The Most Common Pressure Washing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

The Most Common Pressure Washing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Pressure washing is a quick and effective way to transform the look of your home or business, but it’s important to do it right to avoid damaging your surfaces or causing accidents.

Common Pressure Washing Mistakes

Here are the most common mistakes people make when pressure washing and how to avoid them:

  • Using too much pressure: Higher pressure does not always mean better results. In fact, using too much pressure can strip away paint, damage wood, or even cause concrete to crack. Always start with the lowest setting and gradually increase the pressure if needed.
  • Holding the nozzle too close: Keeping the nozzle too close to the surface you are cleaning can create a concentrated stream of water that can erode or damage the material. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface and use a wide, sweeping motion.
  • Neglecting to protect plants and landscaping: Pressure washing can easily damage delicate plants, flowers, and shrubs if you’re not careful. Cover plants and flowers with a tarp or plastic sheeting and use a low-pressure setting when cleaning near landscaping.
  • Not testing the pressure washer on a small area first: Before tackling a large surface, it’s a good idea to test the pressure washer on a small, inconspicuous area to see how it reacts. This will allow you to adjust the pressure and technique if needed.
  • Forgetting to wear proper safety gear: Pressure washing can be dangerous if you’re not properly protected. Always wear protective eyewear, gloves, and closed-toe shoes when operating a pressure washer.

By following these tips, you may be able to avoid common mistakes and pressure wash your surfaces safely and effectively. Unfortunately, it might not be as easy as simply knowing the potential mistakes and avoiding them.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

In addition to avoiding the common mistakes listed above, using a professional pressure washing service can provide several other benefits. Here are a few reasons why you might consider hiring a professional:

  • Expert knowledge and experience.
  • High-quality equipment.
  • Time-saving convenience.
  • Safe and insured.

While it’s certainly possible to pressure wash your own surfaces, hiring a professional can help you to achieve better results and avoid common mistakes, all while saving you time and effort.

Leave a Reply