Ice, snow, sleet, hail, and freezing rain, combined with mud and salt, can make a real mess of your driveway, sidewalk, patio, deck, and more during the long winter months. So when spring rolls around again, using a pressure washer can be one of the best ways to clean up the exterior of your home and get it ready for summer barbecues and get-togethers.

The cleaning power of a pressure washer is impressive; however, if used incorrectly, it can cause significant damage to your property. With this in mind, you should always read the user manual before you begin to ensure you know how to use the machine properly. In addition to the steps included with your manual, there are several key pressure washer tips every homeowner should know before tackling spring cleaning. Check out these tips and tricks below to make your spring cleaning go as smoothly as possible.

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1. Choose the Right Nozzle to Control the Pressure

When it comes to using a pressure washer, pressure is, of course, everything. The amount of pressure you use directly affects how efficiently you clean a surface, but it can also determine whether you accidentally damage it or just give it a good clean. With this in mind, understanding the various nozzles and what the color-coded system means is essential for using your pressure washer properly. Also, if you don't have a variable nozzle, adjust the pressure by moving the wand further away (lower pressure) or closer (higher pressure) to the surface.

• Red (0°): Creates a pinpoint stream. Use the red nozzle only for the toughest stains on hard surfaces, and take extreme caution as it can gouge materials.
• Yellow (15°): Intended for heavy-duty cleaning, like on concrete or stripping paint.
• Green (25°): One of the two most commonly used nozzles. The green nozzle is for general-purpose cleaning for siding, decks, and patios.
• White (40°): When you need to be a little bit more careful, a white nozzle provides a gentler spray for delicate surfaces like windows or vehicles.
• Black (Soap): A simple spray of water can remove much of the dirt and grime, but for the best results, use soap to clean the target surface. The black nozzle is a low-pressure option made for applying detergents.

2. Let the Surface Dictate the Pressure Setting

The pressure required for cleaning depends on the surface you are washing. Similarly, different surfaces will be more or less vulnerable to high-pressure sprays, so it's necessary to be aware of the surface type and to adjust the nozzle and your distance from the target surface to avoid damage.

• Concrete: When cleaning driveways, patios, sidewalks, and other concrete surfaces, you can typically use the yellow or green nozzle. In some cases, you might need to use the red nozzle, but make sure to start well away from the surface you are spraying so you can adjust the pressure slowly to find the optimal distance.
• Wood: Since wood is softer than concrete, it makes sense to use lower pressure with a green or white nozzle and keep the nozzle one to two feet away to prevent gouging or splintering. Also, make sure to follow the wood grain for the best results.
• Vinyl Siding: Stick to a green or white nozzle when cleaning vinyl siding. Yellow or red nozzles will generate excessive pressure and could damage the siding or even pull parts of it off the wall. Additionally, clean from the top down, holding the wand at a slight angle to avoid forcing water underneath the panels.
• Brick or Stone: Due to the more porous nature of brick and decorative stone, use lower-pressure green or white spray nozzles, and check for loose mortar before beginning.
• Vehicles: Using a pressure washer on your vehicles can be risky, so proceed with extreme caution. Avoid high-pressure nozzles. Stick to using low-pressure white nozzles with a wide-angle tip and keep a safe distance.

3. Use Cleaners Specifically Labeled for Pressure Washers

Cleaning solutions can be an effective way to deal with stubborn stains, rather than simply blasting them away with increased pressure, which could damage the surface. However, when selecting soap for the pressure washer, make sure you choose cleaners specifically labeled for this purpose.

You should especially avoid bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the pump and vegetation. Instead, use specialized, biodegradable detergents and apply from the bottom up using the low-pressure nozzle (usually black) to avoid streaks. Allow the cleaner to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer, then rinse from top to bottom.

