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For regular house, building or a sidewalk pressure cleaning, we suggest you consider a power washer (1800 - 2500 PSI) or pick up mount pressure washer. If you are interested in deck cleaning and strip paint jobs we recommend electric pressure washers or exceptionally powerful honda powerwashers.
A pressure washer is one of the best time saving tools to come along in years. Besides cleaning the house or a building from a dust, dirt, or bird residual, pressure washing houses should also be done when you want to prepare it for new paint by removing a chalking residue from old oil or latex paint. Our high-velocity water sprays are exceptionally good not only because they're fast but also because they scour the old paint so the new coat will adhere better.
 We would like to show you how to pressure wash your house safely and professionally, so that it will look just like new and/or you will be able to prepare the surface for a new paint. Pressurewashing will work on wood, granite, asphalt, bricks and aluminum. We do not recommend using it only on hardboards because they are more sensitive and if the pressure is applied for extended and long periods the surface can be damaged.
Please, do not use a ladder in order to pressure wash high points since the recoil from the pressure can knock you off balance. Make sure you cover all electric outlets and always avoid lights since water can create a short circuit. Before you pressure wash black spots and clean top corners, identify whether you are dealing with fungus or just extremely dirty areas. Spray any household bleach on the blackened area and if it does not fade away you can clean it with a pressure washer. If it does, you will have to use a brush.
Caution! Do not put any type of bleach into your pressure washer; the bleach will damage the parts of your pressure washer.
Now, we will lead you step by step on how to pressure wash house and clean the outside of the building so that it gets a new and fresh look. In order to protect your face and eyes, wear goggles and also wear clothing that will keep you from getting soaked. Even though you are wearing protective gear during house pressure washing, you can expect to get wet.
First, if you are using an electric pressure washer connect it to an electric outlet (in case you use gas powered engines you are free of being dependent on electricity). At the same time connect the washer to the outside faucet with the hose that came with your pressure washer package. Make sure that the nozzle is fully attached at the tip of the wand and then start the engine. If this is the your first contact with the pressure washer, try it out. Get the feel for pressure washing the house surface by practicing the movements on a concrete floor or asphalt. Spray continuously in a steady pace from side to side. When washing the house walls please use an appropriate distance (approximately 3-4 feet) and somewhat of a downward angle. You should always spray horizontally (3-4 feet wide area), and house washing should start from the bottom and then towards the top. Never let the detergent sit on the surface for more then 10 minutes. If necessary work in sections, so that you alternate between cleaning and rinsing. The rinsing procedure is opposite; begin at the top of the walls and accordingly move downwards. Spray the surface with fresh water until the entire area is detergent free. Make sure you also wash the gutters and the siding area, cleaning dust on walls. Be extremely cautious around windows and outside lights because they can break in seconds. If you are pressure washing a wood surface, do not hold the spray gun directed at one point for extended periods. If you do, you will make a dent and damage the wood. Remember to move the nozzle constantly and at a steady pace.
On the other hand, if you are working on paint removal in order to prepare the surface for a fresh coat of paint, the gauging will be inevitable. When pressurewashing the walls, choose your own pace. Determine how dirty the surface is and based on that decide how fast or slow you need to move in order to clean the walls. Remember to close all the windows!
When spraying around windows, please hold the wand at an angle so that it does not reach joints, gaps or the glass. Do not forget to remove all shutters and wash the area underneath, since most of the time it is the place where you will find spider and wasp nests. When done, check the window sills and look for any water through spills. If necessary, seal the areas that seem to have tiny holes that let the water come through. Caution! Pressure washing is today's best-known paint prep method; however, if the exterior paint contains lead it is not the safest method. Contact your local health department for safe handling instructions.
The publisher of these pages is in no way responsible for any damage caused to you, your pressure washer, anyone else, your property, or anyone else's property by trying to implement or by successfully implementing the above-mentioned performance and services.
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Check out our instructional books and videos/DVDs for very thorough guides and step by step instructions on pressure washing. Whether you are just getting started or are an expert who wants to expand your knowledge of our industry, you will find these books and videos to be a great resource for new techniques.
Other How To's :
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Commercial :
Industrial :
Pressure Washing Equipment Tips, Benefits and Usage :
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