Avoid These Common Pressure Washing Mistakes
Has the time come for you to pressure wash your property? Over time, home and business exteriors accumulate surface debris. The longer this is allowed to happen, the worse they will look, and the more likely surface damage will become. You may feel tempted to grab some pressure washing equipment and handle this work on your own. However, be careful. There are many common pressure washing mistakes waiting to be made, and if you don’t know what to look out for, it’s almost certain that you’ll make a grave error.
We are Soda City Pressure Washing, and we want to help you avoid these mistakes! Read below to learn more about the mishaps you should steer clear of. That way, you can restore your Columbia, SC property without suffering the related headaches.
Mistake #1: Skipping Pressure Washing Altogether
If you’re not familiar with pressure washing, you might wonder if it’s necessary in the first place. Couldn’t you just skip this work altogether and save yourself a lot of trouble? We really can’t recommend that you take this course of action. Exterior surfaces that aren’t properly cleaned will continue accumulating surface debris. The negative consequences of this are enormous. Property exteriors will lose their beauty, and the likelihood of surface damage will skyrocket. The long story short is that not pressure washing is bad news!
How often should you pressure wash your property to stay out of trouble? We highly recommend annual pressure washing. This will keep your home or business’s exterior in fantastic condition. Has it already been a year since your property was last cleaned? If so, you are already overdue for service.
Mistake #2: Not Having the Right Tools
So, you want to do your own pressure washing. That’s great, but do you have the necessary equipment for the work? Pressure washing requires a specific arsenal of tools, and if you don’t have these tools, then you won’t be able to do the work correctly. So, what exactly will you need? We’ve included a bulleted list for your convenience below.
- Pressure Washer. This specialized piece of machinery pressurizes water so it is powerful enough to rinse away stubborn debris.
- Hose and Nozzle. These items are necessary if you want to aim at and spray surfaces clean. Remember to only point your hose at surfaces you intend to clean.
- Cleaning Solutions. You can use detergents and/or sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn grime when it puts up a fight.
- Safety Equipment. Remember to stay safe during your pressure washing project by wearing goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Mistake #3: Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
Once you have the willpower and the equipment necessary for pressure washing, there’s one other resource you’ll need to tap into. That resource is none other than time. Look, pressure washing isn’t supposed to be a rush job. To do this work correctly, you’ll need to make sure you have enough time. For example, pressure washing a patio might take a couple of hours. On the other hand, pressure washing something as large as an office complex could take all day, if not multiple days.
Take a look at your calendar and find a day that isn’t already filled with responsibilities. That’s a perfect time for your project. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and don’t cut any corners so you can ensure quality results.
Mistake #4: Ignoring Water Pressure Needs
Do you know how much water pressure you need to use during your project? It varies depending on the surfaces you are attempting to clean. For example, if you are pressure washing concrete, you can use a high level of water pressure. On the other hand, when cleaning something delicate like softwood, you’ll want to use considerably less water pressure. The best techniques ensure the best results.
How much PSI should you use for your project? While this isn’t a comprehensive guide, we have included many examples for you. If you don’t see your project on this list, consult your preferred search engine.
- Wood fences: 500–1,200 PSI
- Stucco exteriors: 1,200–1,500 PSI
- Vinyl siding: 1,300–1,600 PSI
- Brick walls: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks: 2,500–3,000 PSI
Mistake #5: Skipping Tough Debris
Eventually, during your pressure washing project, you’ll find a stain or splotch that doesn’t wash away easily. When this happens, you might be tempted to move along, finish your project, and accept that nothing’s perfect. The reality is that you don’t have to bow to stubborn stains. Instead, you can use cleaning solutions, such as sodium hypochlorite, to weaken these blemishes before washing them away completely.
Using sodium hypochlorite is easy. Simply apply a thin layer of it to the afflicted area; then, wait fifteen minutes for it to work its magic. Once this time has elapsed, you’ll be able to pressure wash the area again, and debris that was once too stubborn to remove should vanish in a flash.
Consider Professional Pressure Washing
As you’ve discovered, there are many common pressure washing mistakes waiting to be made. With the right preparations, you’ll be able to avoid these pitfalls and enjoy your DIY project. However, if you really want a surefire path to success, consider professional pressure washing. By letting a team of experts do the work for you, the possibility of you messing up drops to zero. Enjoy quality results without having to lift a finger!
Interested in what we have to offer? If so, contact us online today and request a free cost estimate. Then, if you like our suggested price, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We will be there soon to pressure wash your property, and while we work, you’re free to spend your time however you want. How convenient is that?
