When it comes to cleaning tasks a pressure washer surface cleaner is the best way to fight dirt, debris, grime and stubborn stains. However, to get best results the correct way to use it is the key. No matter if you need to clean a specific area at your house or use a pressure washer for professional services, you need to know the best way to use it.
This article highlights the top techniques to use pressure washer surface cleaners and some tips related to that. Read it till the end so that you could get clean patio spaces, decks and sparkling pathways.
1. Choose the Right Nozzle and Pressure Setting
The first step is choosing the right nozzle and pressure setting for the pressure washer to get effective results. Pressure washer nozzles are available in various sizes and spray patterns that are designed according to specific tasks. The nozzle helps you to make spray angles to determine the pressure concentration.
The narrower the angle the more is the pressure concentration and it becomes suitable for cleaning jobs. Similarly, the wider angles are available for the areas where low pressure is required. Choosing the right nozzle is important because the wrong selection can lead to damage to the surface or faulty cleaning.
If your nozzle delivers too much pressure on the delicate areas etching can occur and this way the surface is ruined. On the other hand if pressure is too low, the process of cleanliness is affected.
2. Maintain Proper Distance and Angle
Proper pressure distance and angle maintenance is necessary for damage free cleaning in commercial surface cleaners and others as well. The distance between the pressure washer nozzle and the surface determines the impact of pressure on that surface. Moreover, the angle of the nozzle with the surface affects the efficiency of cleaning. So, the angle should be narrow if great pressure is to be delivered.
Distance between nozzle and surface can have damaging effects. For example, if you want to clean sliding or painting surfaces you should keep the nozzle 12 to 18 inches away. However, if you want to clean hard surfaces like bricks or concrete you should maintain less distance to enhance the cleansing power.
Similarly, when the nozzle is placed at narrow angles it delivers high pressure. It is recommended that you hold the nozzle at a 45 degree angle with respect to the surface to have a safe starting point. However, if there is debris, stubborn stains or grime you can adjust the angle accordingly to get the best results.
As a rule of thumb you should always start with a larger distance and a gentler angle that suits the cleaning demands. Moreover, you should regularly assess the surface for any signs of damage or etching. Also you should make necessary adjustments before starting the washer to prevent any mishaps.
3. Working on Different Surfaces
When you work on different surfaces you must know the pressure control with respect to surfaces. On concrete surfaces you have to use a narrow-angle nozzle and higher pressure settings because they can withstand it. This way they can remove stubborn stains, oil spots and mould. To avoid etching the surface, move the nozzle steadily towards the surface.
Wooden surfaces are more delicate and prone to damage so you require a wider-angle nozzle with lower pressure to clean wooden decks, fences, and furniture. While working on wood you should keep the nozzle moving. Moreover, don’t forget to maintain a safe distance to prevent rupture or gouging on the surface.
Brick surfaces can handle higher pressure so you should use a narrow-angle nozzle and moderate pressure to remove dirt effectively. Also, take great care with the pressure to avoid dislodging the mortar. While dealing with sliding of vinyl you should take a wider angle nozzle with moderate pressure to prevent warping or water infiltration.
You should use a wide angle nozzle and medium pressure to clean asphalt surfaces like driveways. Make sure to stay gentle to avoid damaging the surface or removing away the sealant. Special care is to be taken while dealing with the surfaces that are delicate including tiles and fancy stone. You should use wide angle and medium pressure to avoid cracking down.
In case you are cleaning cars, you should use a wide angle nozzle with commercial grade surface cleaner and take great care when spraying water on windows, mirrors and trim to prevent damage.
4. Handling Corners and Edges effectively
Corners and edges are deliberately difficult to clean because they have more dirt and debris. When you spray water with pressure on them the dust particles are not properly cleaned. So, you should overlap strokes. It is similar to cleaning tires. When you do this it ensures that no areas are missed out and a uniform appearance is maintained.
Most of the pressure washers come with specialised attachments or hand wands that are used for cleaning the corners and edges. They clean the corner and edges to provide better control and precision in the spaces that are tight and water cannot properly reach there.
While cleaning the edges you should work slowly and carefully. It is important to take your time when cleaning corners especially if there is a lot of debris accumulated there. If you rush while cleaning the debris is not removed effectively and excess pressure can lead to damage.
5. Protect Nearby Objects
While cleaning the surface with a pressure washer surface cleaner you should protect the nearby objects like, windows, plants or plastics. So, while operating it you should use drop cloth or plastic sheeting to avoid overspray and excessive sprays on the non-necessary items.
Conclusion
Pressure washer surface cleaner is a vital device to clean surfaces that have stains and debris. However, special care should be taken to use it. Choose correct pressure, nozzle size and angle to have efficient cleaning experience. Moreover, if you are looking for a pressure surface cleaner to buy you can visit Eveage tools to get the best value of your money.
