Introduction

When it comes to cleaning the exterior of your home, a pressure washer is one of the most effective tools. They work better and faster than traditional scrub brushes. However, due to the great pressure they generate, proper training in their use is required before you begin.

Essential purchase info:

• The machine’s output pressure is expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI). The greater the PSI, the more forceful the resulting spray.
• GPM stands for “gallons per minute” and measures how fast water is flowing. A greater GPM indicates less efficient equipment that uses more water.
• PSI multiplied by GPM is the formula for CU cleaning units. The greater the CU, the greater the machine’s power and efficiency.

Power Water Washers: How They Function

With the help of a gas or electric motor, a pressure washer can boost the pressure of water from a garden hose to impressive levels (1,000 PSI to 3,000 PSI or more) (pounds per square inch). The water stream is so strong that it has to be channeled through a little spray wand. The high-pressure water spray is what actually does the cleaning, by blasting the grime off the surface being cleaned. When the pressure is increased, even stubborn dirt is no match for it.

Symbol of an Electric Pressure Washer

The typical PSI for an electric pressure washer is between 1,300 and 1,400. Car washes, cleaning barbecue grates, etc., fall into their sweet spot of mild to medium duty use. Most homes can get by with only this. Browse our reviews of some of the best electric pressure washers on the market today.

Engine-powered high-pressure cleaners Icon

The typical PSI range for gas-powered pressure washers is 2,000 to 2,800. They are up to the challenge of cleaning farm equipment, removing paint, and removing mildew stains. Check out our ratings of power washers in power washing bowie md if you need something powerful.

Power washer safety tips

Property may be damaged due to the tremendous pressure of the water spray. It’s powerful enough to shatter glass, peel paint from a car, and gouge holes in masonry. Injuries include cuts, shocks, and fatal falls, among other possible outcomes. Make sure you know how to use the pressure washer safely before putting it to work.

• It’s best to get rid of the zero-degree nozzle, as it’s the one with the highest pressure and the narrowest stream of water, making it the most likely to cause harm. You won’t need anything even close to that powerful for your average cleaning task.
• It is recommended that you use safety equipment. No tank tops, shorts, or sandals. Things like safety glasses, work gloves, closed shoes, ear protection, and long pants should all be kept in mind.
• Assemble your supplies and set up your location. Close any windows and cover any exposed lights or vents on the outside. The furniture, hoses, wires, toys, potted plants, pets, and children should all be moved out of the way.
• One of the most important safety rules to keep in mind is to never put your hands or any other part of your body in the path of the pressure washer’s spray. You shouldn’t spray it at other people either. Never give a pressure washer to a kid, no matter how old they are, but especially not younger kids.
• Please, no stairways! The kickback force generated by a pressure washer can be substantial, leading to a potentially dangerous fall. Instead of stretching yourself to reach up high, use an extension wand. Alternately, hire a maid service.

It is important to follow these guidelines for the safe use of any pressure washer:

• Do not use an extension cord with an electric pressure washer. When you combine electrical current with liquid, electrocution is always a possibility if the extension cord is not properly grounded. 
• Using an extension cord with your pressure washer is not only unsafe, but it can also reduce the appliance’s lifespan and perhaps violate the warranty. Before plugging in an extension cord, make sure to check the handbook.
• Never use a gas-powered pressure washer indoors or in a closed environment. The engine temperature might also rise to dangerous levels. 
• When you’re done using the washer, turn it off and wait for it to cool off before putting it away. Remove the hoses from the direct heat from the motor to prevent them from melting.

Tips for Safely Using a Pressure Washer in Bowie Md

The intense pressure of the water spray could cause harm to nearby structures. Its force may break windows, strip paint from a car, or bore holes in brick. Cuts, shocks, and catastrophic falls are all potential results of this activity. Before you start using the pressure washer, make sure you know how to use it properly.

• Read the manual to familiarise yourself with your machine and learn everything there is to know about it, including how to use it, where to get replacement parts, how to get in touch with support, what the warranty covers, and how to fix common issues.
• The zero-degree nozzle poses the greatest risk because it has the highest pressure and the narrowest jet of water. For regular housework, you won’t need anything even close to that potent.
• Wear protective gear as a precaution. There should be no bare shoulders, shorts, or flip-flops. Long pants, work gloves, closed shoes, eye protection, and ear protection are all things to keep in mind.
• Get your materials together and get your camp ready. Turn off any exterior lights and cover any ventilation openings. Everything should be moved out of the way, including the furniture, hoses, wiring, toys, potted plants, pets, and youngsters.
• There should be no physical contact. Never place your hands or any other part of your body in the line of the pressure washer’s spray, since this is one of the most crucial safety regulations to remember. Also, don’t squirt it in other people’s faces. Never, ever, ever give a pressure washer to a child, of any age, but especially a young child.
• If at all possible, avoid using the stairs. Because of the high magnitude of the kickback force, a pressure washer poses a significant risk of injury in the event of a fall. Use an extension wand instead of extending to reach that far. Consider using a maid service instead.

To avoid injury, always remember to observe these rules when operating a pressure washer:

• When operating an electric pressure washer, never use an extra cord. If the extension cord isn’t properly grounded, there’s always a risk of electrocution whenever electricity is used near water. Not only is it against the law to use an extension cord with a pressure washer, but doing so can shorten the life of the machine and perhaps void the warranty. 
• Make sure to consult the manual before using an extension cord.
• Pressure washers that run on gas should never be used indoors or in confined spaces. Due care must be used while venting exhaust because it may contain carbon monoxide in lethal concentrations.
•  If you have lightheadedness, excessive weariness, a headache, nausea, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately turn off the machine. 
• In addition, the engine temperature could reach potentially lethal levels. Turn the washer off when you’re finished using it, and let it cool completely before storing it. To prevent the hoses from melting, move them away from the motor.

Using a high-pressure water spray on certain objects might cause expensive damage, so it’s best to avoid doing it.

• Even if you pressure wash wood siding the right way, mould can still grow if water seeps in under the boards. As a result, insulation and electrical wiring can be harmed.
• Sub-panels or metres for measuring electrical current – They can withstand light rain and other forms of natural precipitation, but not high pressure spray, which can break the seal and flood the housing. Maintenance is expensive!
• Cleaning asphalt shingles necessitates going up on a ladder or onto the roof and using a pressure washer. You might get knocked out by the kickback. You might expect less protection from your shingles if they are sprayed on, as the spray can harm the shingle surfaces.
• The extreme pressure could crack the fragile components and reduce the lifespan of your air conditioner. Have a cleaning service take care of it for you each year.
• In the case of lead paint, you should never use a power washer to clean or remove the paint on your own. When removing it, make sure to keep it in a sealed container so that it doesn’t get into the water supply. In this case, expert help should be sought.