cover them with duct tape. If your doors or windows can leak, add a plastic sheet on the top to make sure water does not enter the home during the process.

Step 2: Prepare Your House Washing Solution

House Washing Solution

Mix mildewcide (available at power washing machine renting venter) in 5-gallon water. Add bleach in the mildewcide as per the manufacturer’s direction. Then pour the solution into the garden spray.

Step 3: Properly Attach the Nozzle

Properly Attach the Nozzle

Next, properly set up the pressure washer so you can use it after finishing with scrubbing and garden spraying. Locate the hose mount to the power wash and attach it with a garden hose. The other end should be attached to the spigot outside the house.

A 15-degree nozzle works best for harder surfaces and higher psi. Whereas, for softer surfaces and lower psi, a 25 to 30-degree nozzle works the best.

Start the work from the top and then come all the way down to power wash a two-story building. If you cannot reach the upper floor, use an extension wand.

You can also use scaffolding after setting up as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Lock the scaffolding’s wheel before beginning the process.

Step 4: Spray and Scrub from Bottom to Top

Use the mildewcide solution to thoroughly spray a section of the floor. For better results, start from the bottom section and go all the way up. Scrub gently yet firmly to clean the walls.

Spray and Scrub from Bottom to Top

You should start scrubbing from the bottom because the suds will run down if you start from the top. When it happens, you won’t be able to see the dirt and cannot scrub it off properly.

Step 5: Put on Your Goggles and Do a Patch Test

After scrubbing the surface, put on your safety goggles for a patch test. Maintain a 3-foot nozzle-to-wall distance to remove the dirt without damage. You can move a few inches closer if the dirt doesn’t seem to come off.

Step 6: Power Wash from Top to Bottom

While it’s advised to scrub the surface from bottom to top, when it comes to power washing, you must start from the top and come down. It allows you to remove overhangs and gutters while working your way down.

Power Wash from Top to Bottom

It also prevents water from getting under the siding. Try to reach up with both arms while keeping the spray angle at 45 degrees to remove maximum dirt.

Step 7: Repeat the Steps To Thoroughly Wash the Home

Repeatedly scrub and power wash your home so you can thoroughly clean your home. After completing the work, pull up the drop cloths and plastic sheetings from your garden, plants, windows, and doors. Put away the cleaning agents.

If you want to paint your home after power washing, wait for 2 days. Rushing the painting process might ruin the exterior walls of your home.

Do’s and Don’ts of Power Washing a House

Remember these do’s and don’ts while power washing your home to get the best result.

Do Read the Manual and Follow the Instructions

If you have purchased a new power wash machine, it will come with a manual. Do not skip it because it contains important information about how the power wash machine works.

Likewise, if you rent a power wash machine, the company will give you instructions that you must follow. Not reading the manual or failing to follow the instructions can put you in a difficult situation.

Do Start With Widest Spray Angle

If you want to reduce the possibility of damage during power washing, start with a wide spray angle, as it needs low power. Less power means less chances of damage. Remember to work your way down for proper cleaning.

If you don’t seem to get the best possible result with a wide spray angle, narrow down the spray.

Do Gear Up

You might think wearing protective gear is not necessary, but actually, it is. Why? Because people can get injured while power washing. Always wear goggles, long pants, and sturdy shoes to finish the work without damage or injury.

Do Correct Change the Nozzle Correctly

Changing the power wash machine’s nozzle seems simple, but it’s not. You must first release the extra water and switch between replaceable spray tips. Always turn off the engine and gently press the trigger to safely change the nozzle.

Do a Test Wash

Do a test wash on a small surface before power washing the entire wall. Why? Because you don’t want to accidentally use too much power and damage the walls.

Don’t Get Too Close

Never go too close to the walls. Try to maintain at least 6 inches of distance while cleaning, so the high water pressure does not cause any damage.

Don’t Let the Gas Power Washer Overheat

If you use a gas power washer, do not let it overheat. Frequently press the trigger so the engine does not run for a long time.

Don’t Use a Ladder

It’s normal for people to use ladders while power washing the home to reach the roofs and gutters. But it’s never advised to use ladders during power washing because it involves a risk of slippage.

While standing on a ladder to power wash the home, you might lose your balance and fall straight on the ground.

Don’t Use Extension Cord

If you are using an electric pressure washer, avoid using an extension cord. Ideally, an electric power washer comes with a 25 to a 35-foot cord. That means if you add an extension, the cords might get tangled.

Don’t Refill the Fuel Tank While the Machine is on

As power washing a home is a full-day job, you will likely run out of fuel in between. Refilling the tank while the machine is on can be dangerous. Thus, always turn off the power wash machine and wait for a few minutes so it cools down.

Don’t Injure Yourself or Others

You must be cautious while using the power wash machine because it’s not a toy. Instead of treating it as a regular hose, familiarize yourself with power washing. The high water pressure from the machine can even break human skin.

Conclusion

Power washing a home is not a joke. It’s serious work that needs your full attention and understanding. If it’s your first-time power washing a home, follow the instructions given by the experts to avoid any complications.

With that, remember the power washing do’s and don’ts to get the best possible results.

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