Here’s How to Pressure Wash Different Outdoor Surfaces

A pressure washer can help you clean dirt, grime, oil, and mould from your home’s outdoor surfaces. However, it’s important to use the proper techniques and methods to achieve the best results, and to avoid damaging a surface or injuring yourself. Here are some pointers to observe when performing some common power washing jobs.

Gas vs. Electric Pressure Washers

Gas pressure washers, with their higher PSI (pounds per square inch) deliver an extremely strong jet of water. This makes them ideal for cleaning outdoor equipment, stripping paint, removing oil from driveways, and reaching distant surfaces. Electric pressure washers are less powerful but also lighter and more mobile. This makes them well-suited to washing vinyl siding, and other outdoor structures like decks, patios and fences.

Pressure Washing Different Surfaces

Excessive force can do real damage so it’s important to use the right amount of pressure for the surface you’re washing. Most devices allow the PSI to be dialled up or down, and can be fitted with attachments such as pressure washer nozzles, brushes and a detergent reservoir.

Items & Surfaces You Should Not Pressure Wash

As tempting as they are to use all the time, pressure washers are too powerful for some cleaning jobs. For example, you can power wash your vehicle tires but use extreme caution if washing the body panels as the high pressure can easily damage paint and trim. Do not use your pressure washer to clean:

• Asphalt shingle roofing

• Windows

• Electric or gas meters, vents, and air conditioning units

• Old brick walls with weak mortar

• Outdoor lighting fixtures

• Stained or painted wall surfaces subject to chipping and flaking

Pressure Washer Accessories & Materials

Depending on the make and model of your power washer, these products and accessories can be extremely useful if not essential for every task.

Pressure Washing Safety Tips

• Wear appropriate safety gear including eye, skin and foot protection

• Never aim the sprayer wand at yourself or another person

• Start at the lowest PSI setting and work up from there

• Use the correct nozzle for the job at hand

• Be aware while using electricity around water and/or handling engine fuel

• Do not operate a gas power washer inside a confined space

• Store your equipment safely, away from moisture and excessive heat

A pressure washer can reduce the amount of time you spend on countless outdoor maintenance tasks. Adherence to proper techniques can help ensure great results, and also make it a lot more fun to use than mops and sponges.