Pressure Washing for Beginners
If you’re looking for a way to clean your home or business quickly, efficiently, and with minimal effort on your part, pressure washing is the answer.
Pressure washing can be used for various purposes: from general cleaning to removing tough grime from concrete. Pressure washers have been around since the 1950s and have evolved into many different types of equipment today. There are gas-powered machines that sit on top of a truck bed; electric models that plug in; handheld devices that require only water pressure; and more. The following article explores how they work, what they’re best suited to do, and some tips for using them safely.
How Pressure Washing Works
Pressure washing machines have a pump that forces water through a small nozzle at high pressure. The amount of pressure is measured in pounds per square inch, or PSI. The average home garden hose has a pressure of about 30 PSI, while a pressure washer can have 2,000 to 4,000 PSI. Some commercial-grade machines may even go up to 10,000 PSI.
The high-pressure water stream loosens dirt, mold, mildew, and grime from surfaces and washes it away. Pressure washing is also effective at removing loose paint, stains, and graffiti. It’s a much quicker and easier way to clean than using a garden hose, brushes, and elbow grease.
Pressure washing machines have two types of nozzles: rotating and fan. Rotating nozzles create a 0-degree stream of water that is very powerful and can etch concrete and strip paint if you’re not careful. Fan nozzles have wider spray patterns (40 to 65 degrees) and are better for general cleaning. You should always start with the widest nozzle first and work your way down to a narrower one if needed.
What Can I Pressure Wash?
Almost any exterior surface can be pressure washed, including:
- Siding (wood, brick, vinyl)
- Driveways (concrete, asphalt, pavers)
- Decks (wood, composite)
- Porches
- Patios
- Fences
- Sidewalks
- Garage floors
- Cars
- RVs and boats
- Outdoor furniture
- Barbecues
Pressure washing can be a great way to clean your home or business. By using high-pressure water, you can remove dirt, dust, stains and other debris from a variety of surfaces. However, it’s important to use caution when pressure washing, as too much water pressure can damage surfaces. If you’re in need of a pressure washer, be sure to check out our selection of the best pressure washers on the market.