10 DIY Pressure Washing Fails – Why You Should Hire a Professional

Trying to do the job yourself can be tempting when it comes to pressure washing. After all, it is a great way to clean the exterior of your home and make it look brand new again. However, if not done correctly, it can lead to costly mistakes and even cause severe damage to your home. Here are some of the most typical DIY pressure washing fails and why you should hire professional pressure washing services instead.

10 DIY Pressure Washer Fails

Damaging the Surface

One of the most significant risks of DIY pressure washing is damaging the surface you are trying to clean. It is not a one-size-fits-all approach and requires careful consideration of the type of surface you are cleaning and the tools you are deploying.

Pressure washing can result in costly repairs and replacements if done incorrectly. Paint can fade away, and wooden surfaces may get severely damaged in just one pressure washing session if not done correctly.

Over Washing

Pressure washing too frequently or with too much pressure can cause damage to the surface. It can strip away paint, cause staining, and leave behind scratches and other damage.

As a result, it’s critical to use the proper pressure and nozzle settings for the work. If you are inexperienced with the technicalities, leaving the job to the professionals is recommended.

Using the Wrong Nozzle

One common pressure washing failure is using a nozzle that is too powerful for the area being cleaned. High-pressure nozzles can scrape paint, remove sealants, and potentially harm bricks, concrete, and other surfaces.

This might result in expensive repairs and, in certain situations, a total replacement of the cleaned surface. Furthermore, if the nozzle is not powerful enough, it may not be able to adequately clean the surface, leaving streaks and spots behind, which can be a waste of time and effort.

Not Using the Right Detergent

When the wrong detergent is used, it can leave behind streaks, spots, and other discolorations that can be difficult to remove. Additionally, it can cause damage to the surface being cleaned, such as stripping away paint or etching into wood or stone.

Using a suitable detergent for the job is essential to avoid such damage. The type of detergent used will depend on the surface being cleaned and the pressure-washing equipment being used.

Not Testing First

Before you start washing your entire home, you must test a small area first to avoid any damage. It is not only crucial for safety reasons, but it also helps with determining the right amount of pressure needed for the job. Excessive pressure might cause damage to the home’s exterior, while little pressure doesn’t offer the anticipated results.

Not Protecting Your Surroundings

If you don’t protect your plants and surroundings, you risk damaging them with the pressure of the water and the chemicals used. You must also cover up surrounding surfaces such as siding, windows, doors, etc. These surfaces can get damaged or discolored if the pressure is too high or the wrong chemicals are used.

Incorrect Angle

If the pressure washer is used at the wrong angle or with too much pressure, it can cause damage to your property and even injure the person using it. When the user does not understand the correct angle to hold the washer, pressure washing failures can occur.

Not Wearing Protective Gear

Pressure washing can cause significant harm or even death if not done correctly. To protect sensitive organs like eyes from flying debris and high-pressure water, it is necessary to wear safety glasses or goggles.

When using a pressure washer, gloves are also recommended to protect the hands from cuts, scrapes, and burns. Long pants and closed-toed shoes can protect the legs and feet from hot water splashes, which is why most professionals wear them while handling a pressure washer.

Operating the Pressure Washer Incorrectly

Operating a pressure washer incorrectly can lead to various problems, from property damage to personal injury. Below are two of the most common pressure washer fails:

● Over-Cleaning: Too much pressure is one of the most common mistakes when using a pressure washer. This can result in severely damaged surfaces, such as paint chipping or wood warping.

● Blasting Electrical Outlets: Pressure washers should never be used to clean electrical outlets or wiring. Doing so exposes the professional to the threat of getting electrocuted and even starting a fire.

Not Cleaning in Sections

Many people make the mistake of attempting to pressure wash an entire area without first dividing it into parts. This can result in various pressure washing failures, including uneven cleaning, missing spots, and surface damage. While pressure cleaning, it’s vital to divide the surface into portions and work on each separately. This will ensure that the entire area is cleaned evenly and that no spots are missed.

Why You Should Hire Professional Pressure Washing Experts?

DIY pressure washing can be a great way to spruce up your home’s exterior, but knowing what you’re doing is essential. If you’re unsure how to do pressure washing correctly, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Hiring a professional pressure washing service provider can help you get the job done quickly and correctly, saving you time, hassle, and potentially even money in the long run.

The first and most important reason to hire a professional is their experience. Over time, they’ve developed the skills needed to pressure wash in a way that won’t damage your property.

They know the right amount of pressure and how to use the different tools most effectively. Finally, a professional will have the proper equipment for the job and will know which one to use, as well as the necessary cleaning agents and accessories to do the job safely and successfully.