But hold on! Before you grab that machine and start spraying, it’s super important to get everything ready. Think of it like prepping for a big art project – you wouldn’t just start painting without covering the floor, right? Getting ready for power washing is key to staying safe and making sure you don’t accidentally mess anything up.
So, let’s dive into how to get your house prepped and ready for its spa day!
Safety First: Gear Up and Be Careful!
Okay, team, safety is the name of the game. This isn’t just about protecting yourself; it’s about making sure everyone around you is safe too.
- Protect Your Peepers: Always, always wear safety goggles or sunglasses that are safety-rated. You don’t want any stray dirt or water getting in your eyes.
- Cover Up: Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. A direct blast from a pressure washer can sting or even break the skin.
- Two Hands are Better Than One: Until you get comfy with the power washer, hold the wand with both hands. It can have some kick!
- No People or Pets Allowed: Never point the pressure washer at anyone – people or animals. It’s not a toy!
- Keep Your Feet on the Ground: Forget about using a ladder. The force of the water can throw you off balance.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washing Equipment
Now, let’s talk machines. You’ve got two main types of pressure washers: gas and electric.
- Gas Pressure Washers: These are the big boys. They’re stronger, so they clean faster. But they’re also louder, need more care (like oil changes), and you can’t use them inside.
- Electric Pressure Washers: These are quieter and easier to take care of. Great if you don’t need a ton of power and have an outlet nearby.
Also, think about how much power you need. PSI (pounds per square inch) tells you how strong the water blast is.
- Small Jobs (under 2,000 PSI): Patios and small decks.
- Medium Jobs (2,000-2,800 PSI): Siding and fences.
- Big Jobs (2,900-3,300 PSI): Big concrete areas or cleaning the second floor of your home.
- Super Big Jobs (3,300+ PSI): Getting ready to paint the house.
Nozzle Know-How
The nozzle is the part on the end of the pressure washer that sprays out the water. Different nozzles make the water spray in different patterns and with different amounts of force. The nozzles are universally color-coded.
- Red (0 degrees): Super strong, use with caution!
- Yellow (15 degrees): Good for concrete.
- Green (25 degrees): All-around cleaning.
- White (40 degrees): Windows and siding.
- Black (65 degrees): Just wetting stuff.
Getting Your Yard and House Ready
Okay, time to get your hands dirty! Here’s what you need to do to get your home ready for pressure washing:
- Clear the Deck: Move anything that’s in the way – furniture, toys, flowerpots.
- Plant Protection: Cover your plants with tarps or plastic. You can move potted plants at least 15 feet away from the house.
- Electrical Safety: Turn off and cover any outdoor electrical outlets. You don’t want water getting in there!
- Seal It Up: Close all your windows and doors tightly. You don’t want water getting inside your house! Make sure the window screens are tightly secured. If not, it might be a good idea to remove them.
- Protect Utilities:
- Cover Verizon and Comcast boxes with a plastic cover or bag and tape.
- Cover Ring cameras with tape.
Special Prep for Different Surfaces
Different surfaces need different care:
- Brick: Check for any cracks or holes and patch them up with mortar. Wet the brick before using soap.
- Vinyl Siding: Cover any bushes or plants. Use the 15-degree nozzle and don’t stay in one spot too long.
- Decks: Sweep and rinse the deck first. Use the 25-degree nozzle and move along the wood.
- Concrete: Move anything off the concrete. Use a concrete cleaner.
- Fencing: Move anything that’s near the fence. The 25-degree nozzle is usually a good choice.
Washing Time
Now for the fun part!
- Test First: Before you go crazy, try the pressure washer on a small, hidden area. This way, you can make sure you’re not using too much pressure.
- Soap It Up: Use the soap nozzle to put cleaner on the surface. Start at the bottom and move up. This helps prevent streaks.
- Rinse It Down: Switch to a pressure washing nozzle and rinse. Start at the top and move down. Keep the nozzle moving and overlap each pass.
