How to Use a Pressure Washer Effectively

We all know how incredible a pressure washer is when it comes to cleaning surfaces, but incorrect usage may damage the surface and do more bad than good. You have to be careful while using the pressure washer or it might harm you as well.

Let's start with learning the basics of how a pressure washer works:

A pressure washer intakes ordinary water and then discharges it at high pressure with the help of a pump. These pumps can either run on electricity or gasoline.

Almost every pressure washer comes with a list of instructions. Be sure to read the entire manual as it contains critical safety information. You need to make sure that you assemble the pressure washer carefully by following the instructions—any deviation from those instructions can be hazardous.

Once assembled, fill the tank with gas or else attach it to a power outlet in case of an electric pressure washer. Attach the garden hose to supply water and the pressure hose to provide with the pressure. Make sure they're tightened securely. Attach the gun to the pressure hose and turn on the water supply. Squeeze the trigger of the gun to purge air from the pump and then water will start coming out of the nozzle once all the air has escaped. Hold it until you have the right and steady flow of water. The longer the hose, the more air it will possibly have. You can attach the nozzle once all the air is out of the hose.

Every pressure washer is equipped with five different kinds of spray wand tips or nozzles, and they come in different colors, i.e., red, yellow, green, white, and black.

1. The red one is 0 degrees and produces the most concentrated stream of water. Be careful while using the 0 degrees tip.
2. The yellow one produces a 15 degrees broad spray pattern which is generally used for heavy duty cleaning.
3. The green nozzle is a 25 degrees tip and is best for general cleaning.
4. The white tip produces a broader spray pattern of about 45 degrees and is mostly used for light cleaning.
5. The black one is the safest one to use as it creates a broad spray pattern of 65 degrees and is usually used to apply detergents to the surface right before the actual cleaning process.

The wider the angle of the nozzle the less powerful the stream of water will be; hence, you need to select the nozzle according to your needs. Point the hose away from you and insert the nozzle. Making sure it's tightened securely is imperative. Try to pull it to make sure it's firmly attached; otherwise, it may detach at high pressure and hurt someone.

Start the engine by setting the start switch on run position. Use a little bit of force and pull the rope of the engine. Now your pressure washer is ready to use. Pull the trigger and start cleaning.

Always hold the tip a few inches away from the ground until and unless there is a tough stain, in that case, you can keep it closer to the ground. You need to note that closer you hold the pressure washer to the ground, higher are the chances of damaging the surface and making holes in it.

After completing the work shut off the pressure washer, turn off the engine, turn off the water supply and then squeeze the trigger to relieve system pressure. Carefully remove all other accessories of the pressure washer, and now your pressure washer can be rinsed off and is ready for storage.

Make sure while using a pressure washer that you wear proper protective gear like safety glasses or goggles, work gloves, and waterproof clothes.

Follow the above instructions carefully, and you're good to go. Also, do let us know if you want to add something to the above information.