When it comes to cleaning outdoor areas, there are few tools as good for the job as a pressure washer. Its speed and power efficiency produce amazing results in less time than it would take to perform a manual clean-up, making it one of the most popular ways to achieve that sparkling clean look for your home or business.
But while the benefits of pressure washing your home are numerous, that doesn’t mean you should go out and buy your own pressure washer today. The fact is, pressure washing can be a dangerous job — it’s not unheard of for someone doing a DIY pressure washing to inadvertently harm themselves, their property or a nearby person or pet.
We recommend always using professional pressure cleaning services when possible. But if you must do some pressure cleaning yourself, there are a few pressure washing tips you should follow to help avoid harming or damaging people or property.
Here at Jim’s Cleaning, our years of experience have made us experts in the field of safe and effective pressure cleaning. That’s why we’ve got some great pressure washing safety ideas below and some FAQs to answer any questions you may have. And if you’re looking for the right team to perform pressure washing for your home or business, we’d be more than happy to help!
How to use a pressure washer safely in 7 steps
Generally, the key to using a pressure washer is to be smart and careful. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to feel confident while pressure cleaning the next time you decide to do so.
- Step 1: Be sure to select the right machine and nozzle for the job; high-pressure and concentrated nozzles are not recommended for every project.
- Step 2: Always read the manual before using a pressure washer for the first time. Not only will it contain the necessary information, but it will also offer helpful pressure washing information. So be sure to refer back to the manual as often as necessary.
- Step 3: Remove surface grime, large objects, delicate objects, people and pets from an area before beginning a project.
- Step 4: Ensure that your water source provides the right amount of pressure and that the hose is free of clogs. Connect it to your pressure washer.
- Step 5: Turn the water source on and allow water to run through your pressure washer for a few minutes.
- Step 6: Turn the system on and complete your pressure washing project using smooth, side-to-side motions. Don’t stay in one spot for too long — otherwise, you may cause damage to the surface.
- Step 7: After the project is completed, empty and flush the pressure washer. Then store it properly to ensure it’s in working condition for your next project.
Remember to follow these pressure washing tips for every project, whether you’re stripping old paint from a patio or giving your garage and driveway an annual cleaning.
Extra pressure washing ideas — dos and don’ts
There are many dos and don’ts when it comes to using a pressure washer, but some of our most important tips are:
- Remember that PSI (pounds per square inch) refers to the amount of pressure and GPM (gallons per minute) refers to the rate of water flow. The higher the PSI, the greater the pressure; the lower the GPM, the greater the water efficiency.
- Be sure your pressure washer is well-maintained to prevent damage and costly repairs. Drain, flush, lubricate and store properly after use.
- While using your pressure washer, be sure not to use the nozzle too close to a surface — as this may cause damage or injury.
- Never point a pressure washer at yourself, another person or a pet.
- Never pressure clean while on a ladder or in a high area where you may lose your balance.
FAQs
Do I need to wear protective clothing while pressure washing?
Yes! It is important to protect yourself when using a pressure washer to help prevent or mitigate injury. You should always follow the example of our professionals and wear:
- Tough, close-toed shoes
- Long pants
- Safety goggles
- Heavy-work gloves
- Ear protection
Do you turn the water on before starting a pressure washer?
Yes, it is important to fill the pressure washer with water before operating it. Failing to do so will force the pump to work harder than it should and may result in costly damage. Make sure that the water is flowing through the entire system by occasionally activating the wand to help remove excess air from the system.
What can I use a pressure washer on?
If you’re looking for pressure washer ideas on what to clean, you might be surprised to realise how versatile this tool really is. From concrete walkways to brick patios, wooden pergolas to painted decks, home siding, outdoor tools and equipment, even cars, there are plenty of things that you can safely power wash.
Avoid power cleaning certain surfaces such as glass, asphalt shingles and delicate wood siding. And remember to never use your power washer on an electrical panel, meter, air conditioner unit, plants, people or pets.
But if you’re unsure whether you should be doing it yourself, reach out to the team at Jim’s Cleaning. Here at Jim’s Cleaning, we proudly provide a variety of pressure cleaning services including graffiti removal, driveway cleaning, concrete and brick cleaning, exterior house washing and much more.
Can using a pressure washer be dangerous?
Yes, pressure washers are powerful tools and therefore can present a hazard, especially if not used properly. Not only can they damage property – stripping paint and stain, creating divots and breaking glass – but they can also harm people and animals caught in the water’s path.
The professionals at Jim’s Cleaning have the necessary training and experience to help ensure that preventable damage doesn’t occur while we clean your outdoor areas. And if an accident does happen, our company is fully insured — so you won’t have to worry about paying out of your own pocket.
Can you leave water in a pressure washer?
We don’t recommend it. A pressure washer full of water is more likely to suffer from damage by corrosion, mineral build-up and wear and tear, all of which are costly to fix. Always drain and flush the machine after each use. Even better, don’t bother using your own machine at all! Let the team at Jim’s Cleaning take care of the dirty work (and the clean-up) for you.
How do I choose the right pressure washer nozzle?
The nozzle used for a pressure washing project depends on the project itself. The more delicate the surface, the less pressure is needed and therefore the greater the degree of the nozzle you should use. Tough surfaces such as concrete will generally stand up well to lower-degree nozzles, while vehicles, wood and similar projects often require higher-degree nozzles. Always start with a gentler nozzle if you’re not sure which one is best for the job.
How does distance affect a pressure washer’s water pressure?
The distance between your nozzle and the cleaning surface can have a huge impact on how well and how quickly cleaning goes. In general, remember that the further away you are, the less pressure the water will have behind it by the time it reaches the cleaning surface. However, come too close to a surface and you risk it being broken or marred by high water pressure.
What are the benefits of using a professional company such as Jim’s Cleaning in Australia?
DIY pressure washing can be dangerous and inefficient, which is why it’s almost always better to bring in the professionals — like our team at Jim’s Cleaning. We’re proud to offer a variety of affordable, efficient and effective cleaning services to our clients, including professional power washing services that will help you save time and money while achieving that beautiful sparkling look for your home that you’ve been dreaming of.
Even better, Jim’s offers a Jim’s Work Guarantee, works hard to accommodate your busy schedule and tailors every cleaning solution to your unique needs and preferences. This means you don’t just get to enjoy the benefits of a clean space; you get to enjoy working with true professionals as well.
Does Jim’s Cleaning offer more than pressure washing?
We wouldn’t be one of the best cleaning companies in Australia if we didn’t! Our team at Jim’s Cleaning is proud to offer a range of cleaning services beyond just power washing. Whether you’re looking for professional home or office cleaning, carpet cleaning, car detailing or something else entirely, we can help.We hope you found these power washing tips and FAQs useful! Reach out to us today to get a free quote for your next cleaning project or to learn more about us.
