If you have recently noticed that the exterior of your home is very dirty then you are going to want to read this article. I will describe to you the step-by-step process of pressure washing the exterior of your home. We will specifically discuss pressure washing equipment, pressure washing cleaning products and pressure washing safety. In order to do a good pressure washing job, you must have the proper pressure washing equipment.
Pressure washing equipment can be purchased from your local hardware store or rented from your nearest equipment rental store. Whether you own your own pressure washer or rent one, make sure before you get started that your pressure washer is in good operating condition. If you are renting your pressure washing equipment make sure the sales rep starts it for you before you take it home. Also make sure there are no fuel leaks and that the pressure washer runs smoothly. You may also want to check the operation of the wand and the nozzles before getting started.
Once you get to pressure washer set up and ready to use, stretched all of your hose out so there are no kinks in it. Attach the wand to the end of your hose and attach the hose to the pressure washer. It’s best to use a 45° nozzle for pressure washing houses. Make sure that this nozzle is securely installed into the end of the wand. Connect a garden hose to the water supply on your house and also to the pressure washer itself. Turn on the water and start your pressure washer. Never allow a pressure washer to set running idle for more than two minutes without pulling the trigger. If a pressure washer runs for over two minutes, without having the trigger pulled on the wand, it will cause the pump on the pressure washer to overheat. Overheating the pump will cause internal damage and it will no longer be able to pump water.
Pressure washing safety is priority! Make sure you have the proper ladders to complete your job. If you’re going to be doing two or three story walls on your house is best to have another person to help with dragging hoses and holding the bottom of your ladder for safety. Never point the pressure washing nozzle at someone and never put your body parts near the nozzle. Pressure washers produce an extreme amount of water pressure and can do serious injury if they come into contact with your body. It’s important to pay close attention to your work and what is going on around you at all times. Always think safety!
If your house is just dirty from road dust or field dust it probably will just clean off with pressure and water. If you are in an area that has a lot of humidity then chances are you will have mold and algae growing on your house. To remove mold and algae you will need to mix a pressure washing cleaning solution. Get a 5 gallon bucket and add 3 1/2 gallons of water, 1 gallon liquid bleach and 1/2 cup of Tide and mix thoroughly. Spray this pressure washing cleaning solution with a pump up sprayer over the complete section you are about to pressure wash.
Begin by pressure washing one side of the house at a time until you’ve completely went around the house. Start at the highest point on the house and work your way down. Start from the left and work your way to the right overlapping and fanning your wand as you complete your job. Keep your nozzle approximately 12 inches away from the surface of the house. Spray the pressure washing cleaning solution on the house as needed.
So as you can see, following these detailed steps will help you when it comes time for you to pressure wash the exterior of your home. Remember to always take care of your equipment, take your time and be very safe.
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