If the exterior of your home needs a thorough cleaning and a standard hose won’t do, it’s time to consider pressure washing. This is the spraying of pressurized water from a powered machine to clean loose paint, mold, dust, mud, or other hard-to-dislodge and unsightly dirt from surfaces. Often used in combination with cleaning substances like baking soda or soap, the powerful spray makes pressure washing Portland Oregon’s best way to get your house clean.
Pressure washing, or power washing (which adds a heating element), is a powerful cleaning tool that should be done under a professional’s hand to make sure your home comes out sparkling and undamaged. ProFleet General Contractor is the expert in pressure washing that Portland, Oregon has been waiting for, and we offer reasonably priced quality service to leave your home looking like new. Read on to discover everything you need to know about pressure washing.
Pressure Washing Portland Oregon – 10 Things I Wish I’d Known Earlier
The Difference Between Power Washing and Pressure Washing
Power-washing is a steam-cleaning that uses hot water shot through a high-pressure hose. It’s a heavy-duty option ideal for driveways or areas with extreme dirt or grease build-up, The surface should be able to stand up to heat and pressure.
Pressure-washing is a gentler cleaning option that uses cool water to scrape away less-serious dirt. This is better for smaller, wood-based surfaces or surfaces made of concrete or brick.
What Cleaners Should I Use?
A power-washing with water can get rid of a lot of grime, but for a more thorough cleaning add a cleaning solution. Before buying a professional cleaning liquid like Krudkutter, make sure it’s suitable for the surface you’re cleaning or consult with a contractor.
What Not to Wash
Some surfaces aren’t meant for power-washing or pressure-washing and the high pressure can do permanent damage. These surfaces include laminar sandstone or asphalt roofing, which can be washed away, and anything painted because the paint will be torn off. Any older wood should be cleaned gently to prevent it from disintegrating.
The Best Time of Year for Pressure Washing
If you’re going to shoot water into the cracks and crevices of your home, you’ll want to give it time to dry. That means avoiding the cold winter months where the water can freeze and expand those gaps.
Pressure Washing – Ideal for Grills
A barbecue grill is one of the hardest objects to clean because of the extensive grease and char buildup on the griddle. If the metal grill can be removed from the electric base, a blast with a pressure washer can have it fresh again in minutes.
Pressure-Washing Cars and Trucks
If you’re an off-roader whose car or truck frequently gets covered in mud, there’s no need to spend hours cleaning it off. Using a pressure washer and an attachment brush sends the dirt flying off. Just make sure all windows are fully closed before starting the water.
Safety First
If you’re using a home power washer, make sure to wear safety gear —the stream from the hose is powerful enough to cause injuries. Safety goggles to protect your eyes are a necessity, and gloves and headphones protect your hands and hearing.
You should be standing five to six feet away from the spray to prevent backfire and ensure all electric outlets are covered before spraying.
Pre-Cleaning Gets the Job Done
When cleaning vinyl siding, check the area for any buildup of mold. This area should be treated with a mix of bleach and water to make sure it comes off smoothly.
The Right Tool for the Job
Whether you use a gas-powered or electric-powered power washer, you want one with at least 3,000 PSI to blast the water into hard-to-reach areas.
Wash, Then Rinse
After your power-washing session is done, change out the water for the rinse cycle. This will dislodge any leftover dirt and cleaning solution and ensure your surfaces come out looking good as new.
The Best Power Washing in Portland
It’s possible to get a safe and attractive power washing done yourself, but for the cleanest surfaces, you can’t beat the work of an expert contractor. Contact ProFleet General Contractor to set up a power washing consultation today.