How To Use a Pressure Washer

As the name suggests, power, or pressure, washers are machines that spray water under high pressure. There are tons of them on the market from electric pressure washers to gas pressure washers, and knowing the difference is key. Think of them as adult squirt guns on steroids. But, like everything else in the world, you get what you pay for.

I'll admit, the pressure washer I used was not the best for washing a two-story house. I bought it on sale. Moreover, it was an electric pressure washer and not all that powerful. It was better suited to cleaning lawn furniture and sidewalks. The ancient Egyptians had an easier time wrapping their mummies than I had trying to wrap the extension cord and garden hose around the house.

I digress. What I should have bought was a gas pressure washer. Since the power of a pressure washer is measured in pounds per square inch (psi), gas-run machines can tackle a tough job. The washers come with different psi. Do your research to see which one is the best for you.

If you don't know which one to buy, talk to the experts at your local home improvement store for advice. If your house is wood, stucco, or aluminum sided, it is best washed with a machine that can generate 1,200 to 1,500 psi. If your house is brick, stone or vinyl, a machine that produces 2,500 to 3,000 psi is recommended.

Using the right nozzle is important, too. Some experts recommend using a 25- or 40-degree nozzle tip. (More on nozzles later.) If your house is two stories, get an extension wand. You'll thank me later. You don't want to use a ladder when pressure washing. Nothing good can come of it. You can also use an attachment with a brush. Brushes are great because they allow you to scrub the dirt away. If you want to blast away at the insides of your gutters, no problem. There are angled attachments to make the job easier.

Next, don't clean your house with just pressurized water. Ante up and buy detergent. For one thing, it makes cleaning so much easier. Plus, it's fun to watch dirt melt and drip to the ground in a miasma of suds. There's something cool about washing suds off a long porch.

I for one, love TSP Heavy-Duty Cleaner. I use it on the house even if I'm not power washing. This stuff cuts through any type of stubborn dirt and grime. It also destroys mold, so you don't have to use bleach. You can mix it yourself, or just buy a pre-mixed jug. It looks like pink lemonade, but please, don't let anyone you know drink it. You can use TSP on brick, stone, wood, and cement.

Before we get started, attach the water supply (your garden hose) to the machine. Consult the owner's manual. Work out the kinks in the hose before you begin. I don't need to source this because I speak from experience. It's so annoying when the water suddenly stops and you have to find and unkink the kink. Also, make sure your hose is long enough to wrap around the house. That means you might have to connect two or more hoses. If you have a helper, I suggest having them follow behind holding onto, and maneuvering, the hose.

Select the nozzle. Your pressure washer should come with several nozzles, each with a different degree of angle. The higher the angle the more area you can cover. Most experts recommend a 15- or 25-degree nozzle for general cleaning. Some are color-coded. Again, check the owner's manual.

Never use the 0-degree nozzle, which provides too much pressure. It can damage the siding. The 40-degree nozzle is probably the best for cleaning the outside of the house as it covers a wide area but provides enough power to dislodge the dirt. If you want a low pressure nozzle, go with the 65-degree. Power washers also come with rotary nozzles. They spin and are designed to remove tough stains. (Important safety tip: don't linger on one spot too long, the rotary nozzle can do serious damage. I know. I screwed up using it once. Ugh.)

Whichever nozzle you use, make sure it is securely fastened to the wand. You don't want to rocket the nozzle through a window, do you? (Important safety tip: cover any flowers or shrubs around the house.) Shut your windows. Your wife will thank you later.

Start slowly. Practice in a low area first so you can get the feel of the pressure washing machine and the spray wand. Work horizontally and at a slightly downward angle. Guide the wand with two hands moving from side to side. When you're ready, begin washing. Start from the top down to avoid streaking. When you get the feel, go slowly, deliberately, and don't linger on one spot for too long. You could damage the siding. Be tentative around screens and windows.

There are many jobs a pressure washer can tackle, including cleaning decks, and sidewalks and even washing a car. And to be truthful, it's kind of fun to operate. I don't know why. It just is. I guess it brings out our inner kid in some fashion.

Be safe! And if you don't want to wash your house yourself or are feeling nervous about pressure washing painted surfaces, call an expert. The only thing you have to do is write a check.

Let's say you have your pressure washer, attachments, and detergent. You're ready to go! Not so fast. Like all DIY projects, safety comes first. Here are a few important pressure washing tips you need to keep in mind: