The market for pressure washing is continually on the rise as it surpasses $1 billion for good reason. It is a low-labor, effective, and natural way to clean the outdoor surfaces of your home while boosting your curb appeal.
However, if you plan to start a DIY power washing project, then there are major mistakes you should avoid.
Read on to discover what you should never do if you attempt to power wash your property.
1. Using Too Much Power
It is called pressure wash for a reason. The water has extreme power to blast dirt, mold, and even paint off of your house and sidewalks.
But not all surfaces need the full power of a pressure washer. In fact, doing this could lead to serious damage to your property.
First, assess how fragile your surface is and determine the minimum about of pressure needed to clean it.
For example, cleaning windows should use very little power. Too much will break the glass!
2. Attaching the Wrong Nozzle
In addition to using too much power, using the wrong nozzle is one of those major pressure washing mistakes that could cost you.
Certain attachments are for high-maintenance jobs that use more power, while others use less pressure on fragile surfaces.
Also, some nozzles are meant for using detergent with your water. A wrong one may cause the detergent to clog your unit.
3. Not Using Detergent When Needed
Detergents are a useful addition to power washing as they sanitize and help remove difficult stains.
If you are unfamiliar with using detergents, then it is best to leave this job up to a pressure wash service. Some chemicals cause harm to certain surfaces and require the right ratio of detergent to water for them to clean properly.
When using detergent on your own, you should only do so when necessary. Try to remove the stains with water alone, then add detergent according to the type of surface.
4. Getting Too Close to Surfaces
An expert pressure washing service knows the range needed to clean surfaces without causing damage.
When you get too close to the area you want to clean, then you increase the power washing pressure. This has the same effect as if you cleaned with too much power.
Another negative result of cleaning too close is that your project will take longer. You reduce the amount of surface area when you move the nozzle too close.
5. Washing Non-Water Resistant Areas
Some people tend to go wild when they see how effective a power washer is at cleaning. They then start cleaning things that are not meant to be power washed.
For example, some walls and roofs are not water-resistant or have cracks or gaps in them. This is why 29% of all home insurance claims are from water damage. Water is more powerful than you think.
You may require another cleaning service other than power washing to get them clean.
Getting Help with Pressure Washing
Pressure washing looks easy, and it is if you know what you are doing. You also need the right tools to get the job done right.
Avoid these mistakes completely by letting the professionals at Sunlight Carpet Care take over.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
