Four Pressure Washing Tips for Homeowners

 If you are reading this blog, we assume you’ve bought or rented a pressure washing machine. Here are four tips on how to use it without damaging your home’s exterior.

1.    Know the PSI and GPM of your machine. PSI refers to pounds per square inch – this is the pressure of the machine. GPM refers to gallons per minute – this is the flow rate. Machines with a higher PSI but lower GPM can cause more damage because they have more pressure without enough water flow to dilute the chemicals. Conversely, machines with a low PSI but high GPM can cause streaks because there isn’t enough pressure to remove all the dirt and grime.

2.    Determine what type of nozzles you need for St. Louis Park pressure washing near me. There are four types of nozzles – 0°, 15°, 25°, and 40°. The 0° nozzle is also called a "pencil point" because it releases water in a very narrow stream that is great for removing graffiti or stripping paint off the siding.However, it can etch into concrete or chip paint off wood surfaces if used incorrectly. The 15° nozzle is good for lightly soiled areas or for removing mildew from shaded areas of your home. The 25° nozzle is good for most jobs – cleaning driveways, patios, etc.Finally, the 40° nozzle should be used on more delicate surfaces like windows or cars where you don’t want too much pressure.

3.    Use the right amount of chemicals. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how much chemical concentrate to add to your machine's tank.Adding too much can damage your home's exterior surfaces. Most general-purpose cleaners only require 1-2 ounces per gallon of water, while tougher jobs like removing mildew might require 2-4 ounces per gallon. Also, rinse any chemicals completely, as leaving them on surfaces can lead to streaking or discoloration.

4.    Start from the top down. You always want to start from the highest point and work your way down; otherwise, dirty water will run down cleaned surfaces leaving streaks. Begin by rinsing off any loose dirt and then start washing using either a back-and-forth or circular motion, working your way down the clean surface until you reach the ground.

Conclusion:

With these five tips, you should be well on becoming a pressure washing pro! Just remember to use the right amount of chemicals, start from the top down, and rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward. Then, let surfaces dry completely before walking or driving on them. Finally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results!

If you don’t want to get your hands dirty, just google St. Louis Park pressure washing near me and hire professionals.