subject: Power Washing Safety: What To Do (and What Not To Do) [print this page] Power washing is amazingPower washing is amazing. With only a couple of blasts from a power washer, decades of filth can be removed. Beforehand, however, it's critical that power washer users appreciate how to correctly use such a powerful tool in order to avoid harm. The power washing dos and don'ts gathered below will help you understand how to best properly use a pressure washer.
Power Washer Don'ts
Don't aim a power washer at living things, even in jest. Pressure washers are powerful enough to cause injury to people or pets.
Don't use hot water unless it's approved in the product manual. Unless your pump is made for hot water, don't use it. Rather than destroy your tool with improper use, call a power washing company to clean the surface.
Don't power wash glass. You're just asking for problems if you attempt power washing windows - they can easily break under a pressure washer's powerful stream. Power washing can also destroy window seals and render manufacturer warranties void.
Don't use bleach or acid-based solutions in your pressure washer. These toxic chemicals can be harmful for both the power washer itself and for pets and family members. Hire a professional power washing company rather than playing around with such powerful chemicals.
Don't walk away from a running pressure washer.
Power Washing Dos
Do carry out power washing tests first. If you're uncertain about the proper nozzle type, cleaning solution, water temperature or pressure setting for any project, test an inconspicuous area first. Another option is to hire a power washing company to teach you how to properly clean the surface in question.
Do flush out your chemical injector following every use. Lingering chemicals will surely cause difficulties later on, so clean out your pressure washer after using the chemical injector.
Do wear protective eyewear and long-sleeved clothing. Remember, this machine can spray water at 1,500 to 3,000 PSI. Sharp particles may fly off under such high pressures. To avoid permanent eye damage, don protective eye goggles before turning on a power washer. Power washing company managers recommend full face masks for particularly dangerous projects. It's also wise to wear long-sleeve clothing when running a power washer. Lastly, you can prevent accidents by engaging the safety lock during power washing pauses.
Do store your power washer in a protected area with proper ventilation. Depending on whether your area commonly sees freezing temperatures in the winter, winterization may be necessary - especially if you plan to store your pressure washer in an unheated room.
Do check engine levels before powering up your power washer. To protect the engine, always check oil levels before turning on your pressure washer. Check your owner's manual for additional maintenance procedures.
Do notice the distance between the tip of the nozzle and the surface you're cleaning. More or less space will be required for cleaning different surfaces. In general, tough surfaces such as a BBQ grill can withstand higher pressure settings at closer distances, as close as three inches. Other surfaces will need more space; the exterior of a home, for instance, should be cleaned from a distance of at least six inches, depending on the construction material. Testing pressure washing settings in an out-of-the-way area will help you find the best cleaning technique for each project.
