Sarasota Pressure Washing is more than just rinsing dirt off your home or business. This process offers many benefits, including preparing surfaces for repainting. Before beginning, use duct tape to cover any outlets exposed to the spray. Also, cover any nearby plants with drop cloths or plastic sheeting. Keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from any surface.
Unlike light cleaning, which involves using mild detergents and a brush or broom, pressure washing uses highly pressurized water that blasts away dirt and grime from brick, concrete, siding and other hard surfaces. It can also blast away algae, mildew, moss and other growths that can damage exterior structures. Whether you’re looking to clean your deck or your entire house, this type of professional cleaning can save you time and energy by stripping away layers of grit and build-up with ease.
Aside from making a home or commercial building look like new again, pressing out built-up dirt and debris also provides a number of practical benefits that can save you money. Dirt and grime build-up can create a breeding ground for bacteria and vermin, both of which can spread disease. This makes it especially important to clean your property regularly. Pressurized washing can kill the germs and prevent the influx of pests, making your property safer for you, your family or your employees.
Another way that pressure washing can save you money is by cutting down on future repairs. If left unchecked, a dirty building can quickly lead to rot or other structural issues that will cost you big money to fix. Pressurized washing removes the layers of dirt and grime that can cause these issues, preventing them from getting a foothold. It’s also far less expensive than repairing or replacing damaged materials.
One final benefit of regular pressure washing is that it can increase your property value. When potential buyers see that your building is in great condition and has been regularly cleaned, they’ll be more likely to pay top dollar for it.
If you’re interested in attempting to power wash your own property, make sure you watch this video first for some helpful tips and safety guidelines. It’s always a good idea to start slow and test your water pressure in an inconspicuous area before blasting away any materials. You should also wear closed-toe shoes and pants to protect your feet and lower legs from any accidental pressurized spray that can sting or break skin at close range.
Equipment
Pressure washing uses pressurized cold water to blast away dirt, grime, moss, mildew, algae and other materials from outdoor surfaces like walls, decks, driveways and patios. This method of cleaning is ideal for heavily soiled surfaces and is also less harsh on things like brick, concrete or masonry than traditional cleaning solutions like scrubbing. It can even remove stubborn, deep black mold and other stains caused by chewing gum or spray paint.
While it is possible to rent or buy pressure washer equipment, professional vehicle-mounted power washers are the biggest and best on the market. These units are designed to be used by contractors and can easily mount to a truck bed or trailer so they are mobile, making them ideal for use around larger commercial or residential properties. These machines have different nozzle attachments to accommodate a variety of cleaning jobs. For example, there is a 65deg black-tipped soaping nozzle that can be used to gently apply detergent or other add-on cleaning solutions and then switched to another nozzle to rinse. There is also a 0deg red-tipped jet that is very powerful and should only be used when the surface being cleaned can handle it (like for stripping paint off rusty construction tools or for pulling caked-on dirt off of heavy machinery).
Professional cleaners can use a combination of water pressure and specialty cleaning chemicals to remove tough stains and odors from exterior surfaces without damaging them, but they may not always have access to the kind of specialized equipment that commercial or industrial professionals do. These professionals can make personalized recommendations about what type of detergent to use and the amount of water pressure that will be safe for different surfaces, so they can avoid causing damage while still removing unwanted substances.
Regular pressure washing of surfaces in homes and commercial locations can save money by preventing damage from accumulating over time. It can also prevent slips and falls that would otherwise occur on slippery, dirty surfaces. Regular cleaning of a home or business can also minimize the growth of bacteria and other harmful substances that could be inhaled by family members or customers, thereby ensuring that everyone stays healthy.
Water
Power washing uses a powerful stream of pressurized water to blast dirt, mud, grime, mold, mildew and loose paint from surfaces. It can also remove moss, lichen, and other types of growth from wood structures. It gets into the nooks and crannies that are often missed by other cleaning methods, making it ideal for cleaning gutters and siding. A regular pressure wash can help prevent damage that could lead to leaks, cracks and other problems down the road.
A professional pressure washer will use a large tank of water to provide enough force to remove debris and stains from the surface. The water is usually heated before it is released into the spray. The amount of heat and water pressure that is used varies depending on the type of surface being cleaned. A high-end professional pressure washer can produce anywhere from 20 to 40 gallons of water per minute.
Besides the usual benefits of pressure washing, it can also save your home or business money by preventing potential damage and repairs. It’s like the old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! Having your property regularly cleaned by a professional power washer can prevent issues before they develop, and keep your home or business in top condition for years to come.
In addition, a dirty exterior can be the perfect place for bacteria and vermin to hide. Mold and mildew can cause health issues for your family, pets or employees, and algae or other slippery substances can increase the risk of accidents and injuries on your property. Pressure washing removes all these contaminants and leaves your property looking beautiful.
Detergent
If your pressure washer is set at a high enough pressure, it will easily remove most dirt and grime from many surfaces. But to tackle stubborn stains like mildew or oil, you’ll need detergent.
Pressure washing detergents work in conjunction with water spray to break down and wash away tough dirt, grime and even pesky stains. They also emulsify oils and fats to help water lift them away, then rinse them away so they don’t leave a soapy film over the surface you’re cleaning. Pressure washing detergents are available in a wide variety of formulas for different types of surfaces and uses.
Casual pressure washer users who clean their driveways or patios occasionally generally buy pre-mixed detergents in 1-gallon jugs or 5-gallon buckets. Professional cleaners and contractors buy their detergent in concentrated 55-gallon barrels, which they then dilute and use as needed for larger projects.
Most detergents are non-corrosive and will not harm landscaping or equipment when used correctly. If you’re not sure what type of detergent to use, start with one that’s labeled safe for pressure washers. Look for a Safer Choice label from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This means that chemicals in the cleaning solution have been evaluated to ensure they’re not damaging to your surfaces or equipment.
Regularly cleaning outdoor surfaces with a pressure washer prevents them from deteriorating prematurely and increases their lifespan. It also creates an environment less hospitable to bacteria and vermin, including disease-causing mold and mildew, and improves the health of people living in or visiting your home or business. Lastly, it can minimize the impact of pollen allergies by removing built-up debris that traps the allergen in the air and spreads it around.