It’s inevitable that paint will start to look dingy after a time. It’ll show the effects of the weather, get a little dirty, and maybe even get moldy. If you have pollinating trees nearby, it’s likely that they’ll feel free to share their pollen with your home and stick it all over the paint job. And if you have pets, there will probably be muddy pawprints on your porch—this is just how life goes.
You might think that repainting is the way to go, and that is many peoples’ first instinct. But we’ve got something easier that can fix up your less-than-perfect-looking paint—pressure washing.
Pressure washers aren’t magic wands, and they can do some real damage in the hands of people who don’t know how to use them. That’s why we put together this article—so you can be armed with the knowledge (and the power tool) to get your home in tip-top shape.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are machines that spray water at high pressure, as their name would suggest. If you want something that can handle a two-story home, then it’s probably best to steer clear of electric pressure washers because they tend to be better suited for jobs like cleaning lawn furniture and sidewalks. If you’ve got a big job on your hands, you want a pressure washer that runs on gasoline.
You can consult the employees at your local home improvement store to see what pressure washer is the exact match for you, but a good rule of thumb is that if your home is wood, stucco, or aluminum-sided, a pressure washer that can generate 1,200–1,500 psi should do the job. If you’ve got a brick, stone, or vinyl house, you’re going to need something that can create 2,500–3,000 psi.
It’s also imperative to use the right nozzle to get the job done correctly (a twenty-five- or forty-degree nozzle tip should do the trick) and an extension wand if you’ve got a two-story home. The last thing you want is to use pressure wash while using a ladder—for exactly the reasons you might assume. You can also use brush attachments and angled attachments to get those hard-to-reach spots.
Cleaning your home with more than just water will improve the look tenfold. Add detergent to the mixture, and it will get the dirt out much more efficiently than just water. TSP Heavy Duty cleaner not only eradicates dirt, but it also destroys mold—this makes it that so you don’t have to use bleach—and it can be used on brick, stone, wood, and cement.
Staying Safe
Safety is important when it comes to DIY projects. Even if you’ve got all of your washing supplies in place, there are still some further measures to take:
Wear eye protection. This will shield your eyes from any errant pieces of debris.
Wear the right shoes. We recommend heavy-duty boots.
Wear protective gloves.
Expect to get wet.
Use a heavy-duty extension cord if you’re using an electric power washer. Water and electricity never mix.
Do not use a ladder, even if someone’s holding the bottom.
Never point the power washer at another person or an animal.
How to Pressure Wash
Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s get started. First, you’ll want to attach the water source (hose) to your machine and work out the kinks. If you need to connect a couple of hoses to make sure they reach around the house, now’s the time to do that.
Select the nozzle from the array of them that came with your pressure washer. The higher the angle of the nozzle, the more area you’ll be able to cover. For general cleaning, it’s recommended that you use a fifteen- or twenty-five-degree nozzle. Never use the zero-degree nozzle, as this can cause damage to the siding of your home. If you’re cleaning the outside of your home, the forty-degree nozzle is a good choice, and if you want something gentler, go with the sixty-five-degree nozzle. You can also use the rotary nozzle if you want to remove especially stubborn stains, just don’t linger on one spot for too long.
Whatever nozzle you choose, make sure it’s securely fastened to the wand—and remember to shut all windows and cover any flowers or shrubs around the house.
Practice, Practice, Practice
You’re not going to be an expert at this type of job right away. Start slow and practice on a low area so you can get a feel of the machine. We recommend working horizontally at a slightly downward angle, guiding the wand with two hands. If you start from the top, you’ll avoid streaking—and remember not to stay in one place for too long so you can avoid damaging your home.
There are many types of jobs that a pressure washer can handle, like decks, sidewalks, a home exterior—even a car. As long as you stay safe and follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling clean home.