Ultimate Guide to Power Washing

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to let things go. You might be too busy or too lazy to clean your car before you take it in for an oil change. Or maybe dinner is a disaster because you didn’t have time to do anything but microwave last night. But when we neglect our cars and homes, we’re not just being ungrateful; we’re also inviting problems into our lives that could have been avoided with a little effort and patience. That’s where pressure washing comes in: It can help us get out from under the messes that accumulate over time, while at the same time making our homes and cars look so much brighter! This article will teach you all about what power washing is, the benefits you’ll get from it, the different types of power washers that are available, how to choose the right type for your project’s needs and what safety precautions you should take when using a pressure washer. Finally, we will teach you how to power wash effectively.

What is power washing?

Power washing, also known as pressure washing, is the process of using water to remove dirt, mold, and stains from surfaces. It can be done by spraying pressurized water at high velocity to break down the buildup on hard surfaces. The pressure washer sprays a stream of water that’s powerful enough to strip away dirt and debris without damaging your exterior surfaces.

How does it work?

The power washer consists of an engine with a pump, filters, and hoses used to spray dirty or soiled items. This machine requires less water than an ordinary garden hose; however, pressurized (and heated) water is necessary for cleaning tough stains like rust or oil paint. Power washers range in PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute); while some can reach up to 4,000 PSI, most average between 1,300 and 2,800 PSI.

Different types of pressure washers

Electrically powered pressure washers: Electric-powered pressure washers are the least powerful type available on the market today. These devices rely on electricity to run their pump; however, they produce around 1,300 PSI of water pressure. They’re ideal for light duty jobs like washing cars or cleaning patio furniture but are not powerful enough to clean tough surfaces like pavers or stone walkways. Gasoline powered pressure washers: Gasoline-powered pressure washers are more powerful than electric pressure washers because they contain larger pump motors. These machines produce 1,800 to 4,000 PSI and can reach GPM rates of 1.4 to 2.3 gallons per minute. These types of pressure washers are ideal for light to medium duty tasks like washing siding or cleaning decks; however, they should not be used on stone, brick (especially when water temperatures drop below 40 degrees F), or cement surfaces that require higher levels of pressure (over 4,400 PSI).

Mobile gas-powered pressure washers: Mobile gas-powered pressure washer units come in either single phase or three phase models depending on the voltage needed to run the unit’s motor (see note at end). These machines contain hoses, sprayers, and wheels that can be used to clean various surfaces like decks, cars, or patios. The pressure produced by these types of power washers ranges 1,500 to 4,000 PSI; however, the GPM rate is around 1.4 to 2.3 gallons per minute. This type of machine comes standard with tools for surface cleaning (i.e., brushes).

Diesel powered pressure washers: Diesel-powered units are the most powerful pressure washer models on the market today. They produce 3,200-5,000 PSI and reach GPM rates between 1.4 and 2 gallons per minute. For heavy duty work like old paint off brick or concrete, these machines are hard to beat.

Safety Precautions

One of the biggest hazards when operating a pressure washer is the high velocity water it emits. When someone uses a pressure washer for long periods of time, it can cause fatigue and muscle strain due to constant arm movement. Therefore, it’s important to use an ergonomically designed grip and handle to reduce fatigue and prevent accidents while using the machine. It’s also important to wear protective eyewear whenever you use a pressure washer to protect yourself from ejected debris coming at your face at 100+ mph. Lastly, it’s essential that you read the instruction manual thoroughly before beginning any type of surface cleaning project with your power washer.

How to power wash effectively

Before starting, read the user manual and get familiar with all the safety precautions and part names. If you’re using a gasoline-powered unit for heavy duty jobs like removing paint or stripping old wood off your deck, start by spraying the surface from top to bottom to avoid streaking (and uneven surfaces). Always wear safety eyewear and rubber gloves while operating a pressure washer; additionally, it’s important that you remove any loose objects (i.e., flowerpots) near where you’ll be working before beginning your project.

Additionally, make sure you keep an eye on sensitive areas like windows and doors because they can easily be damaged if they’re sprayed by mistake.

In this guide, we’ve covered the basics of house pressure washing. Hopefully you now have a better understanding of how to power wash your home or business and what type of pressure washer would work best for your needs. If you need help choosing which tool is right for you, contact our team today! We are located in Palm Beach, FL and Our experts will be happy to answer any questions regarding these topics.

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