Use a Power Washer
A power washer has considerably more cleaning power than what you can get with a garden hose; however, that power also has an inherent danger of injury or damage to property. You want to make sure you know how to use a power washer before you turn it on.
Contents
Steps
Preparing to Use a Power Washer
- Wear appropriate safety attire. You should have safety goggles and protective footwear on. The footwear should also have a rubberized sole to minimize the risk of slipping on wet surfaces. You may want to wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to protect your limbs from flying dirt and debris.
- Protect plants and breakable objects by moving them out of the way or covering them.
- Get the power washer ready for use.
- Fill a gas power washer with engine oil and gasoline. Hold the start grip and pull to start the engine.
- Plug an electric power washer into a properly grounded outlet.
- Connect a garden hose to the pressure washer water inlet. Turn on the water supply before turning on the pressure washer to avoid damaging the pump.
- Fill the reservoir or a bucket (on a siphon system) with a detergent solution if you want extra cleaning power.
- Attach the proper spray tip to the nozzle. Certain tips may be required when using detergent. Make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Operating a Power Washer
- Position the spray tip at least {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} (0.6 m) from the surface to start. Gradually move the tip closer. You risk damaging the surface if you hold the tip closer than {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} (0.3 m).
- Hold the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to the surface. These will help direct loosened debris away from you. Pull the trigger to begin spraying the water.
- Move the spray in a side-to-side motion, without spraying too long in any one spot.
- Apply detergent by starting low and moving upwards. Allow the detergent to soak for at least 3 minutes before rinsing. Don't wait long enough for it to dry. Rinse the surface by spraying water from the top down.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for flushing the system after using detergent in a power washer.
Warnings
- Keep the connection between the power cord on an electric power washer and an extension cord out of standing water to avoid the chance of an electric shock.
- Never aim the spray from a power washer at any part of your body, someone else, or animals.
- Never use a pressure washer while standing on a ladder. Instead, use a power washer with an extension wand.
- Don't operate a gas power washer in an enclosed area. The exhaust fumes could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Keep power washers out of reach of children. They could cause serious damage to themselves, someone else or property if they mistakenly assume it's just a big squirt gun.
- If cleaning siding with a power washer, keep the spray at a downward angle to avoid forcing water up behind the siding.
