How Pressure Washing Can Make You Feel Proud of Your Home
Cleaning stubborn stains, dirt, and mildew from your home’s exterior with a pressure washer requires careful attention and technique. However, doing so can also make you feel proud of your home again.
Before beginning the washing, test an area to gauge the amount of pressure needed for the task at hand. Also, use a 15-degree quick-connect nozzle to avoid damaging surfaces. Click the Pressure Washing Orange County to learn more.
Pressure washing is a great way to remove dirt, grime, mildew and other organic buildup from exterior surfaces. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that require you to scrub and scrape, the pressure of the water blasts away all of that unwanted material with little effort. This makes it a faster and more effective cleaning method for larger surface areas that would otherwise take significantly longer to clean using other methods.
Dirt, mildew, and other pollutants can cause damage to your home’s exterior, especially the paint and siding. Regular cleanings can help prolong the life of your paint and keep your home looking its best. Depending on your cleaning needs, it may be beneficial to combine a chemical solution with your pressure wash for the best results. Detergents and cleaners can enhance the mechanical force of the high-pressure water, breaking down and emulsifying specific types of stains, such as oil, grease, or mold.
The interplay between PSI (pressure in pounds per square inch) and GPM (water volume) is important for maximizing the effectiveness of your power washer. For example, delicate surfaces such as wood and some types of siding will need lower PSI levels to prevent damage. On the other hand, large surface areas like concrete can withstand higher PSI levels without damaging them. A professional power washing service knows how to adjust PSI levels and GPM for each type of surface, ensuring efficient and effective cleaning results without causing any damage.
As a bonus, using a power washer can also help you remove slippery substances from walkways and decks, minimizing your family’s risk of injury. Regular pressure washing can also reduce the amount of dust, dirt, and other contaminants that blow into your home from the outside, improving air quality inside and out.
Power washing can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process if you try to do it yourself, so consider hiring a professional cleaning service like Squeegee Squad. Not only do they have the proper tools for the job, but they know how to adjust your power washer settings to avoid damaging delicate surfaces and ensuring that all of the accumulated grime is removed from your home.
Removes Algae
Algae is not only unsightly, but it can cause damage to your home as well. The moisture and dark areas on your property (such as the north side of your home) provide the ideal breeding ground for mold, mildew or algae. These substances can lead to rotting, water damage and a loss in curb appeal for your property. When left untreated, they can also lead to health issues, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions.
Unfortunately, most cleaning methods do not adequately remove these substances. Using a brush to scrub the surfaces can be time-consuming and does not guarantee that all of the substances are removed. Pressure washing is the most effective way to ensure that all mold, mildew or algae is thoroughly removed from your home and surfaces around it.
In addition, regular pressure washing of your home can keep it looking newer and increase its curb appeal. In some cases, it may even help you sell your home faster if you are ready to move on.
Using hot water is also beneficial because it kills germs and bacteria on the surface being washed. This can help to prevent the spread of disease in your family and guests, as well as prevent slips and falls.
Before beginning your power wash, it is important to prepare the area by removing any debris or objects. It is also a good idea to cover any plants or sensitive areas that could be affected by the pressure washer’s high-pressure stream. Additionally, it is important to use a cleaning solution that is designed for your specific surface and preferably one that is non-toxic. For example, Simple Green’s Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner is a great choice for a safe and powerful concrete cleaner that lifts dirt and stains, while also disinfecting and deodorizing.
In addition to being a powerful and effective cleaner, the pressure washer is a quick and satisfying process. It can be used on a variety of surfaces around the home and provides an exhilarating feeling when you are finished. If you are interested in purchasing a pressure washer, it is recommended that you consult with a professional to determine which type of machine will best suit your needs.
Removes Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can ruin the look of your home’s exterior and, if not removed, can cause health problems. The fungal growths thrive in damp and humid areas and can damage surfaces and even rot wood. Mold spores are particularly difficult to remove without proper cleaning methods and can be spread from one surface to another by air, making them an ongoing threat. Inhaling these spores can lead to respiratory issues, allergies and other serious health conditions.
Fortunately, the same powerful blasts of water used in pressure washing can also eliminate mold and mildew. When combined with a chemical solution, such as a bleach mixture, the pressure wash can kill any remaining mold spores and break down the roots of the mildew, preventing it from returning. When the spores are killed and the roots are destroyed, the mold and mildew will also be removed from the surface, leaving a smooth and clean appearance.
In addition to killing mold and mildew, a pressure wash can also help remove a wide variety of other contaminants from outdoor surfaces. Power washing blasts a concentrated amount of water that instantly removes dirt, organic debris, leaves, twigs, seeds and sticks from paved and unpaved surfaces. After a winter of ice and snow, and spring storms that scatter debris across the landscape, it can be very easy for these materials to become stuck against or ground into the sides of your home, driveway, deck, fence or sidewalks.
When left unchecked, these substances can result in slippery walkways and the eventual deterioration of the underlying surface materials. By regularly pressure washing these walkways, you can minimize the risk of injuries to family members and guests and help your property retain its value and beauty.
Using a professional company like Space Clean to perform your power washing can ensure that the job is done properly and safely. The experienced technicians know how to adjust the pressure settings and nozzle attachments to get the best results while eliminating the danger of injury. They can also add a diluted copper sulfate solution to concrete and cement surfaces after they’re cleaned to protect the material from future contamination.
Removes Cobwebs
While spiders deserve props for their amazing web-building abilities, their actual presence around your home is far from pleasant. Cobwebs not only look dirty and dingy, but they can also indicate a possible infestation. Fortunately, there are a few ways to remove these unsightly pests from your property: sweeping, dusting, and spraying with a strong stream of water (via a pressure washer).
Sweeping, dustering, or using a long-handled broom may work well for most indoor surfaces, but when it comes to outdoor surfaces like siding, fences, porches, and decks, only power washing will fully eliminate them. To do this, you’ll need a good quality nozzle and a ladder for the harder-to-reach areas. When using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle about 3 to 4 feet away from the surface you’re cleaning. This will ensure the powerful, yet gentle, stream kills any cobwebs that are in its path.
Additionally, you can use a solution made from vinegar, lemon juice, tea-tree oil, or other natural essential oils to further improve the effectiveness of the clean. As with the pressure washing, make sure to start off slowly and test the solution in an inconspicuous area first. It’s also recommended that you wear close-toed shoes and pants to protect your skin from any accidental pressurized spray.
While removing the webs is the primary purpose of these techniques, it’s important to note that neither sweeping nor a stream of water will prevent them from returning until you take preventative measures to stop spiders from finding their way into your house in the first place. Eliminating food sources, avoiding clutter, and regular maintenance cleaning will go a long way in keeping the spiders outside your home where they belong. In addition, regularly clearing out their webs will prevent them from collecting dirt and grime, which they can use to rebuild their sticky nests. For the best results, it’s a good idea to combine these methods with a professional clean. This will further help to eliminate any potential infestations, sanitize the surfaces you’re cleaning, and boost your curb appeal.
