One of the first things you might think about if you want to pressure wash your home is how long it would take. How long do you anticipate the task taking? That’s it, the whole weekend? Perhaps a compromise?
Power washing a modest to sizable home usually takes anywhere from three to five hours. The time it will take to perform the essential procedures of power cleaning, such as:
- laying out the cleaning supplies;
- During the course of your apparatus installation,
- Wash the area with detergent;
- Wait for the detergent to dry.
- Taking a last rinse after using cleaning products
- Remove any debris from the site of the project and
- Stow your gear.
However, there are many variables that determine how long a particular pressure washing task will take. Reasons why your project could finish sooner or later are listed below.
How Big Your House Is
It may be self-evident that a 5,000-square-foot home will take far longer to power wash than a 1,000-square-foot one. However, there are additional factors to think about besides the footprint, or the total square footage of your home’s surface area on the ground.
It may take a while to clean a smaller house if it has numerous stories or other inaccessible regions. This is because cleaning these locations often necessitates the use of specialised equipment and a greater level of ability to avoid accidentally damage the surface.
It’s not just the siding that needs cleaning; there are other parts of the house you could want cleaned, too, which can increase the total cleaning time. Driveways, decks, garage floors, gutters, fences, and sidewalks are some of the other popular areas that homeowners want cleaned with a pressure washer.
The house’s siding material.
Aluminum, stucco, brick, wood, fibre cement, steel, vinyl, and stone are just few of the many materials that can be used to construct a home’s façade. It’s important to take your time and be gentle while cleaning fragile textiles. It’s possible that a power washer’s pressure is too much for some materials. Other forms of siding, such as vinyl siding, can withstand a higher pressure wash.
You should put some thought into the layout of your home and the landscaping that surrounds it.
It may take longer to power wash your property if its exterior has many angles or if trees are situated too close to the building. Because of its unusual form and surrounding vegetation, this house may be difficult to completely clean on the exterior. As a result, more time will be needed to thoroughly clean them.
Degree of woodgrain present in siding and other surfaces
The length of time it takes to clean your home’s siding depends on how long it’s been since it was last cleaned, just like any other part of your home. The amount of time required to complete the task may also be affected by the type of dirt present.
Scratches caused by dirt, mould, pollen, moss, or algae, for instance, may take some time to scrub away completely and without damaging the surface. Since this dirt can accumulate and leave stains without frequent cleaning, you may have to devote a lot of effort to a relatively small area. When possible, you should give your house a good power washing once every year or two to help avoid the buildup of unsightly stains and grime.
PREPPING THE EQUIPMENT
If you don’t have the equipment and supplies on hand, it might also add extra time to your pressure washing process. If that’s the case, it’s time to do some research on the best power washer for your household needs. Then you’ll need to either buy or rent the appliance itself, as well as any additional tools and supplies you’ll require, such as:
- optimised for the use of high-pressure cleaners;
- Use a spinning or utility brush to scrub stubborn stains and deposits;
- To access upper shelves, extend your wand or use a telescoping one.
- Putting on protective gear including safety glasses, gloves, pants, boots, and a long-sleeved shirt is essential.
Time is not the only factor when it comes to investing in power washing equipment and learning how to utilise it effectively. When used improperly, a pressure washer can cause serious injury or property damage.
Therefore, before using these instruments, it is important to read the instructions and take all necessary safety measures. Avoid getting a hole in the side of your house or hurting yourself or a family member instead of a clean home after your power washing project by taking the proper safety precautions.
For homeowners without extensive experience with such tasks, pressure washing may be a time-consuming, filthy, and potentially dangerous task. Because of this, you should never attempt a power cleaning task on your own; instead, you should always call a professional. They’re able to take care of anything you need. That way, you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience and danger of power washing your own property to keep it looking clean and lovely.
Could I damage my deck if I use pressure washing?
The deck can be cleaned effectively by using a pressure washer. Cleaning a wooden deck once a year is recommended to avoid the growth of mildew and other pollutants. This accumulation can cause the wood of your deck to deteriorate and can also make it look unappealing.
However, you must use the utmost care when pressure washing your deck. These machines are so powerful that they can even harm brick and wood. Therefore, it is recommended that you have a professional do the power washing for your deck. They are familiar with the most effective methods for cleaning and safeguarding your deck. In addition, they have the expertise and equipment necessary to take care of any deck maintenance issues that may arise.
If you’re determined to take on the project on your own, there are several fundamental precautions you should take to ensure the safety of your deck and yourself.
Tips for Pressure Washing a Deck
- Collect all necessary tools and supplies. You’ll need a pressure washer with a fan tip, some protective gear, some cleaning solution made for use with pressure washers, and a helping hand from a pal.
- Before beginning, make sure you have all necessary safety equipment on and that your workspace is set up. Lock all the windows and doors leading to and from the terrace, and take away any obstacles like the sofa or table. It’s also a good idea to protect nearby plants, shrubs, and other vegetation from the cleaning detergent and high-powered water by taping plastic sheets over electrical outlets and covering them.
- Determine the optimal mode by conducting a test in a discreet, out-of-the-way region. Keep the power washer’s nozzle a few feet away from the surface you’re cleaning. Then, test your deck’s strength by beginning with the lowest pressure setting. Then, gently bring oneself closer to the surface or raise the pressure as required. By doing so, you can find the optimal pressure for cleaning the surface without causing any damage. Incorrect use of a pressure washer can cause irreparable damage to concrete, therefore this is crucial information to have. Using more than 1,200 psi and getting closer than six inches with the power washer’s nozzle to a wooden surface is not recommended.
- Start applying the deck cleaner by the house and work your way outward. If you’re painting your deck, it’s best to use a sweeping motion and overlapping strokes that move with the grain of the wood or are parallel to the deck boards. Leave the deck covered with the cleaning solution for a few minutes to let it set. After the cleaning solution has been removed, the procedure described above should be repeated using only water.
- The deck must be given ample time to dry (this usually takes around 48 hours). Next, buff the splintering or fuzzy spots with sandpaper. Finally, a sealant should be applied to the deck to prevent warping and cracking.
Is Dishwashing Liquid Safe for a Pressure Washer?
Although dish soap can be used in a pressure washer, it may not provide the necessary scrubbing force to thoroughly clean surfaces like a deck or house. Some stains may require numerous applications of dish soap to the same area before they come clean. Even after rinsing thoroughly, dish soap can sometimes leave a film that clings to dishes. This could make the time it takes to pressure wash your house somewhat longer than you anticipated.
Detergents vary by purpose and formulation, so it’s best to get one designed for the surfaces you’ll be cleaning. Specialty cleaners designed for use with power washers can be found at most hardware stores. These cleansers are superior than dish soap in removing the filth that accumulates on outdoor surfaces.
Another option is to engage a professional. They can pressure wash your house for you and use the right kind of cleaner to get all the grime off your surfaces.
Your House Will Shine Like New After Using Aqualuxe services!
Pressure washing a house in Dublin is a complicated process. Contact Aqualuxe instead of spending your weekend on this unpleasant task. We have highly skilled professionals who can make your house look brand new.
