Tips on Pressure Washing
Are you planning on pressure washing your property? If so, you have a rewarding, yet challenging, process ahead of you. Make no mistake about it. The level of beauty that pressure washing lends to exterior surfaces is absolutely worth the work. However, you should be prepared for some hiccups along the way—and with our tips on pressure washing, you’ll be able to avoid some of these troubles and enjoy a more streamlined pressure washing experience.
We are Froggy Softwash, the home of Savannah, GA’s preferred pressure washers. It would be our pleasure to serve you if you choose not to do the work on your own, so keep that in mind. We’re just a phone call away.
Tip #1: Giving Yourself Enough Time
Pressure washing isn’t always easy—and as you probably could’ve guessed, the harder the work is, the more time you’ll need to complete it. So, make sure you prepare for your project by giving yourself enough time. The last thing you’ll want to do is rush through the work because this will result in compromised quality. One of the main goals of pressure washing is to make your property beautiful, so if you’re not even accomplishing that, what’s the point?
How much time will you need? That ultimately depends on you, but we can provide a few basic recommendations. For patio cleaning, two hours should be ample time, even for a beginner. On the other hand, pressure washing your home’s entire exterior could take up to six hours. Find an empty day on your calendar and plan accordingly!
Tip #2: Wear Safety Equipment
Your safety is important. If you think about it, your body is a vehicle that you’ll have to use for the rest of your life. It only makes sense that you should keep it in the best possible condition. That’s why we recommend that you wear appropriate safety gear during your appointment. What does this gear include? Our suggestions include eye protection, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes. The more skin you cover, the lower the risk of injury becomes.
Common sense goes a long way during your pressure washing project, too. When using a pressure washing hose, remember to only point it at surfaces that you intend to clean. By never pointing it at yourself, you won’t hurt yourself with it. Pretty simple, right?
Tip #3: Clear Off Surfaces Before Pressure Washing
There’s a very important preparation you must make before pressure washing. You’ll need to clear everything off the surfaces you plan to clean. Why? There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, you don’t want your belongings to get in the way of your work. Secondly, you don’t want to accidentally damage them with pressure washing. This could result in the need for expensive repairs, which will take a big chunk out of your checking account.
All you need to do is find a safe location where you can temporarily relocate your items. That way, they can stay out of danger during your pressure washing project. Once you’re done with your work, you can simply put them back where they belong.
Tip #4: Always Use the Correct Amount of Pressure
Want to guarantee that your pressure washing experience has safe results? If so, you’ll want to make sure that you always use the correct amount of water pressure. This, of course, varies based on the material you need to clean. We’ve included a few examples below for your convenience. If your project isn’t reflected in this list, consult your favorite search engine to find the best setting for the job.
- Wooden Decks: 500–1200 PSI
- Stucco: 1200–1500 PSI
- Vinyl Siding: 1300–1600 PSI
- Metal Fences: 1500–2500 PSI
- Concrete Driveways: 2500–3000 PSI
Tip #5: Thoroughness Is Key
Pressure washing is your opportunity to remove all debris from exterior surfaces. So, don’t fall short of that goal. We recommend keeping your eyes peeled for any and all debris; be sure to restore the entire area. What is the best way to accomplish this? We recommend pressure washing surfaces in a row-by-row pattern, overlapping each pass the same way you would while mowing a lawn. That way, you ensure that not even a single square inch of the surface is left dirty.
Have you discovered that some debris won’t wash away? If so, cleaning solutions are, funnily enough, the solution to your problem. For example, at Froggy Softwash, we often use sodium hypochlorite to break down stubborn grime. That way, it can be more easily removed. And don’t worry because this cleaning solution is eco-friendly. No pollution involved.
Tip #6: Know Your Limits
One of the most important things you can do when it comes to pressure washing is knowing your limits. In other words, you need to determine if DIY pressure washing is a good fit for you. Are you an experienced DIYer with plenty of time and energy to spare? If so, we have no doubt that you can conquer your pressure washing project alone. However, if you are too busy to learn pressure washing, or if you are otherwise intimidated by the process, reach out to us. It will be our pleasure to pressure wash your property for you!
At Froggy Softwash, we only hire professionals who know what they’re doing. Rely on us to clean your home or business’s exterior surfaces—we’ve done this work time and time again, and we have the experience needed to guarantee stunning results!
Contact Froggy Softwash
If our tips on pressure washing aren’t enough, an appointment with our professionals will do the trick. Not only are we excited to serve you, but we’re also ready to give you a free cost estimate for our services. Get started by contacting us online with information about your project. We’ll let you know how much you can expect to pay, and then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to hearing from you!