After the Wash
- Turn it Off: Turn off the pressure washer and unhook it from the hose.
- Rinse: Use the regular garden hose to rinse off any soap.
- Dry Time: Let everything dry completely before you paint or seal it. This could take a couple of days!
Sparkling Clean and Ready to Shine
Pressure washing can make your home look amazing! Just remember, getting ready is super important. By following these steps, you’ll be able to power wash like a pro, keep your home looking great, and stay safe while you’re at it!
If all of this sounds like too much, don’t worry. There are plenty of professional pressure washing service companies that would be happy to help.
Things to Know and Do When Preparing for Pressure Washing Service
To prepare for a pressure washing service, keep the following points in mind:
- Assess the surfaces to be cleaned and make sure they can handle the force of a pressure washer. Some surfaces, like windows, soft woods, and vinyl siding, can be easily damaged with too much pressure.
- Clear the area of any items that could get in the way or be damaged, such as outdoor furniture, toys, and equipment. Also, clear bushes from the bottom of the siding.
- Protect plants by covering them with a tarp or plastic. Potted plants should be moved at least 15 feet away from the house.
- Protect electrical components by turning off the power to outdoor outlets and covering them with duct tape. Be sure to keep the pressure washer wand at least 6 feet away from electrical wires.
- Seal all openings by closing and locking all windows and doors tightly. Window screens should be tightly fitted, or removed altogether.
- Patch any cracks or holes in the home’s exterior, especially in mortar and brick, to prevent water from getting inside.
- Make sure all people and pets are kept away from the area being pressure washed.
- Communicate with the pressure washing service about any concerns or areas to avoid.
Also, when the job is complete:
- You should remove all coverings, such as tarps and duct tape.
- If you are planning to paint, allow the exterior to completely dry, which may take around two days.
Charlotte Pressure Washing – Revival Exterior Cleaning
Is your home’s exterior looking tired and worn? At Revival Exterior Cleaning, we understand the importance of a clean and well-maintained home. Just like preparing your home for pressure washing is key, choosing the right professionals is essential for a safe and effective clean.
Located in Charlotte, NC, Revival Exterior Cleaning offers expert pressure washing services to revitalize your home’s curb appeal. We take care to assess surfaces, protect plants, and safeguard electrical components, ensuring a damage-free cleaning process.
Ready to bring your home back to life? Contact us today at (980) 264-2359 for a free quote and let us help you achieve a sparkling clean exterior!=
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to Prepare for Pressure Washing
What kind of clothing should I wear when pressure washing?
Wear close-toed shoes and pants to protect your feet and lower legs from accidental pressurized spray, which can sting or even break the skin. Avoid wearing white clothing, as mud and dirt can quickly soil them.
How far away should I hold the pressure washer wand from the surface I am cleaning?
Keep the spray tip approximately 18 inches away from the surface you’re cleaning to minimize the risk of damage. Start about three feet back and adjust your distance until the water is hitting the house with enough pressure to wash off dirt and grime without damaging the siding.
What if my house was painted before 1978?
Do not pressure wash your house if it was painted with lead paint, as this can be very hazardous. If your house was painted prior to 1978, or you suspect it might have lead paint, it’s best to let a professional do an inspection and make recommendations. Old paint can flake off when pressure washed and paint from before 1978 may contain lead. Lead paint chips and dust are dangerous when inhaled or accidentally ingested.
Can I use an extension ladder when pressure washing?
It is not a good idea to stand on a ladder while pressure washing. The pressure could cause a loss of balance. The push back from the pressure washing stick could cause a fall and injury. Try using an extension to the pressure washing stick.
Should I use hot or cold water for pressure washing?
The sources do not specify whether to use hot or cold water when pressure washing.
How long should I wait after pressure washing before painting?
Allow the home’s exterior to completely dry before painting. This typically takes about two days.
Can I pressure wash my car?
No, you should never use a power washer to wash your car because it can really damage the paint.
Read When Is Pressure Washing a Bad Idea? Avoid These Common Mistakes