what are the main tips to remember when power washing a house?

Answer 1

- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashback or accidental direct spray.

- Make sure all windows are closed tightly.

- Turn off the power to light fixtures and electrical outlets at your home's main service panel. Cover them with plastic bags or film secured with duct tape.

- Place drop cloths over plants and shrubs. Move lawn furniture away.

- If it's windy, don't wash.

- Keep the nozzle 10 to 12 inches from the surface, at about a 45-degree angle.

- Use extra caution when cleaning aluminum or steel siding. A power washer can bend sections - even blow them right off the house.

- Windows can break if you spray directly at them.

- Don't spray under the laps of horizontal siding; it can lift them. And don't spray directly into crawl spaces or gable-end vents.

- Don't let children operate a power washer.

- When it's operating, never put your hand near the tip of the wand or aim it at a person or animal. The water will penetrate and cause severe injury.

- Keep at least 10 feet from any power lines.

You'll be working with a lot of water pressure but with a little practice you should be able to control the wand. Keep in mind that a telescoping wand - which you'll need to reach higher floors - can kick back 3 to 4 feet each time you depress the handle.

You will probably tire from fighting the water pressure. When you do, take a break.

Answer 2

Don't keep the pressure washer nozzle in one spot - it will take stucco off or, if the surface is wood, destroy the grain. Another safety tip would be to not get yourself or anyone else in the way of the nozzle when washing - the pressure is so high that it will break the skin, powering water under the skin.