4. Start at a Distance and Test an Inconspicuous Area

One of the problems with using a pressure washer for the first time is that you don't know exactly how much pressure you need for the surface you're cleaning. To ensure that you don't accidentally damage your surface, start at a distance of about two to three feet away and gradually move closer until the desired cleaning effect is achieved.

Additionally, make sure to start this test in an inconspicuous area so that if you do end up causing a small amount of damage before moving to the correct distance, the damage remains relatively unseen until you can have it repaired.

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5. Apply Soap from Bottom to Top and Rinse Top to Bottom

Knowing how to apply soap is essential to avoid streaks or staining. First, make sure you have the correct nozzle for applying soap. Typically, this will be a black nozzle. With the pressure washer ready to go, apply the cleaning solution from the bottom of the wall to the top, letting it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes, or as directed by the manufacturer. Do not let the soap dry.

After giving the solution time to work, you can begin rinsing it off, starting at the top of the wall and working down. This will prevent dirty water from running over already-cleaned areas. For most surfaces, use wide-angle nozzles to prevent surface damage and maintain a steady 10-20% overlap. Keep a safe distance from the target surface, moving closer only if needed.

6. Inspect Hoses/Seals and Prime the Pump

Before you begin using your pressure washer, you should always perform a basic inspection of the machine. Check for any kinks or leaks in the hoses, look for cracks in the seals or broken O-rings, and replace any damaged hoses or seals immediately rather than attempting a makeshift repair.

Once you have ensured the machine is in good condition, turn on the water supply to the pressure washer and squeeze the trigger to purge air from the system before starting the engine. This will prime the pump, helping to prevent damage.

After turning the machine off, squeeze the trigger to release remaining water pressure before detaching hoses or nozzles.

Common Pressure Washer Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your safety and minimize the risk of damage, avoid these common pressure washer mistakes when tackling spring cleaning.

• Skipping protective gear. Never skip goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes; high-pressure spray can cause serious injuries.
• Using too high a pressure. Avoid high-pressure settings on delicate surfaces like wood, soft mortar, or vehicles to prevent damage.
• Not testing the pressure. Always test in a small, hidden area to ensure the pressure and nozzle settings won't cause damage.
• Starting the machine without water. Never run the motor without water, as this can destroy the pump. Only run the machine when actively spraying.
• Not moving the wand enough. Move in smooth, even strokes, keeping the tip one to two feet from the surface, and avoid concentrating on one spot, which causes etching.
• Spraying from bottom to top. Spraying up forces water under siding and into walls, causing mold, mildew, and rot. Always work from the top down at a 45-degree angle.
• Skipping detergent or using the wrong detergent. This can result in poor results or damage.
• Not protecting nearby items. Failing to cover nearby delicate plants, light fixtures, or electrical outlets can cause damage to property.
• Pointing the wand at living things. Never point the wand at a human or animal. The high-pressure stream can easily puncture human skin and cause deep-tissue damage that could lead to infection or amputation.
• Using a gas machine indoors. Never operate gas-powered pressure washers indoors or in enclosed spaces, such as garages, even with doors open.

Where Is Pressure Washing the Most Effective?

Before setting up the pressure washer, it's worth considering where it's most effective. Not every surface is suited for pressure washing, such as windows and painted surfaces, so you will want to avoid turning the spray towards these more fragile areas of the home. Use your pressure washer on the following areas to get the most out of this helpful outdoor tool.

• Driveways and Walkways: Removes oil stains, tire marks, and moss, particularly on concrete and asphalt.
• Siding and Exterior Walls: Cleans vinyl, stucco, brick, and wood siding, removing mold and dirt.
• Decks and Patios: Removes grime and mildew, rejuvenating wood or stone for summer.
• Gutters: Clears debris and restores the color of exterior gutters.
• Fences and Gates: Removes discoloration and algae from wood or vinyl.
• Outdoor Furniture and Toys: Sanitizes plastic and composite items.
• Pool Decks: Removes slippery algae to ensure a safe, clean environment.