Are you hoping to pressure wash your property in the near future? Need to clean your home or business’s exterior surfaces to restore their beauty? If so, you need to prepare yourself for the DIY process. Doing this work on your own isn’t easy, and if you aren’t careful, you could accidentally compromise your pressure washing safety. We’ll teach you the best practices to minimize the risk of injury and damage during your project.
Discover five pressure washing safety tips to keep in mind as you pressure wash your property. And remember, if you want professionals in Windsor, ON to lend you a hand, Spotless Abode is just a phone call away.
Tip #1: Make Sure You Are Well-Rested
Have you ever tried going through an entire day on a few hours of sleep? If so, you already know how difficult this can be. It’s a fight to do everyday tasks when you don’t have proper rest. This can lead to all sorts of careless mistakes. In fact, some studies have stated that driving with improper sleep can be just as bad as driving drunk. Now imagine pressure washing your property with a similar level of impairment. It would be bad news, don’t you think?
Here are the facts: you need to be attentive and focused while pressure washing. One wrong move could cause serious injury or property damage. So if you got two hours of sleep last night, you should postpone your pressure washing project. Only once you’re “up and at ‘em” should you even consider using this equipment.
Similarly, maybe it’s best you don’t pressure wash your property at the end of a busy work day. If you’ve already dedicated your energy to a day’s worth of tasks, don’t overextend yourself. You don’t want to be left sprawled out on a sofa with zero energy.
Tip #2: Respect Pressure Washing Equipment
Let’s make something clear: pressure washing tools are not toys. These devices are meant to be wielded by professionals—or, at the very least, by DIYers who have done their research and had plenty of time to practice. Let’s quickly review pressure washing equipment and why you need to handle it properly at all costs.
First of all, a pressure washer—which is instrumental to the pressure washing process—pumps water to a very high pressure and sprays it through a hose. This makes it possible to remove tough stains from exterior surfaces. However, if this water is sprayed on your body, it could seriously injure you. Always point your pressure washing hose at the surfaces you intend to clean and never yourself.
Other kinds of pressure washing equipment include spray applicators and treatment chemicals. Make sure you don’t spray potentially harmful chemicals onto your skin. They are safe for surfaces, not your body.
Tip #3: Use the Correct Water Pressure Settings
When pressure washing your property’s exterior surfaces, you have to keep in mind that different materials require different levels of water pressure. If you were to use the same amount of water pressure for every project, you would quickly run into problems. For example, using too little water pressure could result in lackluster results. On the other hand, using too much water pressure could actually cause surface damage—necessitating expensive repairs.
Always do your research and figure out specifically how much water pressure you should use during your project. We’ve included several examples below for your convenience. If you don’t see the surface you want to clean on this list, consult the Internet.
- Wood Decking: 500–1,000 PSI
- Brick: 1,500–2,000 PSI
- Stone: 2,500–3,000 PSI
- Driveways: 2,500–3,000 PSI
- Concrete: 3,000–3,500 PSI
Tip #4: Always Wear Safety Equipment
When you are tackling a pressure washing project, you need to prioritize your pressure washing safety. One of the best ways you can do this is by wearing safety equipment during your project. What kinds of equipment are we talking about? Great question—we’ve included a list below for your review.
- Goggles: To cover your eyes.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from pressurized water.
- Full-Length Pants: Don’t leave your legs exposed during your work.
- Closed-Toe Shoes. Shield your feet so you don’t accidentally spray them.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget Ladder Safety
Sometimes, your pressure washing project will require you to brave the heights. For example, if you need to clean roofs or awnings, you’ll have to reach them somehow. The question is: how? This is where ladders come into play—but be careful because when ladders are being used, pressure washing safety becomes a whole other animal.
Before you step foot on that ladder, make sure it is placed on a level, steady surface. If the ladder tilts or rocks at all, it’s a sure sign that it needs to be positioned elsewhere. Additionally, don’t forget the rule of three points of contact. You have four limbs, and three of them need to be gripping the ladder at all times. This drastically reduces the risk of a fall.
Avoid All Accidents With Professional Services
Are you concerned about pressure washing safety? Do you feel like you’re doomed to make some sort of mistake even if you try your best? Whatever reason you have for avoiding the DIY process, don’t worry because you can always schedule an appointment with Spotless Abode. By letting us do the work for you, you won’t have to worry about making any mistakes along the way! Our team of professionals is fully trained and insured, and they want to serve you next.
To get started, contact us online with information about your project. We will give you a free cost estimate as soon as we can; that way, you have a general idea of how much you’ll pay. Then, if you like our asking price, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon and making your property spotless! We’ll complete the work while prioritizing pressure washing safety from start to finish.
