Residential Services: Common Misconceptions About Pressure Washing

 

 

"I can do it myself, how hard can it be?"
Very. Without knowing what you are doing with a pressure washer, you could damage your most valuable investment and worse yet, you could hurt yourself or someone else. Even if you don't damage your property or yourself, washing a home without the proper knowledge, equipment and chemicals can prove extremely difficult.

"High pressure equals better cleaning."
Not true. Most surfaces require little pressure to clean safely and effectively. The key is correct procedures and knowledge combined with a higher flow of water and lower pressures. Are you planning on cleaning with a low volume-high pressure washer? If so, stop and rethink the possibilities for serious damage.

"Chemicals aren't needed; they will just raise the price of the job."
Quality detergents and agents help to do the job CORRECTLY the first time. That will save money not having to repair a job that was done poorly to begin with. I'm not sure who said it first, but the old saying, "The bitterness of bad work will remain long after the sweetness of a good deal is gone." The value is getting it done right the first time.

"My plants and grass will suffer."
They will if you or whomever you hire doesn't do the responsible thing and pre-wet surrounding vegetation, keep them wet during the cleaning process and rinsed after the cleaning is done. They will if they are not covered when necessary. This is essential to the process of washing a home safely, effectively, professionally.

"Hot water is better than cold water when washing."
Are you washing a drive-thru at a fast food restaurant? Are you cleaning construction equipment or a parking lot with oily stains? If so, then yes it is. If not, then it will do more harm than good when it comes to homes. It can warp siding, splinter wood and even kill plants. So make sure cold water is used for your residential needs.

"I can clean just as fast with the pressure washer that I bought at [insert your favorite home improvement store here]."
Are you sure about that? Do you think you could clean a muddy truck with a Waterpik just as easily as you could with a garden hose and good nozzle? Probably not, so why would you think a house could be done as easily with something that is smaller than a professionally rated pressure washer? Again, a high volume of water (GPM) and lower pressure (PSI) is our friend.