Pressure Washing Tips

Austin Pressure Washing is great for cleaning many surfaces like concrete, asphalt, and wood. It removes stubborn dirt, mildew, and kills weeds.

Apply detergents using the proper spray nozzle for the surface you’re cleaning. Make sure to maintain a safe distance from the surface to avoid damage.

Soft washing is a gentler approach to cleaning and is ideal for more delicate surfaces like vinyl siding, stucco, and wood. It uses low-pressure water mixed with biodegradable detergents.

Sidewalks and driveways get dirty quickly and need to be cleaned on a regular basis. This is because car tires leave behind slick residue that can make the sidewalk or driveway slippery and dangerous to walk on, foot traffic tracks in dirt and organic material that can turn into moss or mildew, and general wear and tear from use. Pressure washing is a fast and effective way to clean these surfaces and make them look new again.

A professional who specializes in pressure washing will know how much water and pressure to use to effectively clean the surface without causing damage. They will also have experience handling different types of pavement and can pretreat stains with special cleaners to help the pressure washer remove them more easily.

Choosing the right pressure washer nozzle is also important. The nozzle size determines how much water is pushed out at a time and the spray pattern can be adjusted to accommodate specific cleaning tasks. For example, a wide spray pattern may be appropriate for removing large amounts of debris from an entire walkway while a narrower spray may be needed for difficult to reach areas. When choosing a nozzle, it is always best to start with the lowest setting and then work your way up to higher settings as you become more comfortable using the pressure washer.

For concrete surfaces, a pressure washer with a 3000 psi rating is recommended by experts. This will ensure that the concrete is cleaned quickly and thoroughly while avoiding any damage. For stubborn stains, it is often helpful to pretreat the area with concrete cleaner or a degreaser to loosen the dirt and grime before pressure washing.

Besides making the walkway or driveway look new again, pressure washing will also make it safer to walk on. A build-up of mildew and mold can cause slipping and falling accidents, and oil or grease stains can create a slippery surface that could lead to injury. Pressure washing can also be used to spot potential problems that need to be addressed before the issue gets worse. This includes small cracks in concrete or asphalt that can be repaired with special materials, and heaving or settling issues that should be professionally assessed.

Decks and Patios

Decks and patios provide a comfortable outdoor space for spending time with friends and family. They can also add a significant amount of value to your home. However, they can become discolored over time due to exposure to the elements and can lose their beauty. Fortunately, these outdoor features can be restored with pressure washing.

Wood and concrete both have porous surfaces that can easily trap dirt, dust, fungus, mildew, bacteria, algae, and other unwanted biomaterials. Using a brush and a hose to scrub or spray these surfaces may eliminate some of the buildup, but it will not fully remove it. Pressure washing is the only effective way to get rid of all of this material and restore the surface to its original appearance.

Before you begin the cleaning process, it is important to note that wooden decking should only be pressure washed when it is completely dry. This is because the moisture can cause it to swell and crack. If you are unsure whether your deck is completely dry, or if it is safe to pressure wash, you should consult a professional.

It is also recommended to pre-treat your deck or patio before starting the washing process. This will help to soften thick dirt or grime that may be difficult to remove with a high-pressure washer. Once the pre-treatment has been applied, you can attach the cleaning nozzle and start the washing process. Be sure to use a low or medium power setting, and to move the nozzle in a steady, even motion over the entire surface. When you are finished, it is important to rinse the area thoroughly with a cold water spray from a garden hose to remove any remaining detergent.

After your deck has been cleaned, you should consider applying a waterproof seal to it. This will protect the wood from rain and other weather elements, and it will also help to keep your deck looking great for longer.

Siding

The exterior of your home is a big investment that needs to be properly maintained to keep it looking great and maintain its value. While regular hosing-downs can remove some dirt and grime, a pressure washer provides much more aggressive cleaning power for a faster and deeper clean. However, it is important to use the right setting and avoid using too much pressure because some siding materials can be damaged by high-pressure water.

Vinyl is a common choice for residential siding because it’s low-maintenance and doesn’t require painting. It is also pliable, so it can be easily pressure washed without damaging the material. Aluminum siding is another popular choice for homes and commercial buildings. It is very durable, and it holds paint well. It can be blasted with a power washer, but you’ll want to lower the pressure and use a wide fan spray nozzle to minimize the risk of damage.

Cement siding is a good option for many properties because it’s versatile, durable, and affordable. It also has the look of wood, and it’s less prone to rotting and warping than other common siding options. Cement siding can be pressure washed, but you’ll want to choose a low-pressure setting and use a wide fan nozzle to minimize the risk of damaging the material.

As with any type of cleaning, it’s a good idea to prepare the area you’re planning on washing by closing windows and shutting off electrical outlets. It’s also a good idea to cover and protect plants, outdoor furniture, and other items that could be damaged by the high-pressure water. It’s also a good idea for homeowners to consider putting on safety goggles and gloves before starting.

A regularly scheduled pressure wash can help property owners extend the life of their driveways, patios, sidewalks, roofs, and even their siding. By avoiding common mistakes like neglecting safety, overlooking preparations, and overusing pressure washing settings, homeowners can achieve professional-quality results that will last for years to come. If you’re interested in scheduling a pressure wash for your property, contact WiseGuys today!

Fences

Fencing is an essential part of any yard, providing privacy and keeping pets and kids in your own yard. But over time, wind, sun, rain, and pesky critters can take their toll on your once pristine fence. Fortunately, pressure washing is a great way to blast away grime and bring your fence back to life. However, it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure you don’t damage your fence during cleaning or cause further damage to it down the line.

The first step is to prep the area and remove any plants or bushes near the fence line that might be in your way during cleaning. Next, make sure your pressure washer is properly adjusted to the proper PSI for wood fence cleaning. This is extremely important because excessive pressure can gouge or splinter your wood fence, leaving it more damaged than before. A good rule of thumb is to start low and work your way up until you get the right balance between effective cleaning and not damaging your fence.

Before you start blasting away dirt, make sure to wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and ear protection. This will help protect you from splashes, flying debris, and loud noises created by the pressure washer. It’s also a good idea to stand at least 3-4 feet away from the fence while you’re spraying to avoid getting wet or hit by the high PSI water.

To start cleaning, apply a detergent made for wood fences and start at the bottom of your fence and work your way up. Allow the detergent to sit for 5-10 minutes and rinse it off with your pressure washer using a 25 degree nozzle. For best results, work in sections and overlap your rinsing passes.

Once your fence is clean, let it dry completely before applying any stain or sealer. This will prevent moisture from trapping inside the wood and fostering mildew or mold growth. Additionally, waiting a few days before staining will help the treated wood absorb the stain evenly and provide optimal protection and enhancement to your fence.