TOP 5 PRESSURE WASHER CLEANING PROJECTS
There are an endless number of pressure washer cleaning projects around the home, but let’s focus on the top 5 tough cleaning jobs, some of which would take hours to perform manually with the bucket-and-brush method. Although each of these pressure washer cleaning projects can be performed without the use of detergent, add in a job specific cleaning solution and things will move even faster than with just high pressure water alone.
Safety and Preparation
Before pressure washing we recommend preparing the work area. And always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s operating and safety instructions
- Always wear protective eyewear when operating a pressure washer.
- Cover nearby plants and light fixtures.
- Make sure nearby windows and doors are closed.
- Sweep or brush away loose debris from the surface to be cleaned.
- Before cleaning any surface with a pressure washer, an inconspicuous area should be cleaned to test for the optimal spray pattern and distance for best cleaning results.
- If pressure washing a painted surface, make sure that any visible damage is repaired before using the pressure washer. If painted surfaces are peeling, chipped, or rusted, the pressure washer may lift the loose paint and exacerbate the peeling or chipping.
- A pressure washer will clean most effectively when the water spray is angled at about 45° to the surface to be cleaned.
WOODEN DECK OR FENCE
Pressure washing a dull or greying wooden deck or fence probably yields the biggest wow factor of all the cleaning projects we’ll discuss here today. The before and after can be quite dramatic. For cleaning wooden surfaces we recommend Simple Green Wood Pressure Washer Detergent, which is available at your local Canadian Tire.
- 1Fill the detergent reservoir according to the manufacturer's directions.
- 2Set the pressure washer to low pressure mode and apply the cleaning solution to a 5' x 5' section of the fence or deck. Allow the detergent to work on the surface stains for 1 to 3 minutes, making sure that it does not dry completely.
- 3Set the pressure washer to high pressure mode.
- 4With the tip of the spray gun about 6" from the surface of the fence or deck, use long sweeping motions from left to right, or top to bottom.
FOR BEST RESULTS: When cleaning the next section of the fence or deck, be sure that you overlap with the previous section that has been cleaned to eliminate stop marks and ensure a more even results.
STONE OR CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, OR FLOORS
As with a wooden fence or deck, pressure washing stone or concrete can yield dramatic results particularly if the surface is very dirty. For best results when cleaning stone or concrete surfaces we recommend Simple Green Driveway and Concrete Pressure Washer Cleaner, which is available at your local Canadian Tire.
- 1Fill the detergent reservoir according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- 2Set the pressure washer to low pressure mode and apply the cleaning solution to a 5’ x 5’ section of the patio or driveway.
- 3Allow degreaser to remain on surface 1–3 minute, making sure that it does not dry completely.
- 4Set the pressure washer to high pressure mode.
- 5With the tip of the spray gun about 3” to 6” from the surface, use long sweeping motions from left to right.
VEHICLES – CARS, SUV’S, BOATS
Pressure washers are great for cleaning vehicles, but caution is required particularly with older vehicles, or those that have preexisting damage such as chipped, cracked, or rusted surfaces, which are can be further damaged by high pressure water. For best results when cleaning vehicles we recommend SIMONIZ Car & Boat Pressure Washer Detergent, which is available at your local Canadian Tire.
- 1Fill the detergent reservoir or Simoniz Foam Blaster according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- 2Set the pressure washer to low pressure mode and apply the cleaning solution from top to bottom, working on one side of the vehicle at a time. DO NOT allow the detergent to dry on the surface of the vehicle.
- 3Set the pressure washer to high pressure mode and rinse the vehicle in a sweeping motion with the spray nozzle approximately 6” to 8” from the surface. When rinsing vehicles with pinstriping, or other sensitive areas, increase the distance between the spray nozzle and vehicle surface.
FOR BEST RESULTS: When finished cleaning, wipe the surface of the vehicle dry with a chamois or soft dry cloth.
VINYL OR ALUMINUM SIDING
Pressure washing vinyl or aluminum siding is a great way to brighten up your house. Choose a time when the sun is not shining directly on the side of the house you plan to clean. This will prevent the detergent from drying before you have a chance to wash it off. For best results when cleaning siding we recommend Simple Green House and Siding Pressure Washer Detergent, which is available at your local Canadian Tire.
- 1Fill the detergent reservoir according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- 2Set the pressure washer to low pressure mode and apply the cleaning solution to the siding.
- 3Allow the detergent to work on the surface stains for 1 to 3 minutes, making sure that it does not dry completely. To prevent streaking, apply the detergent from bottom to top. DO NOT allow detergent to dry on surface, if surface appears to be drying, simply wet down surface with fresh water.
- 4Rinse at high-pressure from bottom to top, then top to bottom in an even sweeping motions keeping the spray nozzle approximately 6” to 12” from the cleaning surface. Never spray under horizontal siding.
GAS GRILLS AND OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT
Gas grills and outdoor power equipment are two of the dirtier cleaning jobs you may come across around the home, but a pressure washer can make them a lot easier. For best results we recommend Simple Green Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Detergent, which is available at your local Canadian Tire.
- 1Fill the detergent reservoir according to the manufacturer’s directions.
- 2Set the pressure washer to low pressure mode and apply the cleaning solution. Allow the degreaser to remain on surface 1 to 3 minutes, making sure it does not dry completely.
- 3Rinse at high-pressure keeping the spray nozzle approximately 3 to 6” from the cleaning surface. For removing extremely stubborn dirt, it may be necessary to move the spray nozzle even closer to the surface.
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