Tips for a Successful Pressure Wash

Pressure washing can be a very useful mechanism when done right. Whether you need to drain your pool and clean off the grime or power through the dried dirt on your patio to get it ready for summer, pressure washing is a proven method. 

Not all pressure washes are the same, though. Some jobs require, based on the surface and the degree of difficulty of the wash, a certain pressure washer. Other jobs may require the use of certain chemicals or solutions, and not just water from your hose. Then there are cleaning projects that don’t require any specialized pressure washing nuances but seem to be stubborn to a traditional pressure wash. Whichever category your pressure washing needs falls in, here are a few tips to find success:

Get The Right Equipment

Whether renting or buying, when looking for a pressure washer, you’ll be faced with a few different features. These include the strength of the pressure washer, often measured in pounds per square inch, the length of the hose, and the different tips, which change the manner in which water is expelled from the pressure washer. Find one that offers enough options to suit your needs!

When To Acid Wash (Your Facility or Business, Not Your Clothes)

Acid washing, in the context of pressure washing, is the be-all-end-all of pressure washing. It’s reserved for very difficult washing projects, like “black lagoon” pools – or pools that have turned dark or even black due to the buildup of algae, dirt, leaves, and other debris when a pool isn’t properly winterized. Acid washing is also very useful for exterior surfaces such as near the top of your chimney, where bricks often blacken and get layered with soot. 

Pressure washing with only water may often not be enough to adequately clean these areas. Muriatic acid works well for these projects, though you should wear the proper protective equipment because it’s a dangerous substance.

Bigger Project = Hire a Professional

Depending on your pressure washing needs, the size and frequency of your pressure washing project may vary. For smaller projects, it may be cost effective for you to rent a pressure washer if you find you don’t need to frequently pressure wash your facility or business. For small pressure washing projects that you find yourself needing to do more frequently, buying a pressure washer may be your move.

The larger, more complex, and more frequent your pressure washing needs are, especially if they include the use of acids, the wise option may be to hire a professional. At some point, the opportunity cost of the time you spend on pressure washing plus the cost of materials may be a bad investment versus finding a reliable, affordable professional.

Once you have your pressure washer, familiarize yourself with its function. The trial and error period shouldn’t take long, and your facility or business will look great in no time!