How to use power washer to clean house: Tips From the Pros

When we think about household chores, cleaning is one of our least favorite ones. This depends on personal taste, of course. But on average, taking dirt out from anything is despised by a majority. One inevitably struggles to remove wastes that long ago solidified. What’s more, there are always those hard-to-reach areas. Now, not only do you need a cleaner and water, but a ladder as well. Tiresome job indeed. Unless you use power washer to clean house.

Power washers make cleaning an easier task. These machines use hot water to get rid of grime, mold, and dirt. Ultimately, removing solid waste is made easier. Plus, hot water kills algae which are harmful to one’s health.

Now, all that information sounds great in theory, but how can you apply it? Well, following any of these tips from the experts is a good place to start. Once you get the hang out of them, cleaning will become less of a nuisance.

4 Steps to use power washer to clean house

Understanding the Nozzles and Their Power

First things first. It is imperative that you know which nozzles to use. After all, there are plenty of them, each suited for a specific surface.

The 0° nozzle is the most powerful one, and it’s used to eliminate hard-to-remove stains. It is so powerful that it could slice your skin if you are not careful with it. A less dramatic scene would be damaging your property, but we don’t want that to occur, do we? The first tip, then, is a safety tip. Watch out when cleaning with the 0° nozzle.

A 15° nozzle is less of a danger, but it can harm you still. Fat, broad dirt and detritus have no chance against a 15° nozzle.

A 25° nozzle is more balanced. It is gentle yet powerful. It can be used against wood (always at a considerable distance) without damaging it. Bricks, concrete, or aluminum are also cleaned with these nozzles.

To wash the car and the fences, the best option is the 40° nozzle. This type applies gentle but potent pressure that cleans surfaces without damaging them.

Lastly, a 60° nozzle, the softest of them all, is used to remove dirt from soft objects, like vinyl.

Choose the Right Places in your Home: Avoid Damage

You might get excited once you get your first power washer. You’ll want to use it everywhere, from cleaning your kitchen to washing your nephew’s hair. Watch out, please. Certain objects shouldn’t be washed with this tool, for example, anything that has paint on it. It’s a shame, because many common objects are painted, like your house or your car. The problem is that water pressure removes paint. On top of that, you end up spending more money to repair the damage. The same logic applies to old furniture. They are weak, and a potent water blast will damage them permanently.

So, where can you use this item? Anywhere with solid, paintless objects. Think about taking chewing gum out from the sidewalk, cleaning crawl space of your house, or removing thick grime from the garage floor. If you are brave and want to use it with painted, soft surfaces, at least do it from a considerable distance, and with the lowest strength.

Safety First!

Working with power washers is a treacherous deed. However, the real problem is not the machine itself, but the places you wash with them. Cable boxes, connected wires, and outdoor lights are a real threat. If possible, cover these with plastic. If you can’t, avoid washing them at all costs. Find another way of cleaning the area without using water.

Furthermore, too much water pressure could break windows. Cracking glass is problematic since you run the risk of cutting yourself.

Finally, you want to protect your plants as well. After all, safety tips are not just for you, but for others too. Cover the garden with a curtain so the power of the water doesn’t harm them.

Angle and Position

We have already mentioned the importance of distance. Stand too close to the object and direct water injures it. Stay too far away, and if the nozzle is not strong, you won’t achieve your objective. Always consider the material you are working with and the nozzle you are using. With that idea in mind, start from a long distance and let the water come out. Then, slowly approach until water touches the target. From that point, you can figure out whether you need to get closer or not. In case you do, lean gently until you find the right distance.

Regarding the angle, a useful tool to facilitate the job is an adjustable nozzle. Some models come with handles to change the angle of the water blast. That way, the spray moves all over the regions you can’t reach. Also, it’s a great way to avoid bending and future back pain.

Final verdict:

All in all, cleaning with a power washer is a simple task that can be done by anyone. It seems there are too many rules to follow, but it’s only problematic when you’re just starting out. The more you use your power washer, the more you will understand its functions. In the end, you’ll wish you had started earlier because these tools are a quick solution to an otherwise tiring activity. Remember: As long as you follow these tips, you can expect nothing less than a successful job.