How to Use Your Power Washer
A power washer is a handy machine. It can be used to clean driveways, patios, siding, decks, fences and a variety of other things around the home. The high-pressure water cleans the surface. Although specific instructions for using power washers will vary among makes and models, follow some general guidelines when using a power washer to ensure the job is done safely and correctly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Hook up the power washer to a garden hose or outdoor faucet, depending on the type of power washer you are using. Smooth out kinks in the hose and check for a tight connection so no air can get down into the lines. Squeeze the wand trigger several times to release air from the lines before turning on the water or the power washer.
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Fill the detergent reservoir with the manufacturer's recommended cleaning solution, if applicable. Some power washers have detergent reservoirs while others do not.
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Set the wand spray setting to either low or no pressure before starting the machine. This will prevent any kickback or recoiling when the water begins to run through the hose.
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Turn on the power washer, then the water supply. Point the nozzle at the surface you are cleaning and squeeze the trigger on the wand to release the water. Hold the nozzle at least 4 feet from the surface to begin with, then move close or farther away as needed once you begin cleaning. Readjust the wand setting, if necessary. Do not hold the nozzle any closer than 12 inches from the surface.
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Clean the surface with long, overlapping strokes. Move the wand slowly from side to side to ensure the surface gets cleaned uniformly.
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Turn off the power washer, then the water supply when you are done cleaning. Squeeze the wand trigger several times before disconnecting the hose to purge any remaining water and air from inside the lines. Disconnect the hose only after the power washer and the water supply are off.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a power washer with a minimum of 3,000 lbs. per square inch for cleaning driveways, sidewalks, walkways and similar surfaces. Choose a power washer with 1,200 to 1,500 PSI for cleaning aluminum siding and 2,500 to 3,000 PSI for cleaning vinyl siding.
Always read the owner's manual and follow instructions properly when using a power washer.
If the power washer is on but you are not using it, secure the safety lock trigger to prevent accidental injury.
Avoid cleaning glass, windows or other delicate surfaces with a power washer.
Stay at least 6 feet away from power lines when using a power washer.
Never point a pressure washer wand at people or animals. The extreme pressure can cause serious injury.
Do not use a power washer while standing on a ladder.
Don't point the nozzle in one spot for more than a few seconds at a time or you risk damaging the surface.
References
- Photo Credit house image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
