New Clean Pressure Washing uses a high-pressure stream of hot water to remove mildew, mold and other residue. It works well on outdoor brick, concrete and masonry surfaces, as long as there’s no baked on grime.
Homeowners should only pressure wash with a professional who understands the proper psi, cleaning products and water rotation for different surfaces to avoid serious damage.
Pressure washing is a powerful cleaning technique that can remove mildew, dirt, algae and other contaminants that build up on surfaces. It’s also a great way to revitalize the appearance of siding, brick or other materials and extend their lifespan. Regular exterior cleaning can also prevent harmful pollutants from breaking down surfaces and finishes, like sealants and paint.
When properly performed by a professional, it’s safe to pressure wash most exterior surfaces. The key is to use the right equipment and settings for each surface, and choose a suitable detergent or cleaner. Additionally, it’s important to prep the area before cleaning. Relocate potted plants and furniture, sweep away debris that could become projectiles when sprayed and cover exterior outlets and any items that may come into contact with water. Finally, shut off the power to any areas that will receive significant spray.
To achieve the best results, you can use a range of nozzles to adjust the spray’s strength and direction. Higher-powered nozzles deliver a more concentrated stream, while lower-powered ones offer a wider and less-focused spray. For more delicate surfaces, you can even attach a rotating brush or spinning wand to the end of the hose for added scrubbing power.
For more stubborn stains, you can also add a bit of detergent to your cleaning solution. This will help loosen any extra dirt or grime, and may allow you to use a lower setting on your pressure washer. Just be sure to test the water pressure on an inconspicuous part of the surface before proceeding. You don’t want to accidentally damage your vinyl siding or asphalt shingle roof with too much pressure! Also, never pressure wash windows, as the high-pressure water can force its way into the frame and break the glass.
Roofs
While you may be tempted to pressure wash your driveway, retaining walls, or siding, hitting your roof with high-pressure water isn’t something that should be done. Professional roof cleaners use a technique called “soft washing,” which allows them to safely clean your shingles and other materials without damaging them with high-pressure water.
Soft washing is a safe way to remove mold, mildew, and other organic growth on your home. It involves using a biodegradable cleaning solution to get rid of the build-up on your roof. It’s also a better alternative to other types of cleaning, such as manually scrubbing the shingles with a brush and a cleaning solution.
If you’re a homeowner with an asphalt shingle roof, many professionals do not recommend power washing your roof. Using a pressure washer to clean your roof can strip the protective granules from your shingles and cause serious damage to the structure of your house. It can also dislodge the shingles, which could lead to leaks and other problems. If you’re cleaning a cedar roof, it’s even more important to hire a professional to avoid damaging the wood.
A professional roof cleaner will use a low-pressure washer with a wide nozzle that limits the PSI of the sprayer. They will rinse the chemical off your roof and then use a low-pressure spray to gently wash it. This will get rid of any dirt, debris, and mold that has accumulated on your roof and prevent future issues. When hiring a professional to pressure wash your roof, it’s important to ask about their specific methods and pricing. The size of your roof and how many stories it has are significant factors in determining the cost of the job.
Decks
Your deck, like any outdoor surface exposed to the elements, benefits from routine cleaning. It brightens the wood and eliminates mildew, mold and grime that can make your space unusable. It also helps prevent wood rot and prolongs the lifespan of your deck stain.
Power washing is a straightforward process, but it can ruin surfaces if used improperly. Using too much pressure or holding the tip too close to a material can deeply etch brick, damage siding and cause splinters in wood. It’s best to use a low pressure setting, test the water on an inconspicuous area of your home and gradually increase the pressure as needed (by bringing the nozzle closer or changing the power settings) until you reach the ideal setting for the job at hand.
If you are planning to re-stain your deck, it’s important to know that the pressure washing will strip away most coatings and sealers, so it’s best to wait until after the cleaning to do so. This gives the new stain a chance to soak in and help it last longer.
Before you start the washing process, check for loose boards or protruding nails, and remove any furniture or plants to give yourself unobstructed access to all areas of your deck. You should also wear ear defenders and safety goggles as you’ll likely be blasting a high-powered water jet at your face, ears and hands.
If you don’t feel comfortable handling a pressure washer, call in a professional. They can do the work faster and more thoroughly than you could on your own, plus they’ll have the proper equipment for safely handling the powerful tool. They’ll also be familiar with the most effective ways to clean different materials.
Sidewalks
Your sidewalk receives a lot of traffic, and over time, this can cause dirt and grime to build up. This can make your home or business less appealing to visitors, and it may even pose a safety hazard if fungus such as mold & mildew is present. Pressure washing your sidewalks can remove these hazardous organisms and give your home or business a fresh, clean look.
Moss, mold, and mildew also have the potential to create a slippery surface on your property. This is dangerous, especially for children & the elderly, who may slip and fall. Removing these toxins from your property is an important step in keeping your family & guests safe.
Unlike spraying a hose with a nozzle, professional pressure washers can offer a more controlled cleaning process that adjusts the amount of water pressure released. This allows for a more targeted approach to cleaning specific areas of your house or business.
Additionally, a professional knows how to handle a pressure washer so that they don’t visibly damage your sidewalks by applying too much pressure. This is a big mistake that many DIYers make, and it can result in pitting, lines, and general surface degradation.
Professionals are also trained in the use of a variety of nozzles, each designed for different cleaning requirements. For example, a 0-degree nozzle offers the hardest spray and is best for removing stubborn clumps of dirt or tough stains. A 40-degree nozzle, on the other hand, has a broader spray and is ideal for cleaning dirt, algae, and mud. In addition to nozzle selection, professionals use detergents and cleaning solutions that target specific types of stains and contaminants. This enhances the effectiveness of the cleaning and makes it possible to safely clean surfaces that can’t withstand the high-pressure of a power washer.
Fences
Over time, fences collect a variety of contaminants, from dust and dirt to mold and bird droppings. Pressure washing is a quick and effective way to remove these pollutants and extend the lifespan of your fence.
Before attempting to pressure wash your fence, take the time to inspect it for damage and potential issues that might worsen during cleaning. If you notice any problems, make sure to address them as soon as possible to prevent costly repairs later on. Lastly, remember to wear appropriate personal protective equipment and safety gear (gloves, eye protection, and ear protection). Before using your pressure washer for the first time, it’s also wise to practice with a bucket of water to get a feel for the pressure and adjust settings as needed.
When washing your fence, start at one end and work your way across, rinsing each section of the fence thoroughly. After each rinse, apply a plastic-safe cleaner to the surface of your fence using a wide nozzle tip and let it sit for a few minutes or per the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, rinse the soapy residue away with light to medium pressure, working from top to bottom.
Local pressure washing pros often quote quotes based on the type of fencing material because different materials require different amounts of pressure to clean effectively. They will use the PSI (pounds per square inch) and GMP (gallons per minute) of their machine to determine the amount of pressure that is needed and how long it will take them to clean each area of the fence.
It’s important to avoid over-washing your fence because excessive pressure can gouge, splinter, and crack wood. After washing your fence, wait 48 hours for it to dry completely. This will help prevent moisture and rain from damaging your fence or leaving behind lingering detergents.