Pressure washing is a quick, easy way to clean your driveway, car, deck or siding. However, the powerful stream of water can also inflict damage if not handled with care. Here are some instructions that will help you get the job done quickly and will help keep your home and family safe in the process.
Things You’ll Need
- Gloves
- Water Source
- Power source (electric or gas)
- Pressure Washer
Instructions
- Before using a pressure washer, it is imperative to review the manufacturer’s guidelines about operation. Each model is different and following the directions for your model will help you operate it safely and effectively.
- Asses your project to develop a plan. Take into account gravity. If you are pressure washing siding or a fence, work from top to bottom, for decks and driveways, make sure you work downhill. Also, be on the lookout for delicate and breakable areas (windows, vents, light fixtures, etc) and do not pressure wash them.
- Select the appropriate nozzle or tip for the project based on your needs and the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- If you choose to use chemicals, make sure you are using a model that allows you to add detergents or degreasers to the spray.
- Make sure you are wearing protective eyewear and gloves prior to beginning. Also, the motors on some pressure washers are very loud, so please wear hearing protection.
- Make sure all connections are tight prior to starting.
- Start the pressure washer and test the spray to check for correct distance. Once this is determined, spray away!
- If you are using a chemical solution, wait 5-10 minutes to allow the chemicals time to work before pressure washing the surface again with water to rinse the chemicals away.