Who says dogs can't learn new tricks? Pressure washers have to be one of the most versatile tools you can have in your garage. Plus, power washers are a "blast" to use! Just make sure you're practicing proper pressure washer safety.
With some creativity, there are dozens of pressure washer uses you probably haven't considered before. So make sure to read further down the list on this page for some new great cleaning ideas.
This article was written to help you
discover new ways to use your favorite piece of power equipment, so read our list below and have fun cleaning!
with the proper know-how. The guides below walk you step-by-step through the process of cleaning each common type of home exterior wall. Just remember to follow the correct procedures listed to prevent water from getting underneath your siding.
Sometimes siding can become grimy to the point where cleaning becomes more of a necessity than a cosmetic fix. In those cases, there are some specific steps you can take to remove mildew from your siding without spreading the gunk around or damaging the surfaces. Also, it's not always efficient to clean your siding up high on your second story from the ground. There are special tools and extension wands that allow you to clean a second story with a pressure washer easily without a dangerous ladder or putting a strain on your back.
Sometimes, sidewalks and other concrete surfaces need more than a simple clean. Paths that go without care for too long can become grimy and, in some cases, moldy, and that's nothing we'd like to walk on. Luckily, with a little guidance, there are a few ways to remove mold from cement sidewalks easily.
Plus, it can make easy work of clearing out weeds and overgrowth that occur between the bricks. Just be careful not to overdo your spray, or you might take out the soil between the cracks, too.
Your garage door can make a statement if you keep it clean and looking like new. After all, they're expensive-probably best to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Make sure you close the garage door completely before beginning to clean it, and you should soak the door with soap before spraying away.
To clean a deck the proper way, you'll need to move consistently and not get too carried away about high-pressure cleaning. It's usually better to move with the spray wand at a consistent distance instead of standing in one place and spraying further and further away from you.
Once you strip paint with a pressure washer once, you'll never want to use a scraper tool again. Not only does it save tons of time, but using pressurized water gives you a lot of control and a large surface area to evenly clean, even in hard to scrape spaces like between deck boards. A quick note: never strip paint if you suspect it could be lead-based paint. It's dangerous and irresponsible to pressure wash lead paint as it launches lead particles into the air.
Not a lot of people realize you can clean your car engine with a pressure washer, but don't just spray and pray! There are some essential steps to take to protect the electrical components, so read our guide to learn how to clean your car's engine properly. Most importantly, make sure to disconnect all electrical components before starting the clean. Better safe than sorry, after all.
However, it's also important to remember that with asphalt shingles, using pressure that is too high can remove the "grit" that is meant to help protect your roof. Use extreme caution if you consider doing this, and learn how to pressure wash your roof correctly by following the steps in the guide. The high pressure of pulling the trigger can cause you to lose balance if you aren't careful, so if you have any doubts about this, do not try-call a professional instead.
Clogged gutters can cause some expensive damages (basement and foundation leaks are costly to fix). And, if they were once white but are now green, there's not a way to make that look good.
Restoring and cleaning your gutters is simple and will make your roofline look as sharp as the day the house was built. And while you're cleaning, don't forget to pressure wash your soffits
and downspouts as well.
It's also worth mentioning that garbage cans have gotten much more expensive over the years, and making them last longer by preventing grime from eroding the bottom of your cans is a great way to increase their lifespan.
Does your deck, patio, or business front have an awning that's been battered by the seasons? You can completely clean and restore an awning to look factory-new using a pressure washer. This service is so popular that some businesses exclusively offer that simple service for business owners in need. Just be careful if you'll need to use a ladder because a pressure washer can make people stagger backward when the gun is turned on.
in seconds with a power washer.
If you clean your mower deck on a semi-regular basis, check to make sure that any oil or lubricant used on important parts hasn't been completely removed. It may be beneficial to re-apply the appropriate grease to the areas that are cleaned often.
Even large historic landmarks are pressure washed every so often, so it's never a bad idea to restore the historical monuments on your property from time to time.
Pressure washing a water feature is not only something anyone can do, but it can add to the aesthetic appeal of your property, too.
Using a pressure washer to clean a pool cuts the job time in half or more if your backup plan was to brush the stains with your pool pole attachment. If you've got a concrete below-ground pool, awesome-you can clean with pressure to your heart's content. However, if you have an above-ground pool, we don't recommend using a pressure washer on vinyl or fiberglass walls simply because they aren't strong enough to withstand high-pressure blasting.
Having a hot tub makes you the envy of your neighbors and a popular hangout host with friends, but if your hot tub is dirty, it can be worse than not having one at all (seriously, just look up biofilm, and you'll understand why it's gross). If you choose to power wash your hot tub, we recommend starting with the lowest-pressure setting and use discretion when cleaning and use the widest-angle spray tip. Don't spend too long spraying the same area, and pre-soak the tub with soap before cleaning.
It's worth mentioning that when cleaning power sports equipment, avoid cleaning the engine directly and try to avoid the electrical components and casings as well. Also, don't spend too much time cleaning the same area since some power sport vehicles are not watertight.
well before the winter season, you'll enjoy drier wood free of beetles and creepy crawlies that like to hide out and feed on the bark.
Sometimes Venetian blinds (mini-blinds) get a bad reputation for being cheap utility blinds that are hard to clean and are easier to replace. Well, with a little elbow grease, you can restore and clean them to stretch your dollar even further while enjoying like-new results. Learning how to clean mini blinds with a pressure washer is a simple, quick solution for an otherwise frustrating job. Arguably, using a pressure washer is the best way to clean blinds made from metal or plastic. Unless, of course, you'd rather scrub and dust every row one by one instead.
Yes, it's true; although it pains us to say it, there are some things you really shouldn't pressure wash-whether it's due to safety or causing damage to the surfaces. Below is a list of things you shouldn't clean using a pressure washer.
Electricity and water do not mix! Even though electrical panels and meters are protected from rainfall and storms, using a high-pressure water cannon can blast water into cracks, or wiring and cause a lot more damage than it's worth. Not to mention, it isn't safe for you or anyone else.
Air conditioners are another electrical appliance that shouldn't be power washed for a few reasons. First, high-pressure washing can damage the metal fins on the unit and restrict flow and shorten its life span. Second, it has sensitive electrical components that are expensive to replace. Imagine not having air conditioning during the dog days of summer because you sprayed and broke a vital part.
Blasting lead-based paint with a pressure washer can launch lead particulates into the air and can be inhaled by you or those around the area, which is unsafe. It is also mentioned above in another section because it is imperative. Just don't do this.
Yes, it's obvious, but unfortunately, some people hurt themselves or others every year by being irresponsible with a pressure washer. They are dangerous tools when misused. That high-pressure spray can lacerate arms and legs, slice toes off, blind someone, and, sadly, can harm or kill small animals. Be safe, and do not spray living things with a pressure washer, ever.
If you have single-pane or insulated storm windows, we don't recommend using high-pressure water on glass surfaces. Glass is fragile and can break under high PSI contact, so it's often better to use some elbow grease and a cleaning solution instead.
Simply put, high-pressure spraying can destroy plants and splatter soil everywhere. It's best to avoid using a pressure washer for any type of plant or garden watering.
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