If misused, or by accident, it could cause serious injuries.
Before you get started, here are a few pressure washer safety guidelines that will help you prepare how to use a pressure washer.
- Know how to quickly turn off the pressure washers and release pressure for the system.
- Before you begin to wash, make sure you are standing stable and have a good balance.
- Never leave a spray gun unattended while the system is running.
- Always wear eye protection to ensure you won’t be sprayed in the eyes accidentally.
- Never point the pressure washer wand at people, animals, or plants.
- When using cleaning chemicals, always follow the instructions listed on the bottles.
Once you're ready, grab your pressure washer, and begin going through the steps to give your porch the cleaning it needs this weekend. Here are 12 steps to effective pressure wash your porch.
Prepare and Clean Your Porch
Before you begin to pressure wash your porch, grab a broom and sweep any loose debris and excess dirt from the surface. Remove any porch furniture and make sure that nothing is remaining. You want to cover up doors, walls, and windows with a tarp and some painters tape to protect their surfaces from any flying debris.
Read Safety Manual
It’s important to thoroughly read your specific pressure washer’s safety manual to ensure you have properly assembled the pressure washer and understand the steps and procedures it is required.
Set Up Pressure Washer
Now it is finally the time to begin to set up your pressure washer. You’ll need to connect the spray wand to the pressure hose then connect it to your garden hose. Turn on the water to make sure it is working.
Apply Degreaser
Once set up, prepare your porch surface by spraying an even coat of degreaser, keeping a distance of 6 inches from the surface. The benefit of applying a degrease is that it will loosen stains and allow you to easily remove them. Use a stiff brush or attachment tool to scrub the degreaser into the surface.
Spray Detergent
Begin to apply the detergent and keep a consistent 8 to 18 inches distance from the surface. Work back and forth in smooth strokes. Make sure that all the surface area is coated in the detergent. Let the detergent sit on the surface for 30 minutes to an hour.
Rinse Surface Well
After the detergent has set, it is time to wash the surface. Set the washer to rinse mode and start from one corner of the porch Point the wand at the surface and with a steady hand, begin to spray. Sweep back and forth across the surface and overlap each stroke. If you notice a few heavy stains, sweep over them multiple times. Rinse the surface till all the detergent is gone and you are satisfied.
Apply Sealer
Let the surface dry for 24 hours before you seal. Pour waterproof sealer into a paint pan and assemble a roller. It is easier to start from the middle and begin rolling the waterproof sealer out to all the edges of the surface. The sealant will protect and keep future stains from appearing. After an even coat has been applied, allow the surface to fully dry for another 24 hours before use.
Wash and Dry Porch Furniture
While waiting for your porch to dry, you can freshen and clean your porch furniture. Just take a simple bowl of warm water, a dash of dish soap, and a sponge. Wipe all the surfaces of the furniture and allow it to dry.
Add Fresh New Decor
If you like to decorate your porch by season, replace those tropical vibrant summer colors with fall color hues. Hang up some potted ferns, plant a simple herb garden, add bright flowers, and even pick up a new doormat.
How To Enjoy Your Porch
What are porches without a few rocking chairs? Porches are mainly used to enjoy the outside while being in the shade. Accompany the chairs with a few end tables decorated with decor. Adding plants can make your porch feel more alive and welcoming. Decorate with a doormat and a seasonal reef.
Invite Friends!
Now that your porch is ready, invite friends and family over for snacks and drinks to celebrate your hard work. Throw out some lawn games and sit back and relax.
Hire a Professional Pressure Washing Company
If you don’t have a pressure washer or want to save time, another alternative is to hire a professional pressure washer. The benefit when hiring someone is that you are ensured your surfaces are thoroughly cleaned by experienced people. HydroClean offers excellent pressure washing services in the Asheville area. With over 21 years in the industry, HydroClean makes the process easy as possible for their clients. If you would like to know more about the team and how HydroClean can help make your porch shine, please contact us.