How To Properly Use A Pressure Washer - Guidelines For A New User

24 July 2015
 Categories: , Blog


If you intend on using a pressure washer to clean the exterior of your home, you will want to take special care in the way you use your machinery to keep it lasting for years to come. The way you use your pressure washer also has an impact on the materials your home is built from, so it is best to take precautionary measures to avoid damage. Here are some tips for you to use when using a pressure washer for the first time and every time afterwards.

Before You Start Washing

To get your pressure washer ready for action, you will first want to check all connections to make sure there are no gaps where air will get in. This will ensure you have a steady stream of water at all times instead of a dripping pressure washer that isn't doing an effective job. Set your pressure washer to start at a low pressure setting so you do not feel any kickback as you start the water supply. Turn the nozzle on to let water begin making its way to your pressure washer. Pump the trigger a few times to prime the parts inside the pressure washer and turn on the power. Let the power washer run for a minute so it warms up before you adjust the settings to your liking.

Watch How Close You Wash

When washing wood siding, it is best to keep the distance between the nozzle of the pressure washer and the siding at about a foot away. Washing when you are too close will compromise the wood composition, leading to splintering as a result. The same distance is best for vinyl as well, as it will keep the panels from falling out of the grooves in which they sit, resulting in possible moisture getting underneath which can lead to damage.

Clean With Ease

When you start washing the side of your home, start in an inconspicuous area to adjust the settings and nozzles if necessary. Wash your home at a 45 degree angle so the water pressure does not push any dirt into the fibers of the wood or vinyl, making the dirt stick around rather than be cleaned off. Start at the top of your home and work your way down from side to side. This way any dirt that washes back onto your home will be washed off during the next pass of the pressure washer as you make your way down the exterior. Avoid all windows, as the pressure of your washer can break glass. Contact a company like Environmental Cleaning Systems for more information.


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