It’s good to be self-sufficient. That way, you can take care of yourself and enjoy the fulfillment that comes as a result. Because of this, you may decide that you want to do your own pressure washing. Be wary, though. If you carelessly rush into this work, you may find yourself making some of the many common pressure washing mistakes. This will leave you frustrated and could set back your project—if not leave you with surface damage to repair.
Learn about common pressure washing mistakes and how you can avoid them. Simple Softwash explains it all in this blog. And don’t forget that we can do all the work for you. All you have to do is call and schedule an appointment in Biloxi, MS.
Mistake #1: Not Having the Time or Energy
Before you decide to do your own pressure washing, you need to take some time to think: do you have enough time and energy to contribute to the project? If not, you won’t be able to complete the work. Not without great difficulty, anyway—and that would be one of those many common pressure washing mistakes.
First, ask yourself if you are physically capable of pressure washing. Doing this work involves a considerable amount of energy, and in some cases, it involves climbing up and down a ladder. If you have a disability, or if you simply don’t want to do this work, DIY pressure washing might not be the best choice for you.
You also need to check your schedule before deciding to take on a pressure washing project. If you don’t have any free days coming up, you’ll have to keep delaying the work until that perfect opportunity comes up. Don’t try to work your project in before an important appointment because if the pressure washing process runs over, you’ll have to rush the final results.
Mistake #2: Not Understanding Pressure Washing Equipment
If you want to do your own pressure washing, you’ll have to purchase the correct equipment and learn how to use it. Without this knowledge, you won’t know what you’re doing during your project, and this will cause you a great deal of frustration. So don’t fall victim to these common pressure washing mistakes. Prepare ahead of time and reap the benefits!
There are many tools you’ll need to pressure wash your property. You’ll need a pressure washer—a machine that pumps water and expels it through a hose. It’s also helpful to have a pressure washing detergent to put in the soap tank. You definitely won’t want to forget safety gear, including goggles, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and full-length pants. By covering your bare skin, you reduce the risk of spraying and slicing/bruising yourself.
Mistake #3: Failing to Prepare Surfaces For Cleaning
So, you’ve got your pressure washer and all the other necessary tools. What should you do now/ Power up the pressure washer and start spraying? Before you do, you need to make sure that your surfaces have been prepared for cleaning. Are there items—such as furniture, grills, decorations, and yard toys—in the way? If so, make sure that you have moved them aside before beginning the pressure washing process.
If there are gardens or flower beds near the surfaces you plan to clean, you’ll definitely want to protect them. It would be bad news if they got damaged by pressurized water. Simply drape tarps or drop cloths over your plants, and you won’t have to worry about them. (Don’t forget to uncover them later.)
Mistake #4: Not Researching Water Pressure Requirements
One of the most common pressure washing mistakes is not knowing how much water pressure to use. So, do you understand how much water pressure your property’s exterior surfaces need to be treated with? If not, take some time to sit down and do your research. That way, you can ensure safe, high-quality results.
We’ve included many examples of pressure washing projects, as well as how much water pressure to use. Take a look below. Is your job described here? If not, check Google for the information you need.
- Soft washing: 150–500 PSI
- Vinyl siding: 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Wood surfaces: 1,000–1,500 PSI
- Concrete: 2,000–3,000 PSI
- Stone pavers: 2,000–3,000 PSI
Mistake #5: Ignoring Basic Safety Guidelines
Among all the common pressure washing mistakes, there’s one you should avoid at all costs: ignoring basic safety guidelines and accidentally hurting yourself. Pressurized water is a tool, not a toy. If you accidentally spray yourself with this water, you could seriously injure yourself, so make sure you never aim your hose at your body. Keep it pointed at the surfaces that you actually intend to wash instead.
Additionally, if your pressure washing project involves high surfaces, you need to keep ladder safety guidelines in mind. Make sure your ladder is placed on a flat surface where it won’t rock or wobble. And don’t forget the rule of three points of contact. You have two arms and two legs; three of them should be on the ladder at all times. This significantly reduces the risk of you falling and taking a trip to the emergency room.
Consider Full-Service Pressure Washing
If you are worried about making common pressure washing mistakes, and you feel like you can’t prepare yourself for the work ahead, what should you do? Don’t worry—you can always reach out to a professional business for assistance. For example, at Simple Softwash, it would be our pleasure to restore your property’s exterior. That way, you can take some time to relax while we do all the hard work for you.
To get started, contact us online and let us know how we can help you. We’re interested in learning more about your pressure washing project and providing you with a free cost estimate. From there, you can choose a time and date for your appointment. Count on Simple Softwash to provide you with stunning results—we never fall short of your complete satisfaction!
