How To Use Pressure Washers For Efficient Cleaning

From a dirty car to a heavily-soiled driveway, stained house siding to a corroded metal fence, a pressure washer can clean almost everything without giving you a hint of stress.However, it is important to use these machines the right way to achieve effective and efficient results. Understanding the basic techniques is necessary if you plan to use a pressure washer for the first time. It is because this type of cleaning has the potential to cause injury. The high-pressure water stream produced by the machine can be extremely powerful and can cause harm to you, such as , falls and slips, eye injuries, electrical hazards, etc. So, here is a complete guide on using pressure washers in the most appropriate manner for efficient cleaning.

What is Pressure Cleaning?

It is also known as power washing, one of the most effective methods of cleaning hard surfaces using high-pressure water streams. With the help of a pressure cleaner, you can tackle caked-on grime, mould, mildew, rust, heavy soil and stubborn stains from concrete surfaces, metal fence, decks, cars, sidewalks, driveways and much more. If you are preparing your rented property for a final inspection, you can use this cleaning method to restore the appearance of outer surfaces and improve the overall curb appeal. You can also hire professionals for the best end of lease cleaning Canberra and cover all nooks and crannies. They can help you retrieve the full bond back with ease. If you want to see how a pressure washer helps you achieve a sparking result, keep the following techniques, safety protocols and guidelines in mind.

How Does a Pressure Washer Work?

Pressure washers usually come in two different versions, including: Electric-motored Washers – It delivers around 1300 to 1400 psi and is best for light-duty sprucing, such as cleaning outdoor grills and washing cars and garage floors. Gas-powered washers – On the other hand, gas-powered pressure washers deliver higher water pressure, more than 3,000 psi and can help you clean driveways, grills, sideways decks and other concrete surfaces.

How to Use a Pressure Washer for Intensive Cleaning?

1. Choose the Right Machine Deciding whether you want an electric pressure washer or a gas-powered one for your cleaning project is important. It is good to rent a good quality machine to save your money. If you want to remove oil stains, mould and grime from the driveway, a gas-powered washer can be an ideal option. Make sure you arrange all the necessary accessories, such as extension wands and washer hoses. Seasoned bond cleaners Canberra always bring all the necessary accessories and tools with them to get the job done without any stress and delays. So, you should also arrange everything in advance and speed up your cleaning process. 2. Connect the Machine It is good to connect your pressure washing machine with the hose and wand. For that, you need to:

Connect the high-pressure hose to the wand.

Connect the other end of the hose to the machine

Screw the hose onto the connection point and ensure all are secure

Turn on the water

Check to ensure there is no water leakage when running the machine.

Note: Plug your machine into the outlet using an electric pressure washer. 3. Add Detergent to the Washer Detergents can help you easily remove stubborn stains, mould and mildew from the ceiling and grime from floors. When renting a pressure washer, inquire about what detergents are available for the machine. If you buy a pressure washer for cleaning household fixtures and surfaces, ensure to read the user manual to choose the recommended detergents. Also, read the instructions for pouring the detergent and whether you need to dilute it with water or not. Taking these measures will help you operate the equipment correctly and avoid nulling the warranty. However, you should never use bleach in the machine as it can cause damage to its internal parts. Similarly, avoid pouring ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or other cleaning products in the pressure washer. 4. Select the Most Suitable Nozzle Usually, pressure washers come with a selection of different nozzles to let you personalise the angle of the spray to carry out different tasks. These nozzles are colour coded, and here is a breakdown of what the colours on the nozzles mean:

Red: 0-degree spray: It is perfect for tackling stubborn dirt and oil stains.

Yellow: 15-degree spray: perfect for cleaning  a siding and deck

Green : 25-degree spray: great for removing dirt from driveways, cars and concrete surfaces

White: 40-degree spray: good for areas near light fixtures and windows

Black: 65-degree spray : used for cleaning a smaller section or cars.

You can attach the right nozzle as per your requirement and spruce up your home like a pro. If you are prepping for the rental inspection, make sure you understand lease agreements in Canberra properly and cross-check your initial condition report to get your full bond back with ease. 5. Start the Pressure Washer You need to push a button to start your electric pressure washer. Once everything is attached properly, just push the switch, and you will be ready to remove dirt and grime. Here is a quick guide to starting a gas-powered machine:

Remove debris from the inlet filter

Connect all the accessories, like a hose and wand.

Run water through the washer

Squeeze the trigger for a minute to let out excess air.

Pull the cord to start the engine

It is always good to test the setting of your pressure washer in an inconspicuous place and prevent your delicate surfaces from getting damaged. Here is a complete guide to pressure wash your driveway.

Power/Pressure Washing Tips and Tricks

You can use the right techniques to pressure wash different areas. Make sure you keep the following tips in mind:

Grip the wand with both hands and direct the water stream at a 45-degree angle.

While using the washer, always keep it pointed away from yourself or people around you.

The high jet stream of pressure washers can cause serious injuries. Therefore, wear proper personal protective equipment like rubber boots, industrial-grade gloves and overalls before using a high-risk cleaning equipment.

Maintain a safe distance from the driveway or other surfaces to prevent damage.

Do not hold the wand head onto the siding. This attracts dirt to the surface instead of washing it away.

Rinse the concrete surface at high-pressure to get rid of dirt and grime

Change the nozzle setting to a low degree to dispense soapy residue.

Finish the process by changing the nozzle to high pressure and rinse with plain water.

Make sure the pressure is dispensed when you turn off the washer, as it reduces the risk of injury in case the pressure blasts when you restart the equipment or someone picks it up.

If you are vacating a rented apartment soon, book an experienced company for a detailed bond cleaning Canberra and stay relaxed.

Wrapping Up

These are some of the important tips to help you use the pressure washer efficiently for attention-to-detail cleaning. It is good to read the user manual, follow all the safety protocols and start with low pressure and increase the speed gradually. With this method, you can maintain a clean and organised exterior area of your home.