Tag: pressure washer

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How To Use A Pressure Washer With Detergent

One of the crucial things in having a house is maintaining it. If there are damages, you should go ahead and fix it right away. If not, it could have further damage. It is not just about fixing things, though. The best way to maintain your house is to be clean, inside and out. Add to that; it will be good for your health, physically and mentally.

It is not an easy task, though. You will have to give time and effort to it. But you can make it easier though as long as you are willing to invest. As for the cleaning materials you will use, there is a variety you could choose from to help make your cleaning a lot easier. Power washing is one of those. It is handy because it would make the cleaning of your shed, siding, driveway, car, etc. a lot easier. You would need to know the technique in how to use it though because it is so powerful that it would be harmful to you and the one you are cleaning.

Soap vs. Detergent

One of the basics you would need to know is the solution you can use with it. You can use both soap and detergent. What is their difference though? Soap is more natural and made from fats and oils from plants and animals. Detergents, on the other hand, are human-made and not biodegradable. Soaps are great for lighter cleaning but still adequate for dissolving and breaking down dirt, grime, and stains. It is not that effective if it gets more robust, though. Detergents are excellent for that because it is more effective. The problem is it can cause damage. Because of this, it should be used and dealt with accordingly. You should also know how to dispose of it properly.

How to use a pressure washer with detergent

1. Know what kind

Soaps have different types, and if you are going to use one, be sure that it is compatible with what you are cleaning. If not, it may cause damage. Also, always remember to not use it with bleach for it may cause damage to your pressure washer pump.

2. Know the cleaning procedure

The first thing you need to know is how to use the pressure washer. As said before, it could be harmful to you and what you are cleaning, so know how to operate it. You would need a tank for your detergent. If you do not have one, a water bucket will do but still needs a tube to be injected to the pressure washer pump, and then you can clean with a detergent brush or gun. Before rinsing the detergent, you have to let it sit through for a while.

3. Know what to prepare

When cleaning with a pressure washer and soap, always plan ahead. Be sure to have your windows, walls, etc. protected. Some stains need to be taken care of by cleaning solutions because the detergent might not be practical for it. Also, debris and dirt should be removed first with water.

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Pressure Washing Tips For Cleaning Concrete Driveway

They say that you will see what kind of person others are in the way they dress and clean up themselves. That is because, with your style, you can express who and what you are. This concept does not only apply to your clothing but also to your home. People will easily judge once they see other people’s home if it is either dirty or clean. They do not even need to go inside your home but one look at your backyard or driveway, they will tend to judge. That is why maintenance is essential.

When it comes to maintaining your driveway, it is advisable to have it cleaned every six months. Sure, you can hire someone to do it, but it would be less expensive for you to do it by yourself. It is not that hard. To get started, all you need is to invest in a pressure washer, and you are good to go. Here are some tips that will help you:

1. Clear the Area

If you have kids and some of their toys are scattered around, put them away. Make sure to put your items away as well, including your car or bike or anything you put in your driveway that will get in the way of your cleaning.

2. Sweep the Area and Look for Stains

After clearing the area, you will also need to sweep it to be free from excess dust as you possibly can. Also, look for stains. Like clothes which stains the cannot be removed by simply putting it in a washer, stains in the concrete cannot be removed by pressurized water alone. You would need to scrub them first.

3. Ready Your Device

After you have done all of the above, you would need to prepare your device by attaching the spray wand and hose. Test it out first before doing anything else to be sure.

4. Apply Detergent

It is time to apply detergent. The procedure might vary somewhat depending on your device, so it is essential to have the users’ manual on hand. The user’s manual will not only inform you in regards to the appropriate detergent loading procedure, but it will also tell you what kinds of chemicals to use. Nozzles are also attached for cleaning, so be sure to have them ready.

5. Wash Concrete

Now, it is time to wash the concrete. It is said before to have your device tested, now it would be advisable to start slow, so you could get used to it for pressure washers tend to be powerful. You can control it by adjusting according to your preferred power and also set your distance. You would need to let the detergent work with the dirt and stains first and clean one section at a time to ensure no uneven streaks.

6. Rinse Concrete

After soaping it, rinse it with water. For it to be faster and more effective, it is recommended to have surface cleaner attachment if you want to. But you can adjust it or attach another nozzle. For additional protection, you can seal the concrete. All you need is a waterproof sealer and put it all over the concrete.