Are you thinking about doing your own pressure washing? If so, be careful because there are many common pressure washing mistakes just waiting to trip you up. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid these errors, and the most important one is preparation. Even simply reading ahead will give you valuable insight about the pressure washing process and help your appointment go as smoothly as possible. So let’s take a look at these mistakes together!
We are Spotless Abode, and we are excited to teach you more about the pressure washing process. Don’t want to do your own pressure washing? No worries—simply reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to do the work for you.
Mistake #1: Not Pressure Washing Frequently Enough
You may be of the mindset that pressure washing only needs to be done once in a blue moon. Maybe you pressure wash your property once per decade. Or perhaps you’ve never pressure washed it at all. Either way, you’re making one of the most common pressure washing mistakes, and you’re putting the overall health and beauty of your property at risk. The longer you let debris gather on your exterior surfaces, the more unattractive—and prone to damage—they will be.
We highly recommend that you pressure wash your property’s exterior once per year. That way, you “keep a leg up” on accumulating debris, ensuring your home or business looks its best and lasts as long as possible. Has it already been longer than a year since your last pressure washing? If so, plan to change that sooner rather than later!
Mistake #2: Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
If you are planning to do your own pressure washing, it’s crucial that you give yourself enough time for the work. Doing anything else is another one of the common pressure washing mistakes. Pressure washing isn’t something you can rush through; if you do, you’ll actually sacrifice the quality of the results. Because of this, we recommend giving yourself five to six hours for most projects, especially if it’s your first time pressure washing.
Be sure to check your schedule ahead of time before deciding when to try DIY pressure washing. Obviously, you won’t want to book your appointment on a day when you have several appointments and responsibilities already. Find a free day that you’re willing to dedicate to your project. This lets you focus on the work, resulting in higher-quality results.
Mistake #3: Not Preparing the Area For Cleaning
So you have your pressure washing equipment, and you have the time needed to complete your project. Even so, you’re not out of the woods yet because you also need to prepare the area for cleaning. For example, if you are planning to pressure wash a patio, you’ll need to move any furniture, decorations, and grills out of the way. Similarly, if you want to pressure wash your driveway, you’ll have to drive your vehicles to a temporary parking location (potentially the curb).
Don’t forget to sweep your surfaces before pressure washing them, too! This removes any large particles that could be turned into projectiles while pressure washing. Prevent these pieces of debris from cracking your windows and windshields—you’ll save a lot of money this way.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Surfaces You’re Washing
If you don’t understand the surfaces you’re pressure washing, you are on a path that leads straight to failure. Why? Because using the wrong techniques for the wrong surfaces can result in low-quality results, if not causing outright damage. First, know that every material has its unique needs; you’ll have to adjust your water pressure accordingly. We have included some examples of commonly pressure washed surfaces, and the water pressure needed to clean them, below:
- Wood decks: 500–1,200 PSI
- Aluminum fences: 1,200–1,500 PSI
- Brick / masonry: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Driveway pavers: 1,500–2,500 PSI
- Concrete driveways / sidewalks: 2,500–3,500 PSI
After choosing an appropriate amount of water pressure for your project, be sure to test the surface you are planning to wash. You can do this by spraying an inconspicuous area with pressurized water. If no damage occurs, it’s a good sign that you can proceed with your project.
Mistake #5: Struggling With Stubborn Stains
While pressure washing exterior surfaces, you may discover that some stains don’t wash away easily. When faced with this problem, you may find yourself confused. But don’t worry. With the help of cleaning solutions—like sodium hypochlorite—you’ll be able to weaken even the most stubborn stains on your property’s exterior.
To use sodium hypochlorite, simply apply a thin layer of this substance to your stained area. Then, wait fifteen minutes for any debris to be broken down. Finally, pressure wash the area again, and even the toughest debris should now be washed away with ease.
Avoid Common Pressure Washing Mistakes With Us
If you are planning to do your own pressure washing, it’s possible that you will make one of the many common pressure washing mistakes. This could result in minor inconveniences, or it could cause a complete disaster. If you are not feeling confident about DIY pressure washing for any reason, reach out to Spotless Abode, a locally owned and operated business. It would be our pleasure to restore your property’s exterior surfaces, and for a fair price, too!
Our team of professionals understands the ins and outs of pressure washing, and we are more than capable of leaving your home or business spotless. Expect stunning results that beat the equivalent DIY efforts!
Cost of Windsor, Ontario Pressure Washing
What you’ll pay for our Windsor, ON pressure washing is determined by the total area of the surfaces you need us to clean. Contact us online, let us know about your project, and get a free cost estimate today. (There are never hidden fees.) Then, choose a time and date for your appointment. We look forward to learning more about your project and completely restoring your property’s exterior! We’ll leave you with stunning results that leave you smiling.
