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It’s always satisfying to watch dirt and grime peel away from a surface, revealing the clean underneath. While your power washer is great for driveways, its true value lies in its versatility. You can use it to tackle other frustrating, time-consuming maintenance tasks safely and efficiently. Here are some ways to get more use out of this handy cleaning tool.
That unsightly green or black buildup on the shady side of a house, wooden deck or vinyl fence is often living mold or mildew. As these fungi grow, they release spores into the air. While the risks are lower outdoors, exposure can still trigger an allergic reaction and other respiratory issues.
A pressure washer can quickly strip away the mold and spores, cleaning the surface and improving air quality around the home. Use it in tandem with a mold and mildew cleaning solution designed for power washers for the best results. Opt for a wider, low-pressure nozzle to avoid damaging the surface. Spray from the top down, as going for an upward angle can force water behind panels, trap moisture and create bigger mold problems later.
Stains from oil, grease and other liquids can penetrate porous surfaces like concrete. It’s almost impossible to scrub them off with a hose and brush. A power washer offers a more efficient solution. Start by identifying the type of stain you’re dealing with so that you can tailor your approach accordingly.
Oil stains may require a degreaser, while organic residues might need a dedicated cleaner. Apply the necessary pretreatment before power washing. For large, flat areas like driveways, use an attachment that provides a consistent, streak-free finish to prevent the stripes often left by using a nozzle. Use a nozzle for smaller spots or edges.
Pulling out the weeds that sprouted through the cracks in your driveway, sidewalks or pavers can be an endless battle. New weed seeds are always arriving, carried by sources like birds, the wind and even the bottom of your shoes. While herbicides work, they can be a concern for children, pets and local water runoff.
Think of your power washer as a chemical-free water weeder. Its intense jet of water can rip out visible weeds and blast out the soil and hidden seeds within the crack. This gives you a much cleaner result than hand-pulling. However, note that this only works for surface-level weeds. You’ll need a more specific approach to deal with deep-seated varieties.
Cleaning your equipment isn’t just about appearances. Caked-on, wet grass on a mower deck traps moisture and causes rust, while dirt on garden tools can lead to corrosion. Regular cleaning preserves the efficiency of your tools. A pressure washer makes quick work of this messy job.
For cleaning your mower deck, use a wider nozzle to blast away grass from its underside. Never spray directly at the engine, air filter or any electrical wiring. You can also use your washer to clean mud from wheelbarrow wheels or caked-on dirt from shovels and tillers.
Imagine a hornet nest appearing under a second-story eave or a yellow jacket nest forming near your front door. Anyone who disturbs it faces a high risk of getting stung or swarmed. This is where a power washer can help. Its water stream has 30 to 80 times the pressure of a garden hose, which is more than enough to obliterate a paper or mud nest from a safe distance.
Gear up before tackling the colony base. Wear long sleeves, pants and safety glasses, just in case. Do the job at dawn or dusk when the insects are less active, then stand at a safe distance and ensure you have a clear path to retreat indoors if necessary.
Here are the answers to common questions about pressure washing.
You can use your power washer to clean hard surfaces because they can handle higher pressure. These range from concrete driveways and sidewalks to brick and stone walls, if the mortar is in good condition. Use a wider nozzle and a lower PSI setting if you’re cleaning softer surfaces, like wood decks, fences, vinyl surfaces, metal siding, cars, boats, RVs and outdoor furniture.
Never point the power washer at yourself, another person or a pet. The high-pressure stream can cut through skin and cause serious injection injuries, where water and bacteria are forced deep into tissue. Also, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
It depends on your needs. Electric models are lightweight, quiet, low-maintenance and easy to store. They’re good for common tasks like washing cars, cleaning outdoor furniture and prepping small decks. Gas pressure washers offer more power for tackling tough jobs like stripping paint or cleaning expansive driveways efficiently. They also offer more mobility since they’re not tethered to an electrical outlet.
Your power washer is a powerful, problem-solving tool that can handle tasks all around your property. Maximize its capabilities, but be sure to follow basic safety guidelines. Go beyond the basic clean. Start transforming your home and upgrading your maintenance routine today.
