How to Use a Pressure Washer

One of the most useful household tools is a pressure washer. This machine cleans even the toughest areas, whether they’re hard to reach or have a difficult stain. Most of the time people utilize them for deep-cleaning. However, not everyone knows the proper way to pressure wash. Here are a few tips on how to use a pressure washer.

Prep Work

First, you need to obtain a pressure washer. There are two types to choose from, depending on the job you want to accomplish. An electric pressure washer is for home projects and tasks that don’t require extreme work. A gas-powered machine, on the other hand, is for tougher stains.

Steps to Properly Set up a Gas-Powered Machine:

1. Plug it in.
2. Connect the hose to a water spigot outside, tightening until it won’t turn further.
3. Attach the other end to the water supply on your pressure washer.
4. Turn on the water to fill up the system. Make sure your wand is attached to the machine before switching the power on.
5. Once you turn the pressure washer on, pull the trigger on the wand to test the water to ensure it’s working.

How to Use a Pressure Washer

House Cleaning

The easiest and best way to clean your home is with a pressure washer. Most people only wash the exterior of their home on occasion, usually when the grime accumulates to a noticeable level. Thus people grab this efficient machine to easily eliminate the dirt build-up on the siding of their houses.

To tackle a task this large, change out your nozzle for a 25 or 40-degree angle. This gives you the direction you need without straining yourself to angle it manually. Start by spraying the bottom of the siding, pulling the trigger and working your way up. Once you reach the top, go over the section again, starting from top to bottom. This causes the dirt to run off to the ground. Repeat this process until you complete the entire side, working your way around the house.

Patio

The biggest difference between the house and patio cleaning is pressure. With patios, wood is the primary material. It damages easier than stone or concrete. People generally use a medium setting for pressure washers in this case. That way you avoid damaging the patio wood.

Keep the normal nozzle on for this so you can stand at the correct angle (45 degrees). Spray the top of the patio, working your way down. Work in sections until you finish the entire deck. You can turn down the setting and do one last overall spray to knock off any loose debris.

How to Use a Pressure Washer on the Driveway

Most people perform a variety of tasks on their vehicles in the driveway. This means spills are bound to happen. A pressure washer can help eliminate those tough stains.  Wet the surface of the driveway. You can use a detergent for oil spills another tough to remove solution. Otherwise, plain water will do.

For a driveway, a 25-degree nozzle on the end of the wand works best. This gives you the correct angle to wash the concrete. This can be done in any direction, whether you work vertically or horizontally to spray the area. However, it still needs to be done in sections. If some of the stains don’t come out, try moving the wand closer to the concrete as you spray slowly. This should eliminate the spots.

Cars and Trucks

Despite what people think, pressure washers can be used on vehicles as well. Before doing anything, select one of the lower settings. This will ensure that you clean your car thoroughly without damaging the paint. For this task, you need to start from the roof of the vehicle.

When you begin working on the sides of the vehicle, work by sections. Starting on one of the sides is the easiest. Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle as you spray, working from top to bottom. Work your way around the entire car/truck until you finish. You can also use the pressure washer to spray off the rims and other exterior car trim accessories.

Understanding how to use a pressure washer is important if you want to clean your own vehicles. But why not let the experts do the cleaning? Fresh Car Detailing, an eco-friendly, mobile auto detailing company can clean it for you. Instead of using a pressure washer, our trained technicians utilize steam technology to eliminate dirt and debris. Schedule an appointment today!