A pressure washer can be a useful and coveted addition to a homeowner’s collection of tools. Unfortunately, a pressure washer used improperly or in the wrong area can also cause a lot of damage. Understanding how and where to use a pressure washer is essential.

A pressure washer is handy for many outdoor cleaning tasks, such as washing sidewalks, driveways or detached window screens. Care should be taken around rockwork or when special landscaping materials are present, however. Always test the washer in an inconspicuous area and adjust the pressure level or discontinue use, if necessary.

A pressure washer is commonly used to clean siding prior to painting. Exercise extreme caution when spraying exterior walls. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding pressure level and angle of spray. Avoid windows, doorways and eves. Also, to avoid creating leaks, never use a pressure washer to clean the roof.

Do not use a pressure washer to wash the family car. Although invaluable for many chores, the high pressure generated by a quality washer may damage the paint or window seals. When washing a vehicle, confine the use of a pressure washer to the undercarriage.

When purchasing a washer, look for quality construction and high volume spray. Avoid inexpensive models as they are generally of no more use than a standard garden hose. To make a quality washer more affordable, consider partnering with a family member or a close friend. As an alternative to buying, rent rather than purchase a pressure washer if one is needed for infrequent use only.

Tags: Cleaning Tips, Pressure washer, WATER

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 9th, 2010 at 2:17 pm and is filed under Appliances, Cleaning Tips, Home, WATER. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.