You’re probably wondering whether there’s an alternative to hose-washing; of course, there is, and this technique is way more efficient. Pressure washing is that technique. Pressure washing removes the hidden debris that contributes to build-ups on and within surfaces, leading to the surface’s eventual decay.
The device used for this method is a pressure washer. With a regular hose, you just have to place your thumb over its end and pump water through it to wash down surfaces, but pressure washing requires more. Pressure washing doesn’t involve just spray-cleaning away the dirt. This may even cause more harm than good, because of the pressure applied.
Before carrying out a cleaning task with a pressure washer, you need to know the power required. PSI and GPM determine this. PSI is an acronym for Per Square Inch, while GPM is for Gallons Per Minute.
PSI determines the amount of pressure the water will have on the surface to be cleaned. This means, the higher the PSI, the higher the force, which could cause severe damage. On the other hand, GPM influences the speed of the cleaning process. So this means, the lower the GPM, the slower and more prolonged the cleaning process will be.
Moving on, just like all devices, pressure washers are of two major types: The electric one and the gas-powered one.
Electric pressure washers are pretty affordable and lightweight. In addition to these pros, they are more convenient, portable, and noiseless than gas pressure washers. This makes them suitable for indoors and less intense cleaning jobs like domestic cleaning and removing stains from concrete. They are often up to 2200psi pressure washer or less.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers are perfect for extreme cleaning because they deliver more water pressure than those mentioned above, usually more than 3000psi. These types are noisy machines, and while being operated, they cause air pollution with exhaust fumes.
Know that your pressure washing kit is not complete without a nozzle. Nozzles are of different types and for other tasks. There are red, yellow, green, white, and black; these have different functions that must not be interchanged to avoid damages.
The Pressure Washing Process
Highlighted below are simple steps to note when using a pressure washer.
- Start by cleaning in sections, but begin washing from a distance away from the surface, approximately 4 feet away, and gradually move closer but not too close. This reduces the impact of the pressure on the surface.
- To remove tough debris, you should first use the spray near the surface irrespective of the nozzle, but if this doesn’t work, you can then change to a lower-grade nozzle.
- Cleaning vertical surfaces involves top to bottom clean-up. But you should start from the bottom when using cleaning agents, and when rinsing, do that from the top. Rinsing from the tail causes the panels to get displaced and stores water under the surface, resulting in build-ups and eventual decay.
- Always rinse your pressure washer immediately after use and before storage. Also, make sure you store the machine properly to ensure its durability.
Conclusion
Pressure washing doesn’t require much, but it does require more than hose washing. Although it requires more, it is quite efficient in delivering the best clean-up. You can now embark on your pressure washing process successfully with the above details.
