Owning a property comes with its fair share of responsibilities. To maintain your home or business, you’ll have to take on a variety of tasks, including sweeping, vacuuming, dusting, and general decluttering. But that’s just to keep the property’s interior clean. You also need to worry about its exterior, too. Exterior surfaces are constantly accumulating debris. If you want to restore their beauty, pressure washing is the way to go. You can even do this work on your own, as long as you’re ready to overcome the challenges of DIY pressure washing.
What are these challenges? And how hard can the work really be? Discover the answers to these questions with Simple Softwash. We are a locally owned and operated pressure washing business, and it’s always our pleasure to serve the Biloxi, MS community.
What Is Pressure Washing?
Pressure washing is an exterior cleaning technique that relies on powerful jets of water to restore exterior surfaces. Water is pressurized with a specialized machine called a pressure washer, and then, it is sprayed at dirty surfaces using a hose. This allows for the easy removal of all forms of surface debris, including:
- Dirt and Mud
- Moss, Mold, and Algae
- Bird Drippings
- Dead Insects
- Oils and Grease
Pressure washing has a wide variety of benefits. It improves the appearance of exterior surfaces; after all, any property looks better when it isn’t coated with debris. Pressure washing even helps these surfaces last longer. That’s because particles of debris rub against them over time, slowly eroding them. Avoid this entirely with yearly pressure washing.
Preparing for DIY Pressure Washing
The challenges of DIY pressure washing begin as soon as you start planning for the work. First and foremost, you’ll need to find time in your schedule for your project. This can be incredibly difficult if your calendar is already filled to the brim with responsibilities. You’ll need to be prepared to say goodbye to many hours of your free time if you plan to do your own pressure washing. Is it worth the sacrifice? That is ultimately your decision to make.
You’ll also need to acquire all the necessary pressure washing equipment. Otherwise, you won’t be able to pressure wash anything, obviously. This equipment includes:
- Pressure Washer
- Hose and Nozzle
- Cleaning Solutions
- Goggles, Gloves, and Other Safety Gear
Clearing Surfaces Before Pressure Washing
Before you pressure wash surfaces, you’ll want to make sure they are clear of any obstacles. For example, are you planning to pressure wash a deck? If so, you’ll need to move any furniture and decorations to a safe, temporary location. There are two main reasons for this. One, these objects will get in the way of your work if you don’t move them. Secondly, if you accidentally spray these objects, it’s very possible that they will be damaged.
We also recommend that you sweep any surfaces that you plan to pressure wash. This removes any large particles, such as pebbles, from the area. If you don’t, these particles can be launched by the pressure washing process. The worst-case scenario is that they fly off at top speeds and crack a nearby window or windshield. This could result in the need for expensive repairs, which will empty out your wallet.
Choosing How Much Water Pressure to Use
With surfaces cleared and all the necessary pressure washing gear on hand, it’s time to begin the work. However, you’ll need to figure out how much water pressure to use. If you haven’t done the necessary research, the challenges of DIY pressure washing will only become more difficult. So don’t be afraid to hop on the internet and figure out what the best settings are for your specific project. We have included a few examples below.
- Wood fences: 500–1,200 PSI
- Stucco exteriors: 1,200–1,500 PSI
- Vinyl siding: 1,300–1,600 PSI
- Brick walls: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete driveways and sidewalks: 2,500–3,000 PSI
After selecting an appropriate amount of water pressure, you can rinse exterior surfaces clean. Simply wash them one row after another, overlapping each pass the same way you would when mowing your lawn. Thorough, methodical work is the way to go because it will reward you with stunning results.
Using Cleaning Solutions to Bust Tough Stains
Sometimes, you’ll come across tough stains that won’t wash away. If you wind up in this predicament during a pressure washing project, what should you do? This is where cleaning solutions come into play. These helpful substances weaken tough grime so it can be more easily removed. For example, we use sodium hypochlorite frequently at Simple Softwash. This cleaning solution is safe not only for property exteriors but also for the environment.
To use this cleaning solution, simply apply a thin layer of it to the surface afflicted with tough debris. Then, wait fifteen minutes for debris to be broken down. Finally, thoroughly pressure wash the area, and you should find that once-stubborn grime washes away with ease. This puts you on the right track for flawless results.
Considering Professional Services?
As you’ve learned in this blog, DIY pressure washing involves a lot of hard work. There are many challenges of DIY pressure washing for you to overcome, and that can be an intimidating prospect. So, if you don’t want to do this work on your own, and you want an opportunity to relax instead, why not reach out to a professional business? By scheduling an appointment with Simple Softwash, you won’t have to bother with the challenges of DIY pressure washing to begin with.
We will proudly handle your pressure washing project and restore your property’s exterior—that way, you can use your time and energy in other ways. We do the work for a reasonable price, too. We encourage you to contact us online today with details about your project. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free cost estimate. (There are never hidden fees.) Then, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to serving you in the near future.
