Learn How Pressure Washing Greensboro Properties Works With Cardwell Cleaning
So you want to learn how to pressure wash Greensboro properties? With a pressure washer, property owners have access to one of the most effective cleaning techniques available: pressure washing. Pressure washing is the use of pressurized water to remove debris from exterior surfaces, helping to quickly restore their visual appeal and even help them last longer. These benefits make pressure washing well worth it. However, figuring out how to pressure wash exterior surfaces is challenging in its own right.
To help ease this difficulty, we here at Cardwell Cleaning put together this simple guide for you. We are Greensboro, NC’s pressure washing experts, and we know a few things about pressure washing, to say the least! Read through, learn the ins and outs of the process, and decide if DIY pressure washing is the right choice for you. If you decide it isn’t, no worries—our full-service pressure washing team will be happy to pick up the slack for you.
Choose a Good Day For Pressure Washing Greensboro Properties
One of the most important things you can do in preparation for pressure washing is choosing a good day for the project. You see, pressure washing requires a significant time investment, and it’s not the sort of work that you will want to rush. Zipping through the pressure washing process is a great way to wind up with sloppy, half-cleaned surfaces, after all. Ensure that you pressure wash on a day when you have several hours to spare to avoid this less-than-fortunate outcome.
Additionally, check the upcoming forecast so you can plan around the weather. If it is going to rain on Friday, be sunny on Saturday, and rain on Sunday, which day should you choose for the project? The answer is clear. Choose nice days with little precipitation not only for your own comfort but for safety as well. (You don’t want to slip and fall because of rain when you’re handling pressurized water.)
Wear Appropriate Attire
Pressure washing Greensboro properties doesn’t necessarily have a strict dress code, but there are a few important rules that you should follow. For one, never wear closed-toe shoes, and highly consider wearing pants. You will be handling pressurized water, and an important part of how to operate a pressure washer is protecting yourself. By covering your vulnerable skin, you help mitigate the risk of personal injury. For a similar reason, it is recommended that you wear protective eyewear. Shield your eyes because you’re going to need them!
Clear the Surfaces to Be Cleaned
On the day of the pressure washing project, ensure that the surfaces that need to be cleaned are free of any items. This is important because any items in the way will be at risk of being damaged. Additionally, they will block parts of the surfaces, causing incomplete pressure washing and less-than-satisfactory results. Some examples of the items that may get in the way include outdoor furniture, potted plants, decorations, wheelbarrows, and grills/barbecues. Simply relocate these items to a discrete location before pressure washing; if necessary, ask a friend or family member for assistance.
Setting Up the Pressure Washer
Are you still with us? Good, because the preparations aren’t quite over yet. Now that you’ve made it to this stage of the process, it’s time to set up the pressure washer for use. Plug the machine in using a waterproof extension cord. Then, find a hose to attach to the pressure washer, and on the other side, twist in a pressure washing hose tip. Optionally, you may add pressure washing detergent to its tank. This detergent helps break down stubborn debris, which may result in cleaner surfaces at your property.
One final consideration to make when pressure washing is the material that needs to be cleaned. The material will determine how much water pressure to use during the project. When in doubt, it is always best to use less rather than more water pressure. Too little water pressure, and you can simply adjust it upwards—no harm, no foul. On the other hand, too much water pressure risks damage to the property’s exterior.
Safely Spraying Surfaces Clean
With all these planning stages out of the way, you’ve finally made it to the fun part! You can now pressure wash surfaces and give them the visual transformation that they need. To achieve this, position yourself about two feet from the surface before spraying it with pressurized water. This should remove most debris; if needed, reduce the distance to one foot for more effective cleaning. As you clear debris from exterior surfaces, work in a row-by-row fashion, revitalizing the property’s appearance. Areas that have been pressure washed will be brighter, smoother to the touch, and more likely to receive compliments from passing pedestrians.
The advantages of pressure washing go beyond visual benefits. Did you know that pressure washing also helps prevent surface damage? This is because any surface debris that is left on the property’s exterior will gradually wear it down. Dirt and pollen will grind against surfaces and erode them; moss, mold, and algae will collect water and cause moisture damage. Pressure washing is a fantastic way of preventing this damage and avoiding expensive repair bills. In other words, learning how to operate a pressure washer is a rewarding process that will save you money in the long run.
When to Choose Professional Pressure Washing Greensboro
If acquiring pressure washing equipment and learning how to use it does not appeal to you, you can always consider professional pressure washing services. At Cardwell Cleaning, we proudly serve residential and commercial clients, allowing them to unshackle themselves from DIY pressure washing and do something else with their time.
If you are interested in saving time and energy with us, we would love to hear from you. Contact us online, and you can receive a free estimate today. That way, you know how much our services cost before you agree to them. If you schedule an appointment with us, we look forward to seeing you in the near future.