Learn what NOT to do when cleaning exterior walls and surfaces.
- Don’t spray too close.
With a powerful enough pressure blaster, 3-5 feet should be enough. Any closer runs the risk of damaging paint.
- Wear protective goggles.
Accidental blasts are more common than you might think, and potentially disastrous for the eyes.
- Don’t add bleach (or any other chemical) to the pressure cleaner’s tank.
If you must use bleach, it needs to be applied selectively and separately, with a brush, directly onto the surface.
- Don’t focus too much on a single point.
No matter how much it needs the attention, too much prolonged pressure could wear down the paint or damage many surfaces.
- Avoid anything fragile, i.e. windows.
This may seem obvious, but our friends at House Washing Brisbane tell us this is a surprisingly common error for first time DIY cleaners!)
- Remember to practice.
Before moving on to painted areas, try the pressure cleaner out on a driveway, path or another concrete surface. This way you’ll get a proper feel for the equipment, and aren’t so likely to be caught by surprise.
- Most importantly, be very careful if using a ladder.
Do not under any circumstances increase the pressure, as the kickback could throw you off balance.
- Check very carefully for electrical outlets.
Interior or exterior; obvious or remote. The dangers of electrocution here are fairly self-explanatory!
With special thanks to the Pressure Cleaning Safety Checklist.
Anything we’ve missed? Feel free to leave your suggestions with your fellow readers below!
