From using too much pressure to choosing the wrong nozzle, these are easy mistakes to make, whether you’re just starting out pressure washing or a seasoned pro.
Doing these things too frequently will not only give poor cleaning results, but could also damage the surface you are cleaning. Read on for tips on how to get the most out of your appliance.
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Avoid throwing water directly onto the ground.
A pressure washer can quickly clean a dirty patio or a dirty car, but using it incorrectly can cause damage.
Holding the nozzle too close and blasting water directly at dirt will cause dirt to fly everywhere if it’s a particularly dirty surface, and can also erode the surface you’re trying to clean.
Blasting sand or mortar between flagstones or pavers can also allow weeds in once they have been removed.
Discover the The best products to combat weeds on pavements and paths.
What to do instead?
Maintain an appropriate distance from the surface and adjust according to cleaning requirements. Assemble the appropriate lance; most have a simple bayonet fitting.
Work from an edge or corner of the patio, removing dirt with a sweeping motion. If necessary, use the most powerful setting or the rotating lance to remove embedded dirt and grime, but maintain some distance. Rinse using lower pressure.
Use a variable jet nozzle setting, which will make it much safer to clean different parts of the car without causing any damage. Adjust to a stream approximately 5-8cm wide.
If you don’t have a variable nozzle to adjust the power and width of the jet, stay at least one meter from the car. Distance will help prevent any damage.
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Do not use the wrong nozzle or configuration
When using a pressure washer, it is important to use the proper setting and nozzle for the job you are doing. Consider the material you are cleaning to choose the right one.
Choosing the wrong setting can cause damage to the surface. Whether you’re cleaning your car, a wooden deck, or pavement, you’ll want to adjust the pressure, select the proper nozzle, and use the correct cleaning technique.
Consider using an adjustable nozzle as it allows for greater flexibility – you’ll be able to change the spray pattern without switching to a different nozzle.
What to do instead?
Even if wood and wood surfaces are treated to protect them from the elements and moisture, they will still need regular cleaning. Some pressure washer manufacturers recommend basic cleaning twice a year. A wooden deck should be cleaned at the beginning of the spring gardening season and again in the fall to prepare the surfaces for winter.
Decks, patios, fences and sheds can be cleaned with a 25 or 40 degree nozzle for a wider spray pattern.
A pressure setting between 500 and 1200 PSI is best for these types of surfaces. Use a lower pressure for softer woods, such as cedar or pine.
Keep the nozzle at least 60cm away from the surface and move it closer if necessary. Be sure to spray along the grain of the wood.
Use a 0-degree nozzle for more difficult tasks, such as cleaning particularly tough stains or if you need to reach high spots. A 15 degree nozzle is recommended for general cleaning of concrete or brick.
The pressure setting will depend on the surface, but between 2500 and 3000 PSI is best. Exceeding this could cause damage, so always be sure to start with a lower pressure and test a small area of the surface.
Use a steady sweeping motion as you work and be careful not to damage surfaces such as softer bricks, especially when working with a 0 degree nozzle. Some types of bricks can withstand water pressure of up to 200 bar, but others can break under high pressure. Be especially careful if there are loose bricks or other damage.
You can also clean surfaces like the exterior of your home with a pressure washer, but don’t clean a single spot for too long as the water pressure could remove the paint or cause damage. Stable lime and cement facades can be cleaned with a fan jet nozzle which helps prevent damage.
Vehicles can be cleaned with a 40-degree nozzle or a specialized car cleaning nozzle or attachment. If you are using a machine with a variable jet, adjust it to a jet that is approximately 5-8 cm wide. You want the spray to be strong enough to clean the car but not damage the paint. Use nozzle accessories that allow you to change the direction of the spray.
You can use a water pressure setting between 1200 and 1900 PSI. You’ll need to use a slightly wider, less powerful setting for windows, lights, and other fragile areas.
Keep the nozzle at least 60cm away from surfaces while gently cleaning. Use a special car detergent that will help remove dirt. You can also use an attachable car brush to speed up the job.
Avoid using too much pressure
Using too much pressure can cause unwanted damage to the surface. It can remove paint, scratch wood, and even cause injuries if you’re not careful.
What to do instead?
Always start by testing a small area with low pressure and enough distance to see if pressure washing will cause any damage.
If you’re not sure what type of pressure is right for the surface you’re cleaning, you can always start with the lowest pressure and widest spray pattern and then adjust as needed.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid spraying electrical components.
You will find all the information about the pressure washers that we have tested in our pressure washer reviews
Don’t forget to let the detergent soak.
If you want the detergent to do its job efficiently, you need to let it sit and soak for long enough.
What to do instead?
Typically, you should let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the detergent to loosen and remove dirt without drying on the surface.
Always be sure to rinse thoroughly to avoid streaks or residue and follow the specific instructions provided with the detergent and pressure washer to achieve the best results.
When cleaning a car, let the detergent work its magic for a few minutes, but again, don’t let it dry or you’ll be left with marks that you’ll have to polish out later.
Don’t use the wrong detergent
Doing so will mean your cleaning will be less effective, but it can also damage the surface being cleaned or even the pressure washer.
What to do instead?
Different surfaces require different cleaning agents, so only use detergents designed for the surface you are cleaning. Consult your pressure washer manual for specific recommendations or restrictions.
It is also best to avoid mixing different detergents unless specified by the manufacturer.
Always test the detergent on a small area first and make sure it lifts well after applying the detergent.
