Pressure washing is a cost-efficient way to revitalize your home’s exterior. It is ideal for surfaces that accumulate dirt and debris over time, including walking surfaces such as concrete driveways and patios. Read on for some ideas.
Affordable pressure washing uses highly pressurized water mixed with cleaning detergents. However, you should always keep in mind the following tips and tricks to avoid any potential damage to your property when using this cleaning technique:
1. Consumer-grade pressure washers
Home pressure washers provide plenty of cleaning power to remove stains and dirt. They come in both electric and gas models with different PSI and GPM options to fit your needs. Consumer pressure washers can easily reach the front steps or wash the siding of a house, while also removing mold from a pool deck or washing off cars between washes.
GPM and PSI are the first specifications you should look at when choosing a pressure washer. Both measure the amount of water force a machine has, but the higher the number, the more powerful the spray. Higher numbers are ideal for professional cleaning jobs.
Another thing to keep in mind is the direction of the engine shaft. Vertical shaft machines tend to wear out faster and aren’t designed for heavy use, whereas horizontal shaft models last longer and provide better performance. They also require less maintenance.
2. Low-pressure nozzles
Pressure washing can remove dirt, grime, and mildew from your home’s surfaces, restoring its curb appeal and protecting against future damage. It also forbids harmful bacteria from stagnating on your home’s surfaces, keeping you and your family healthy. However, high-pressure washing can cause damage if not properly managed. If you’re thinking about purchasing a pressure washer, be sure to read these tips before using it at home.
Operating Pressure & Volume Capacity
These nozzles produce versatile flow rates and combination patterns at low operating pressures, minimizing pump pressure on pumps and firefighter fatigue. They’re available in fixed gallonage, selectable, and automatic flow nozzles to match your specific water supply needs. However, switching from high-pressure nozzles to lower pressures requires an evaluation of your hose line to ensure it’s compatible. Incompatible hoses can lead to kinks and difficult nozzle maneuvering, which will limit your crew’s effectiveness.
3. Chemicals
There are many different cleaning chemicals used by professional pressure washing companies to clean surfaces. The specific chemical used depends on the type of stain or residue that needs to be removed. For example, vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can help remove mildew and mold, while citric acid is effective at removing rust and scale from concrete surfaces. Other common acidic pressure washer cleaners include oxalic and hydrofluoric acids.
While a dirty home exterior can lower property values, a well-maintained one increases it. That’s why homeowners and business owners alike rely on professional pressure washing services to maintain their properties.
However, standard pressure wash detergents can often contain harsh ingredients that are damaging to local ecosystems. This is why it’s important to use eco-friendly pressure washing chemicals that are safer for the environment while still providing effective results. These cleaners are also biodegradable and reduce the demand for natural resources. This is especially important when it comes to reusing water that would otherwise be wasted during the cleaning process.
4. Rinsing
Putting your thumb over the end of a hose is great for rinsing debris and clearing surface dirt, but it’s no substitute for the cleaning power of a pressure washer machine. High-powered water blasts can cause significant damage to surfaces, including pitting and line erosion.
The best way to protect your property and make sure you’re getting the most out of your affordable pressure washing is by using the right chemicals. Look for a pressure washer detergent that has earned the Safer Choice label, and use it as directed to avoid damaging surfaces and landscaping.
Pressure washing your home is a cost-effective way to improve its aesthetic value and boost your curb appeal. Regularly removing mold, mildew, grime, and other build-up can help protect your home from costly repair bills in the future. For even better results, try spot-treating oil stains with a diluted concrete detergent solution before rewashing. Be sure to wear gloves and protective gear to guard against the pressurized spray from the nozzle. Find out more!