Out with the old and in with the new. Warm weather means homeowners take the time to improve their home’s appearance, especially the exterior. Pressure washing is not as simple as many homeowners may think. Using a pressure washer incorrectly can result in expensive damages to the home. Here are 6 common pressure washing mistakes homeowners should avoid.

1.Not Allowing Soap Enough Time to Soak the Surface

Pressure washing a home can remove tough stains, but the soap has to soak the entire area so stains on concrete, siding, roof, and other areas can be gently lifted from these surfaces. A mild detergent can be used with the pressure washer to help remove stubborn stains. The soap should soak on the stains at least three minutes, and no longer than five minutes so the detergent has enough time to attach itself to stains. This is the best way stains can be removed without damaging the surface.

2. Being Inconsistent with Pressure

The attachments of a pressure washer are important for consistency with pressure. Uneven pressure causes zebra stripes on the surfaces being cleaned and doesn’t resemble a fashion design. There are a variety of attachments for different projects, and choosing the ideal attachments for the job can help provide desired results. Correct pressure washing requires even strokes in a steady motion for a professionally clean appearance.

3. Failing to Use Proper Cleaning Techniques

An amateur pressure washing job is obvious when people can determine where the masking begins and ends. This is easy to see due to improper sweeping and overlapping. When the job is complete, it should appear as one finished product instead of multiple unfinished products. The previous sweep should overlap with the new sweep, which prevents steaks and an uneven appearance and helps provide a pleasant appearance.

4. Not Giving Surfaces Time to Dry

Perfection takes time, and surfaces need at least 48 hours to dry. Common surfaces and items that benefit from pressure washing include, fencing, decks, railings, and much more. Once surfaces are dry, they can be sealed with paint or sealer preservative to increase the its longevity and maintain a new appearance for a long period of time.

5. Using the Incorrect Attachments

Using the incorrect attachments makes a simple job one that is complex and time-consuming. Some pressure washing jobs are quicker than others. For these quick jobs, a rotating surface cleaner nozzle or turbo nozzle delivers the most effective and desired results. Having the correct attachments to get the job done is important for proper pressure washing techniques and worth the extra money homeonwers need to invest.

6. Forgetting to Use Fuel Stabilizer

Stale gas is a common issue that can be avoided by using a fuel stabilizer. To be most effective, the fuel stabilizer needs to be placed inside the gas tank immediately after the gas can is full. The fuel stabilizer can save a lot of effort and prevent wasted time.

There are many different ins and outs of pressure washing, and these particulars can be frustrating and confusing. Kleanway Pressure Cleaning is a professional cleaning company that specializes in many different residential and commercial services, including roof cleaning, window cleaning, pressure washing, and much more. Contact us today to receive your free quote and have your project completed correctly the first time. We’re ready to help you!