Power Washing Hints & Tips

Safety

• When using a piece of equipment this powerful, safety must come first. Suit up with protective gear to protect your eyes, such as safety glasses, gloves for your hands and closed-toed, nonslip shoes. This will keep any debris from harming you as it flies off of whatever you're cleaning. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants if possible, especially if you're using a chemical cleaning agent. This will protect your skin from chemical burns while cleaning. Avoid spraying near people or animals, which can cause injury.
  
  

Power and Pressure

• Washers come in two electric and gas versions. If you have an electric washer, the power must be off when you're plugging it in. Gas washers let off fumes and should not be used indoors unless there is adequate ventilation. With both types, the spray hose valve that controls the water should be closed when starting your machine. Don't leave the motor running for a long period of time with the valve closed, or you could cause damage to your washer due to the pressure that builds inside.
  
  

Cleaning Tips

• Not all cleaners are the same, and they can ruin surfaces if not used correctly.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  If you decide to use a cleaning agent, check the label to ensure that it's made for the specific task you want to perform. For example, you don't want to use cleaners on pieces of wood that are meant for concrete, as you can ruin the finish. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes to allow it to work before rinsing. If you're cleaning wood surfaces like a deck, use a medium pressure setting to avoid surface damage. The same goes for the siding on your house. Your washer should come with different pressure tips that can be changed, as well as instructions detailing which one to use based on the pressure you need.
  
  

Do's and Dont's

• Stay away from breakable glass when you're cleaning and avoid electric sources such as light fixtures or outlets. When cleaning siding, spray from the top down -- if you spray from underneath, it can cause water to get behind it and tear it off of your house. The same goes for stucco and other similar finishes. While spraying, keep the end of the sprayer between six and 10 inches away from the surface, and sweep side to side to get an even finish without damaging your surface.