Pressure cleaning is an effective approach to property maintenance. It’s a faster process to remove dirt, mould, and grime. However, the method uses high-pressure water to clean surfaces. It can be between 2000 and 3000 PSI. Not all surfaces can withstand such high pressure. Therefore, you have to be careful when thinking of pressure washing. Consider your surface type along with the surroundings, pressure setting, and safety. This will help you avoid accidents and property damage.
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Surfaces That Are Safe for Pressure Cleaning
A surface needs to be durable to handle high PSI levels for power cleaning. The material should resist erosion and cracking. Surfaces with material sensitivity need caution. Choose the right nozzle types with proper angle adjustment. The following surfaces are safe for pressure cleaning:
Wood
Different woods have different levels of surface compatibility. Depending on the type, it can withstand 5,000 to 15,000 PSI, according to the Oklahoma State University. This also makes wood cleaning much easier. It’s ideal for wooden patios, decks, fences, and outdoor furniture. Try a patch test to adjust your pressure level. Too much pressure can affect the paint and colour of the surface.
Concrete
You can safely use water pressure for concrete cleaning. Whether it’s patios, driveways, or sidewalks, it’s safe to use. You have to add detergent for better results. After the cleaning, run a thorough rinsing. This will remove residue and save the surface from future mould and bacteria growth.
Bricks
Bricks are generally safe for pressure cleaning. Your brick surfaces can get dirty over time. Graffiti is a common problem for brick walls. Pressure washers are effective in removing both dirt and graffiti. It does not cause any damage to the surface. Nonetheless, you should maintain a distance between you and the wall.
Vinyl Siding
Vinyl siding is durable and can handle the force of the water. It makes it safe to apply pressure cleaning on vinyl siding. But you should set the pressure to a moderate level. Too much pressure can cause damage. Start from a distance and move closer if needed. Use a gentle detergent to help remove dirt. You should start at a low pressure and increase gradually if needed.
Stucco
Though soft washing is safe for stucco, if needed, you can opt for pressure cleaning. Sometimes, there can be stubborn stains that soft washing might miss. It provides a more thorough cleaning when needed.
Stone
Stones are natural solid materials. They consist of minerals, mineraloids, or organic materials. The method is safe and effective for cleaning such surfaces. Clean your stone patios, walkways, driveways, and exterior walls with high-pressure water cleaning. Stones can withstand a high amount of pressure. Depending on their nature, some of them can stay unharmed even under nearly 20000 psi.
Vinyl Siding
Jet washing makes siding maintenance easier. Despite being made from PVC plastic, vinyl siding can withstand moderate pressure. It’s durable and resists weather damage. Use a lower pressure setting and avoid close contact to prevent damage.
What Surfaces Are Not Safe for Pressure Cleaning?
You should completely avoid using power cleaning on delicate surfaces. The high pressure causes harm to the surface. Painted surfaces can peel or chip under high pressure. Stained surfaces may lose their finish or get damaged. Surfaces with sensitive electrical equipment are not safe for this method. Other surfaces to avoid are:
- Old wood
- Shingles
- Glass windows
- Fabric awnings
- Drywall
- Sandstone
- Roofs, rugs, refrigerators, air conditioners, etc.
- Thin plastics, etc.
Pressure Washing Tips for the Best Result
You have to be careful when cleaning with pressure washers, regardless of the surface. This will help you reduce surface damage risk and protect you from injuries.
Go Through the Manual
You must read the manual first. It provides important pressure washer safety instructions. It will help you understand how the machine operates. Set the machine as per recommended. The manual explains how to use cleaning solutions and detergent applications. Manuals often mention what surfaces the machine is ideal for. You should not use it on surfaces that the manual instructs to avoid.
Understand Your Surface
Make sure you know your surface properly. What it’s made of is crucial. Check the recommended PSI levels for different surfaces. You can adjust the pressure level on your machine using different nozzle angles. It saves you from property damage. Knowing just the material is not enough. Inspect the surface thoroughly and measure the condition. Avoid using pressure cleaning if the surface is old, weak, or has cracks.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
You must not take pressure washers lightly. These are not toys. Jet washers force water to come out through a narrow opening. This gives the water high speed and force. Often, DIY cleaners are not aware of the force and get injured because of carelessness. 15% of them suffer severe injuries and need to be hospitalised, according to Safety Now. You should cover the important body parts that are exposed to the washer. You need to wear the following gear:
- Boots
- Gloves
- Long pants
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection.
Keep Children and Pets Away
Children and pets can become curious watching you clean. They may rush to you, without you noticing. This can lead to unpleasant incidents. They can get hurt and injured. Therefore, make sure they are not near the cleaning areas. It’s safe to have an adult with them during the cleaning process.
Use the Safety Latch
Engage the safety latch on when you are not spraying. It keeps the trigger locked and reduces the risk of injury. Children may try to play with it when you are not around. This can lead to serious injuries to them. So, check the hatch every time you take a break during the cleaning. This simple step helps ensure the safety of children and other family members.
Avoid Gas Pressure Washers Inside the House
Gas pressure washers are suitable for outdoor cleaning. You must not use them inside. These washers emit carbon monoxide. This odourless gas becomes deadly when concentrated. In closed areas, the amount of the gas can increase and become deadly for humans.
Hire Professional Cleaners
The process of pressure cleaning is not as easy as it seems. Accidents can happen, and you may get injured. Or you may end up damaging the surface. Professional cleaners can handle the cleaning process safely and efficiently. They know how much pressure is safe for different surfaces. Their expertise and training help them adjust the machine pressure correctly. They can save you time, expense, and accidents.
When Should You Opt for Pressure Cleaning?
You don’t need pressure cleaning every now and then. Doing it once or twice is usually okay. But the frequency primarily depends on the condition of your house. You can benefit from pressure cleaning when:
- Surfaces are heavily soiled with dirt, grime, or mould
- Driveways, sidewalks, and patios are rich in stains
- Exterior walls, fences, and decks are dirty and affect the appearance.
Pressure cleaning is especially helpful when you are preparing for property selling. You can get a better price if the house front is clean and sparkling. The resale value can increase by two to five per cent.
Final Thought
Pressure cleaning is generally safe for many surfaces. Yet, it’s crucial to use the correct settings and techniques. For best results, trust professionals, Eco Cleaning Brisbane. We ensure safe, effective cleaning tailored to each surface. Our expert team members are skilled in using the machines properly. We prioritise environmental safety and use only eco-friendly products. This ensures a thorough cleaning without harming the environment. You and your family get to enjoy a safe and spotless space.
