7 Things That You Should Never Pressure Wash
Pressure washing is an efficient way to clean many different types of surfaces, but it may also cause damage to certain materials if not done correctly. The potential harm it might do to fragile objects or characters is a significant worry. This blog post will mention 7 things that you should never pressure wash.
Damage to paint, wood, tiles, and even dents and scratches may be caused by high-pressure water streams. Leaks, water damage, and mold development might result from too much pressure or the wrong method. A pressure washer may damage plants. Pressure washing may cause serious injury.
Delicate Things That You Should Never Pressure Wash
Using pressure washers on freshly painted or otherwise fragile surfaces is not a good idea. Antique furniture and ornamental moldings are two examples of surfaces that shouldn’t be subjected to the high pressure of a pressure washer.
It is possible for the intense pressure to remove paint, exposing bare patches or even denting or scratching more delicate materials. Cars and other painted outside constructions are not immune to the same problems. Strong water jets may rip off paint, ruining the finish and making the surface less durable. Cleaning procedures that are softer and more suited to the unique demands of fragile or painted surfaces are recommended to protect the surface’s integrity and beauty.
Windows
Because each season brings its fair share of pollen, dust, and dirt, your windows can become dirty. Of course, you’ll be tempted to pressure wash since you can’t wait to eliminate all that grime in one go. But can you pressure wash windows?
Too many dangers and possible damages are associated with using a pressure washer on windows to advocate doing so. Windows with cracks or defects may be easily cracked or broken by the powerful water streams produced by pressure washers. High-pressure water may ruin even the toughest tempered or safety glass.
Furthermore, water pushed into the window frames or seals by a power washer may cause leaks, water damage, and mold development. Cleaning windows carefully protects the glass and the environment from harm. Maintaining the transparency and integrity of windows without jeopardizing their structural integrity requires using proper window cleanings techniques, such as a squeegee, microfiber cloth, or mild cleaning solution.
Electrical Outlets or Fixtures
The hazards associated with cleaning electrical outlets and fixtures with a pressure washer are too significant ever to do it. Putting electrical components at risk by exposing them to high-pressure water is as simple as combining water and electricity.
Electrical shocks, damaged wiring, or even short circuits might result from using a pressure washer in certain places. There is a risk of electrical fires and other harm to the electrical system if water gets into electrical outlets or fixtures. Regarding electricity, safety must always come first, and risks must be avoided at all costs. To safeguard both the user and the electrical system, it’s best to avoid using water while cleaning electrical outlets and fixtures or to seek the assistance of a professional electrician.
Asphalt Shingles
The asphalt shingles on your roof might be severely damaged by a pressure washer, resulting in expensive repairs. Pressure washing a roof can seem quick and easy to eliminate unsightly moss, algae, or debris, but the strong water streams can dislodge or even harm the tiles. Because of this, the shingles may lose their protecting granules, which are crucial to their durability and resilience to the elements.
High-pressure water may also seep through cracks in the roofing and cause interior leaks and damage. Alternatives to high-pressure washing are preferable, such as soft brushing or chemical treatments developed for roof cleaning. To guarantee the longevity and integrity of asphalt shingles, it’s best to seek the advice of specialists or roofing experts.
Plants
To keep plants healthy and prevent damage, pressure washing should not be used on them. Young seedlings and plants with shallow roots are particularly vulnerable to being uprooted or damaged by the powerful water streams created by pressure washers. High-pressure water may damage a plant by ripping off its leaves, blossoms, or other delicate foliage and stunting its development.
Furthermore, the water’s impact may damage the plant’s physical structure beyond repair. Cleaning around garden beds and sensitive plants requires a different approach, such as hand washing with a gentle spray or watering can. We can protect our plants from harm and extend their lives with better maintenance practices without diminishing the aesthetic appeal of our outdoor areas.
Vehicles With Loose Paint
Pressure washing vehicles with loose paint or rust should be avoided to prevent further damage and deterioration. The forceful water streams generated by pressure washers can exacerbate existing issues with the color or rust on a vehicle’s surface. The high pressure can peel off more layers of loose paint, making the damage more extensive and requiring costly repairs or repainting. Never remove lead paint with a pressure washer. When released, lead paint should be carefully contained, not blasted into the air and surrounding surfaces.
Similarly, pressure washing can accelerate the corrosion process by pushing water into rusted areas, causing them to spread and potentially compromising the vehicle’s structural integrity. It is crucial to address loose paint or rust issues using appropriate automotive solutions or seeking professional assistance. By avoiding pressure washing in these cases, we can prevent additional damage and preserve the appearance and value of our vehicles.
Outdoor Electronics
You must never subject your outdoor devices to a pressure wash. Speakers, outdoor TVs, and security cameras are all examples of electronics that may be severely damaged by exposure to high-pressure water. Water from the powerful streams may damage the internal components, causing the electrical equipment to malfunction, short circuit, or fail.
Corrosion, which water penetration may induce, further reduces the efficiency and longevity of the machinery. You should avoid using water while cleaning outdoor devices and opt for options like gently wiping them off with a moist towel or utilizing specialist electronic cleaning products. To preserve the durability and effective working of outdoor electrical equipment, it is recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications or seek expert help while cleaning or maintaining them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pressure washing helps clean many different surfaces, but certain things should only be put through a steady stream of water. Damage to painted or fragile surfaces might result in paint flaking off and even deeper scratches or dents. There are better ideas to prevent shocks and damage to wiring than pressure washing electrical outlets and fixtures. High pressure may cause windows to crack or shatter, leading to leaks and water damage.
Chris’s Pressure Washing specializes in pressure washing services. Our staff knows the correct way of pressure washing, preventing damage to your property. We also offer Roof Cleaning, Leaf Removal and Gutter Cleaning, and Concrete Cleaning. When it comes to windows, we use a low-pressure setting that does the job and doesn’t damage the windows. Contact us today to get the best pressure-washed windows and driveways.
