
Vacuum cleaners have made it incredibly easy to keep all nooks and corners of the house clean. Similarly, pressure washing enables you to clean and restore all kinds of surfaces around the exterior of your home. The process is done using a powerful pressure washing tool that sprays water at high speeds.
However, there are some fundamental doubts several folks have about this tool. For instance, many wonder if their power washer Dawn dishwashing soap are compatible, what the color codes on the tips mean, and more.
This article will discuss the answers to the above questions and other critical ones, helping first-time users operate the tool efficiently.
The difference between pressure and power washing
Pressure and power washing are often used interchangeably, and for the most part, they mean the same thing. But there are minor differences such as this: a pressure washer typically uses water at ground temperature. In contrast, a power washer comes with a heating element that heats the water before spraying it.
Most residences use pressure washers for outdoor cleaning and maintenance. Power washers are mostly preferred to clear tough stains that contain bacteria such as mold.
When to use a pressure washer
You can use a pressure washer safely on any exterior surface with caked-on dirt, mud, plant grease, and other unwanted residues.
They are best to use on large surface areas that cannot be cleaned with ordinary tools. Ensure to keep the pressure very low if you are spraying plant beds and other sensitive surfaces so that it does not damage them.
What the colors of the washer tips mean
The colors signify angles, and thereby speed, as changing an angle will invariably change spray speed. If you go by universal color-coding, black is 65 degrees, green is 25 degrees, white is 40 degrees, red is 10 degrees, and so on. It is safest for beginners to check the manual for instructions on which tip to use for which surfaces.
Is it safe to use dish soap in the pressure washer?
Pairing your power washer with Dawn or any other soap is not a bad idea as these detergents have proven to be quite effective in cleaning stained surfaces. Any biodegradable, non-toxic detergent is safe to use in the tool. The problem only arises when you do not use the liquid correctly. It might leave residue along the pressure tube or get overly soapy.
But if you do use soap, take care to dilute it well, preferably mixing around three ounces of detergent with a gallon of water. Also, make sure all of it is washed thoroughly with water to avoid any residue. Moreover, using soap on cars may not be advisable, more so if it isn’t diluted enough, so it is important to be mindful when using soap to wash your car.
Using protective gear
It is crucial to remember that pressure washers are powerful tools that may even cause damage to concrete surfaces if the pressure is high enough.
Therefore, always wear safety gear such as water-resistant glasses, gloves for easy grip, and slip-proof footwear. Invest in ear protection if you are using a loud gas-powered model.
Moreover, never spray animals, people, plants, and other living things as the pressure could cause severe injury and damage.