How to Use Brushing Strokes With a Pressure Washer

When you pressure wash a car, home, sidewalk, wall or any other surface, the brushing stroke is usually the best and easiest to use. The simple back and forth motion helps keep track of the area washed and the portion that still needs cleaning.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pressure washer
• Nozzle
• Extension wand

1. Choose a nozzle that works for your job. Stand a few feet away from the surface you want to clean with the pressure washer.

2. Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle for best cleaning results.

3. Start at one end of your project. Break the area up into sections that you can cover without moving. Work on one section at a time.

4. Aim the wand as high as you can on the surface area. Make sure you are still getting enough pressure to clean. If you're not, add an extension onto the pressure washer wand.

5. Mimic the stroke used when you paint with your pressure washer for best results.

6. Move the wand back and forth over the surface from one side to the other and focus on the area you're cleaning. Repeat the brushing and overlap all the way down to the bottom of the area.

Tips & Warnings

• The smaller the pattern nozzle you choose, the smaller area you cover at one time and the more water pressure available. When you spray with brushing strokes, a concentrated nozzle can create lines on the surface easier.
• It's always a good idea to test a small, inconspicuous area with the nozzle, any detergent and the brushing stroke; to make sure it doesn't damage the surface.
• Be careful not to use too much pressure or too small of a nozzle. The brushing approach can leave streaks in the surface that you may not see until it dries.