How does your property’s exterior look? Step outside your home or business and check out its outside surfaces for yourself. If they are smothered with grime, you’ll definitely want to do something about it. In fact, you might already be planning on a Savannah, GA exterior cleaning project. This is a great idea, but bear in mind this work isn’t always easy. Are you prepared for the difficulties that lie ahead?
Review five problems, and their respective solutions, with Froggy Softwash. We are your community’s first choice for pressure washing and exterior cleaning, and we are excited to share what we know with you!
#1: Getting Ready For Your Project
So, you want to do your own Savannah, GA exterior cleaning. However, do you have enough time for the project? Pressure washing isn’t the sort of work you can blow through in a matter of a few minutes. More likely than not, it will take hours, if not most of the entire day. You’ll definitely want to plan ahead for the work; set aside enough time for Savannah, GA exterior cleaning, and make sure you don’t have any important appointments that might cut into your work.
Additionally, you’ll need to purchase all the necessary equipment. This includes not only a pressure washer but also detergent, safety gear, sodium hypochlorite, and a spray applicator. Here’s an option worth keeping in mind: you may be able to rent a pressure washer for a local provider.
#2: Choosing Appropriate Water Pressure Settings
When working on your Savannah, GA exterior cleaning project, remember that pressure washing isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” process. You’ll need to change how much water pressure you use based on the material you are cleaning. We’ve included several examples of these materials, as well as the respective water pressure settings, below.
- Roofs (Soft Washing Recommended): 100–500 PSI
- Wood Fences: 500–1,200 PSI
- Brick Surfaces: 1,000–2,000 PSI
- Asphalt Driveways: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete Driveways and Sidewalks: 2,500–3,500 PSI
Use too much water pressure, and you might actually damage your property. So take care and be careful! Proper planning now will prevent headaches later.
#3: Keeping Yourself Safe
It’s important that you protect yourself during your Savannah, GA exterior cleaning project. Handling pressurized water comes with a real risk of injury; if you were to spray your bare skin with this water, you would bruise or slice it. Obviously, you don’t want to spend your day in an emergency room, so take the correct precautions to safeguard yourself! Basic “trigger discipline” is a great first step. In other words, never point your pressure washing hose at anything you don’t intend to clean.
Additionally, always wear your safety gear while pressure washing. This gear, which includes goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes, covers your bare skin and reduces the risk of you spraying yourself. Even nicking your toes could be a cause for concern, so make sure things don’t play out this way.
#4: Breaking Down Tough Debris
If you’re halfway through your Savannah, GA exterior cleaning project only to discover that some grime won’t wash away, what should you do? Whatever you do, don’t give up! Even when it seems like stubborn debris is invincible, specialized cleaning solutions might be the key to solving the problem.
For example, at Froggy Softwash, we use sodium hypochlorite to break down tough grime. First, we apply a thin layer of this substance to the surfaces that need treatment. Then, we wait fifteen minutes for sodium hypochlorite to work its magic. Finally, we pressure wash the area, and debris that was once too tough to remove rinses away with ease.
You can use this exact same strategy during your project, too. Just make sure that you use a spray applicator to put sodium hypochlorite on dirty surfaces. Most pressure washer soap tanks are not designed to hold this heavy-duty cleaning solution; ignoring this limitation risks serious equipment damage.
#5: Ladder Safety When Cleaning High Surfaces
If your Savannah, GA exterior cleaning project involves high surfaces, such as roofs, you will need to use a ladder. This immediately adds a new element of danger to your project. Improper ladder use could result in you falling and hurting yourself, which obviously wouldn’t be ideal.
First, we recommend that you always pay attention to where you are putting your ladder. Make sure it is in a flat, level area; if the ladder rocks or wobbles, do not climb it. Instead, reposition the ladder until it is more stable.
You also need to remember the rule of three points of contact. What this means is that three of your four limbs should be on the ladder at all times. That’s either two arms and a leg or one arm and two legs. This drastically reduces the risk of a fall.
Don’t Want to DIY?
Make no mistake about it: doing your own Savannah, GA exterior cleaning is an intimidating prospect. You’ll have to invest your time and energy into the process, and you’ll have to learn how to use all the necessary equipment. Finally, you’ll have to overcome all the potential problems we outlined in this blog.
If you don’t feel like you’re cut out for this work, don’t worry! You can always reach out to Froggy Softwash for the professional assistance you need. We look forward to restoring your property’s exterior surfaces for a fair price.
Cost of Professional Exterior Cleaning
How much should you expect to pay for our full-service Savannah, GA exterior cleaning? What you’ll pay is based on how much surface area you expect us to pressure wash. Larger projects result in high prices. There are no hidden fees or surcharges.
To get started with Froggy Softwash, contact us online and let us know how we can help! We will give you a free cost estimate for your appointment, and then, you can choose a time and date for our arrival. We look forward to seeing you!