Pressure Washing Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

If you want to get the most out of a pressure washing project, you will need to keep a few things in mind.

Used properly and in safe manner a good power washer can erase years of grime and dirt from a home and greatly add to its curb appeal and home value. Performing the task of pressure washing can be HARD on the hands and back. Vibration of pressure handle can cause arthritis in hands and elbows, as well as the constant pressure on the trigger meant that hands and muscles could ache.

Keep this in mind as you are working and plan for short breaks.

Pressure Washing Tips

1. Be smart and safe:   Wear proper eye and ear protection when working on your project. Always make sure you’re on stable to ground to prevent slip and falls. Wear safety rubber. boots and anti vibration gloves. Never stand on a ladder.
2. Use tarps. Cover your plants, flowers, and other personal belongings to prevent damage.
3. Never point the spray gun at pets or people. The spray gun isn’t a squirt gun, it is powerful tool that can cause serious injuries. If pressure from your device can chip concrete then it can surely cause massive tissue damage.
4. Hold the handle firm.Once you’re confident and comfortable with the machine, securely hold its wand with both of your hands so that it will not fly out of your grip.
5. Turn it off. If you need to leave the job for any reason, turn off the pressure washer. You don’t want a small child or inexperienced person wielding the spray gun.
6. Select the correct nozzle for the job. Depending on your job, a different nozzle or tip may be needed. Nozzles/tips are made to draw the detergent out or to provide a high-pressure rinse. Some manufactures will color code the tips which signify varying angles. If yours has this, refer to your owner’s manual for more information.
7. Use appropriate chemicals. Only use approved chemicals or cleaning agents. Using the wrong one could damage your pressure washer and be harmful to the environment.
8. Develop a cleaning plan. Determine what you want to clean and if it’s safe to be cleaned with a pressure washer before starting. Otherwise, you may get ambitious and clean things that shouldn’t be, resulting in damage.
9. Maintain an appropriate distance. Spraying too close to an object can cause damage. Maintain a distance of at least four to six feet.
10. Use overlapping and long strokes for even cleaning. Move your pressure washer in long straight even pattern, never move the handle circular way. 

Should I hire a Professional, Rent or Buy?

All three options have their potentials and best practices, here are our tips on how to invest properly.

Hiring a professional is a good, safe and least worrisome idea if you intend cleaning your entire home, siding, greasy driveway, interlocking and difficult to reach areas. Professionals will have better machines and better attachments to clean specific surfaces and most difficult stains. Rental equipment are just not meant for gum, oil and bigger projects. If the project takes you longer than a day from start to finish, professional pressure washing services in Toronto is probably your best option.

If you’re cleaning a small section of your home, then renting is the way to go. 

Renting a power washer might cost you about $70 + tax a day. 

If you have a bigger home and think of re-using your pressure washer more often it would be a good idea to buy one. Most people will see an electric pressure washer on special and they will go for it, consider buying more powerful gas driven pressure washer, it will be pricier than electric units but if you tend to buy, then buy a better investment for years to come. This investment could be around $600 – $2000. 

Sum UP

Do your research and get quotes from several different companies. Professional pressure washers may charge $1000 or more to clean your entire home depending on the size. If it’s a smaller job, and you would still rather hire professionals then it might run you about $300. 

Renting a power washer might cost you about $70 a day + the hassle of finding a reliable service, driving back and forth. 

If you think it would be a good idea to buy one, it will be a hefty investment of around $600 – $2000. The decision to rent or buy depends on how often you think you’ll be using it.

Pressure Washing Services - $200 and up

Renting:                              - $60 and up

Buying:                              - $600 and up