Pressure washers are extremely useful tools for cleaning surfaces that have become caked with dirt and debris. Of course, if you’ve never used a pressure washer before, it is important you learn a bit about how to operate them before you actually begin using one. Otherwise, you run the risk of doing some permanent damage to your outdoor surfaces.
Here’s a quick overview of what to know about pressure washers in Monroe, LA before you start to use one:
- Go the right direction: When you’re cleaning vertical surfaces, you should wash from the bottom up and rinse from the top down. Not only will this help you avoid causing damage by going back over certain areas too many times, but it will also be much more efficient.
- Know the color codes: Pressure washers have color-coded nozzles that indicate how narrow and powerful the spray patterns are. A white nozzle will shoot out water at 40 degrees, a green nozzle has a 25-degree angle, yellow has a 15-degree angle and red is a straight-on, zero-degree angle. Black, meanwhile, is a low-pressure nozzle that is designed to be used for soap dispensing.
- Go broader: Generally speaking, you should use the broadest and lowest-pressure nozzle that will still give you an adequate clean. If you use nozzles that are more powerful or narrower than needed, you might begin to cut into the surface you’re attempting to clean, especially if the surface is softer, like wood or vinyl.
- Test: Before you begin cleaning large areas, make sure you test the nozzle you’re using on your pressure washer in a small, out-of-the-way area before moving on to the more visible spots. This way you can determine if you’re using the right nozzle, or if there’s anything you need to do to adjust your technique before you get into the more noticeable areas of your job.
- Keep moving: One of the most important things to keep in mind while using a pressure washer is that you should always keep the nozzle moving. This will prevent water from cutting into the surface, which is a big risk when you keep it shooting at the same place for too long.
- Use the proper angles: In addition to keeping the water moving at all times, you should also make sure you’re holding the tip of the nozzle at an angle above the surface, and at a certain distance away from the surface you’re cleaning. This will improve your cleaning efficiency and prevent you from doing some significant damage to the surface being cleaned.
- Watch where you spray: Try to avoid spraying water behind or underneath certain surfaces or fixtures such as siding, light fixtures, HVAC equipment, electrical outlets or attic vents. This water might not evaporate and could cause mold or other damage.
For more information about how to get the most reliable use out of pressure washers in Monroe, LA, reach out to Ram Rent-All, Inc. today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.