Common Pressure Washing Mistakes
If only pressure washing were as simple as it sounds. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could pick up a pressure washing hose, spray your property’s exterior clean, and get flawless results without stumbling into any trouble along the way? Unfortunately, this isn’t going to be your experience more often than not. There are many common pressure washing mistakes waiting to happen, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you’re likely to wind up in a sticky situation. That’s why we’ve written this blog—so you know what pitfalls to avoid, and so your pressure washing project goes off without a hitch!
We are Jay’s Pressure LLC, and we are proud to be our community’s first choice for professional pressure washing. Keep reading below to learn how to make your DIY project a success. Or, reach out to us for professional services. We’d be happy to help!
Mistake #1: Not Having the Necessary Equipment
If you want to pressure wash your property’s exterior, you’ll need to purchase the correct equipment. That goes without saying. The question is, though, what does this equipment include? Great question. We’ve included a bulleted list for your convenience below.
- Pressure Washer. This device is your secret weapon against surface debris. It pressurizes water so it’s powerful enough to rinse away grime.
- Hose and Nozzle. With an appropriate hose and nozzle, you’ll be able to spray water onto dirty surfaces with precision and accuracy.
- Cleaning Solutions. We recommend sodium hypochlorite in many cases. You can also use a specially marked pressure washing detergent.
- Safety Equipment. Don’t forget safety equipment, including gloves, eye protection, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Mistake #2: Not Clearing Surfaces Before Cleaning
So you’ve obtained all the necessary pressure washing equipment. Now, you’ll want to make sure your surfaces are ready to be cleaned. First, we recommend sweeping the area. This will remove any large particles of debris, preventing them from being launched when you pressure wash the surface. We’ve heard horror stories of people pressure washing their driveways only to launch small pieces of rock into nearby windshields. Save yourself the frustration—a quick sweep is all it takes to prevent hundreds of dollars of damage.
Be sure to also remove any items from the surfaces before pressure washing them, too. For example, if your deck is hosting a collection of furniture and decorations, you’ll want to temporarily relocate them. That way, there’s no risk of them being damaged by pressurized water. Plus, with the surface clear, you’ll have an easier time cleaning every square inch of the area.
Mistake #3: Not Selecting the Correct Water Pressure
Ready to start spraying exterior surfaces? Well, have you chosen the correct water pressure for the project? One of the most common pressure washing mistakes is powering on the pressure washer and just going for it without considering your surfaces’ specific needs. Every material, every substance has its own limits, and you’ll need to adjust the amount of water pressure you are using accordingly.
- Wood fences: 500–1,200 PSI
- Stucco exteriors: 1,200–1,500 PSI
- Vinyl siding: 1,300–1,600 PSI
- Brick walls: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks: 2,500–3,000 PSI
What happens if you don’t use the correct amount of water pressure? It can actually cause surface damage in some cases! For example, if you were to wash delicate softwood with 3,500 PSI, it would certainly scuff or splinter the material. Do your research and make wise decisions to ensure your pressure washing project is a success.
Mistake #4: Trying to Rush Perfection
One of the primary goals of pressure washing is improving your property’s appearance. This is precisely why you shouldn’t try to “speedrun” your project. Rushing leads to sloppy results, and if your home or business isn’t getting a total makeover, what was the point of pressure washing in the first place? To enjoy the full benefits of exterior surface cleaning, take your time and meticulously clean every square inch. That’s the surefire path to success.
To avoid a situation where you feel like you need to rush, give yourself plenty of time to complete your pressure washing project. Make sure you don’t have any important events scheduled later in the day—that way, you can relax, focus on your work, and ensure the best possible results.
Mistake #5: Not Using Detergents/Cleaners
In some cases, pressure washing with regular water is enough to restore surfaces. However, more often than not, pressure washing needs a little more oomph. That’s because you are almost always going to come across some sort of tough grime that won’t wash away no matter how hard you try. Don’t give up when you find yourself in this situation. Instead, use a pressure washing detergent or cleaning solutions. That way, even the most stubborn debris is broken down with relative ease.
We recommend sodium hypochlorite. To use this cleaning solution, simply apply a thin layer of it to the afflicted area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, thoroughly pressure wash the surface, and you should find that grime that was once too stubborn to remove is now easy to rinse away.
Avoid Mistakes With Professional Services
As you’ve learned, there are many common pressure washing mistakes you can accidentally make. The good news is that you can avoid these errors with careful planning. Or, if you’re looking to cut out the DIY process altogether, you can schedule an appointment with Jay’s Pressure LLC. We are a locally owned and operated business, and serving our neighbors in the Charleston, SC area is our specialty.
Getting started with us is easy! All you have to do is contact us online with information about your project. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. Like our asking price? Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to restoring your property’s exterior surfaces in the very near future.