Common Pressure Washing Mistakes
If only pressure washing were a walk in the park. If this were the case, everyone would be able to do this work on their own without any issues. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the reality of the situation. Pressure washing is sometimes tricky, and other times downright challenging. And, if you don’t know what to expect, there are many common pitfalls that you might find yourself dealing with. In this blog, we’ll teach you about the most common pressure washing mistakes, as well as what you can do to avoid them.
Remember, if all else fails, Ehrman’s Pressure Washing is here to help. We are a professional pressure washing business, and we happily pressure wash homes, businesses, and many other properties in Jacksonville, FL, too.
Mistake #1: Using Too Much Pressure
Some people have a critical misunderstanding of pressure washing. They believe that the more water pressure you use, the more effective the pressure washing will be. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. The amount of water pressure you use during your project should be based on the material you are cleaning. For example, concrete can be washed with high water pressure—it’s a very durable substance. On the other hand, softwood and vinyl should be washed with a gentler amount of force.
Before any pressure washing project, we recommend that you research how much water pressure you should use. That way, you can get the best possible results and avoid surface damage. Enjoy frustration-free pressure washing this way!
Mistake #2: Neglecting Personal Safety
Pressure washing is not a risk-free process. This is because pressurized water is powerful, and if it is accidentally sprayed on your skin, you will likely injure yourself. When pressure washing, ensure that you only aim your hose at the surfaces that you intend to clean. That way, you avoid spraying water onto anything else—including your own body.
It’s also important that you wear appropriate protective gear. This helps you mitigate the risk of personal injury even further. Your list of essentials should include goggles, gloves, full-length pants, and closed-toe shoes.
Mistake #3: Not Using Detergent or Cleaning Solutions
In some cases, pressure washing with no additional cleaners is enough to complete the project. However, more often than not, your pressure washing will need some extra “oomph”. A simple pressure washing detergent goes a long way. In fact, most pressure washers include a tank where you can put this detergent. That way, you can spray it directly onto surfaces, helping you bust grime and ensure higher-quality results.
What happens if you encounter particularly stubborn debris? Instead of giving up, use a powerful cleaning solution such as sodium hypochlorite to break it down. This will weaken debris considerably so it can be more easily removed.
Mistake #4: Not Giving Yourself Enough Time
Pressure washing is a time-consuming process, and if you’ve ever attempted this work before, you’re already aware of this fact. However, first-time pressure washers may be in for a rude awakening. If you don’t give yourself enough time for the work, you could quickly find yourself in a pinch. For example, if you have to rush through the project so you can make it to an important appointment on time, you’ll have to deal with low-quality results. And if you’re pressure washing your property so it can look its best, what’s the point in settling for anything less?
The amount of time you’ll need depends on your project, of course. For a small back patio, one or two hours may be appropriate. On the other hand, washing your entire property’s exterior may take up to six hours. Refer to your schedule ahead of time so you can choose a relatively free day that works best for you.
Mistake #5: Not Protecting Belongings/Property
As we’ve already established, pressurized water is very powerful. So powerful, in fact, that it can harm any items that get in the way of your work. This is why it’s important to clear any surfaces before attempting to pressure wash them. For instance, if you plan to pressure wash your deck, you’ll want to remove any furniture, decorations, and other items from the structure. Put them in a safe, alternative location; then, once your work is over, you can move them back where they belong.
What about flower beds and gardens that you can’t relocate? You can protect these with some sort of covering, such as a tarp or plastic sheet. That way, you don’t wind up with dead plants as a result of irresponsible pressure washing.
Mistake #6: Not Pressure Washing Enough
We want to discuss one final pressure washing mistake—not pressure washing enough. Some people only pressure wash their exterior surfaces once every few years. Others still choose not to pressure wash at all. However, there are very real consequences to doing so. As surface debris accumulates more and more, it will leave your property with much less curb appeal than before. This means you’ll have a less attractive home or business, which neither you nor your neighbors will be thrilled about. Additionally, not pressure washing enough can even result in surface damage. This is because particles of debris will grind against surfaces and gradually erode them.
Want to avoid all these consequences? If so, we highly recommend pressure washing once per year. Has it already been a year since your property was pressure washed? In this case, why wait to take action?
Avoid Mistakes With Ehrman’s Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is a tough process, and there are many common pressure washing mistakes you might make along the way. The good news is that there’s an easy way to avoid all these errors. Simply reach out to us for help! At Ehrman’s Pressure Washing, it’s always our pleasure to restore exterior surfaces for our clients. Getting started is simple, too. Just contact us online and schedule an appointment. We look forward to learning more about your project and providing you with a free cost estimate.