Blasting away dirt and grime from your home is a fantastic feeling. You get to breathe new life into your siding so it looks fresh and clean, making all your neighbors jealous and boosting your curb appeal.
The problem is that not everyone is a professional expert like our team at Rinse Prince. Pressure washing a property can be dangerous and damaging if you do not keep a few safety tips in mind as you work. While hiring our team is the better way to ensure you get the results you want, here are some quick safety guidelines to help out.
Know Your Nozzles and Angles
Different home pressure washing machines offer different solutions – especially when you’re renting. For example, a red nozzle is straight on “extreme” pressure with no angle that you should never use on siding, while a white (40-degree) nozzle is good for house washing.
Start with the lowest setting and a wider angle. Keep consistent, side-to-side motion, and then work your way up from there as you get more comfortable with the pressure washing system. Just be sure never to point the nozzle up underneath the siding. That will lead to mold growth and damage.
Always Wear Protection
We cannot begin to explain how dangerous being on the receiving end of a pressure washer can be. It can cut through skin and will damage your eyes or toes if you’re not careful. Always wear protection like:
- Safety goggles
- Face shield
- Closed-toe shoes
- Gloves
- Long sleeves and pants
You are working with power tools, so you want to give your equipment the careful respect it deserves.
Start with a Plan
House pressure washing can take a long time if you’re not properly prepared. There is some prep work involved, and you need to double-check for cracks in the siding, exposed outlets or fixtures, and unsecured furniture or décor.
Do a complete walk-around of the target area and check weather conditions. You don’t want to wash during strong winds or hot sunlight. The goal is to reduce the risk of mistakes so you get the outcome you want without adding to the danger.
Consistency Over Speed
Pressure washing is all about consistency. You are not moving so fast that you end up with uneven striping or so slow that it takes days to complete the job.
Think of house washing like mowing your lawn. Stay controlled and consistent for the smoothest finish that clears debris and mold buildup away. If you start to see flaking paint or feel sore from the work, take a break and re-evaluate your progress.
Maintain Your Distance
You 100% must respect the home pressure washing machine. Keep at least 2 feet away from the siding as you work. The higher the pressure setting or the straighter the nozzle, the further you should step away.
If you get too close to your home siding, you can expect:
- Stripped paint
- Damaged finish
- Dented aluminum or vinyl siding
- Forced water into the property
- Damaged wood and sealants
Most manufacturers provide guidelines about what type of pressure washer tips and settings you should use on their materials. That is a great starting point for your research.
Keep Pets & Kids Away
A commercial-grade home pressure washing device will launch a small animal. It will harm smaller children and will likely end with a trip to a local urgent care.
While your work may bring out the curiosity in any pet or kiddo, you want to keep them safely away and supervised. Let neighbors know as well, so you don’t get a visit from a nearby golden retriever thinking it is playtime at the Smiths’ house.
Secure Doors & Windows
It probably seems like the simplest pressure washer tip, but you need to close all windows and doors. Don’t just assume they’re closed during a walk-around. Go into your house and physically check each latch.
You want to be sure the seals around the basement and attic are also secure. If needed, cover up the vents or openings with wood. These little precautions go a long way to reducing risk and damage to property.
Skip the Ladder
Pressure washers and ladders do not mix. Not only will you get too close to your home siding, but the force of the spray is likely to knock you off the ladder. There is a reason firemen line up when someone is using that hose!
Switch from ladders to wand extensions, pivoting nozzle heads, or static/movable scaffolding. That will offer the best spray coverage without increasing your risk of property damage or injury.
Conclusion
While these tips for pressure washing your home siding help ensure you get quality results with as little risk as possible, there is a much better alternative. Our team at Rinse Prince offers New Jersey homes and businesses a safe, precise, and speedy solution. We work with everything from a private home to a multi-unit apartment building.
Give us a call today at (973) 814-2033 or book an appointment online. Our pressure and soft washing services are completed using professional-grade equipment – all operated by our expert team. We keep your property safe while you get the stunning results you want.
