How to Pressure Wash Like a Professional

Pressure washing seems like a straightforward process. You aim pressurized water at grime to reveal the clean surface underneath.

However, professional pressure washers have years of experience perfecting their craft. Today, we’re sharing some of the best tips on how to pressure wash like a professional.

Presoak Tough Areas: If you haven’t pressure washed a surface in over a year, then you may want to pre-soak the area. You can fog or presoak a surface using a detergent, degreaser, or chemical solution. A good pre-soak will reduce wash time and chemical cost. It dislodges particles before you activate your pressure washer, which means you can get the job done more quickly.

Use Hot Water: Many people fill up their pressure washer with whatever comes out of the garden hose – which is typically cold water. However, hot water is a better solvent, and will mix with your chemical solution more effectively.

Rinse Detergent Off the Surface: If you’re using a detergent to pressure wash, make sure you rinse the detergent off the surface before it dries. Otherwise, you may just be replacing the dirt and grime with a white, chalky layer of dried detergent – and you’ll have to repeat the pressure washing process all over again. Rinse detergent away using clean water.

Consider Soda Blasting Instead of Sandblasting: Sandblasting is one of the most effective ways to clean brick and other hard surfaces. However, it can be costly and difficult to clean up. Some homeowners have started to do “soda blasting” instead, which involves using baking soda as an abrasive. Baking soda is a milder abrasive but will still remove surface material while minimizing damage to the layer below. If you find sandblasting too harsh for your surface, consider soda blasting instead.

Only Use Chemicals Approved for Pressure Washer Use: This tip can be found in virtually every article about pressure washer tips found online today. Only use chemicals and detergents approved for use in pressure washers. Otherwise, you risk damaging your machine or even creating a dangerous situation.

Prevent Streaking: One of the easiest ways to distinguish rookie pressure washers from professional pressure washers is by looking at their streaks. A pro can minimize streaks for a smooth, even clean. The best way to eliminate streaks is to spray horizontally with smooth, measured left to right movements. Move the pressure washer about 3 to 4 feet wide at each time. Move from the top of the surface to the bottom. If you have clean, consistent movements through the pressure wash, you’ll avoid any type of streaking.

Don’t Pressure Wash Immediately After Applying the Cleaning Solution: Another rookie mistake is to start pressure washing immediately after you apply the cleaning solution. This is a waste of cleaning solution – you haven’t even allowed the solution to go to work! Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the solution to kick into action before finishing the wash.

Ultimately, pressure washing is a skill that’s easy to pick-up, but difficult to master. Everyone thinks they’re a good pressure washer until they see a professional go to work. To schedule your professional power washing on Long Island, request a free estimate from Majestic Window Cleaning & Pressure Washing.