Although winters in south Louisiana may be brief and intermittent, they can still take a toll on and around your home. Cold snaps, rain (even sometimes ice), falling leaves and other debris all accumulate and leave different surfaces and elements of your home greeting spring with a dingy, discolored look. However there is an easy and effective remedy that gets your home looking as bright as a Louisiana spring day.
Pressure washing is a common spring cleaning chore that you can do over a few hours and instantly see results. Depending on the type of surface you are cleaning, there are a few things you should know that will help you get the most out of your power washer, and keep your concrete, wood, and stucco protected.
Pressure Washing Equipment for Concrete
Your concrete surfaces take the brunt of winter’s nastiest weather. Between debris and rain, your driveway and patio collects most of it. Here are a few tips to effectively remove dirt, mildew, and grime to make your concrete look brand new.
Use a 25 degree nozzle to clear the top level of debris off of the surface.
Use a detergent in your washer to get the most effective results.
When applying detergent, use a soaping nozzle. This allows the surface to be soaked and not blasted.
Once the detergent is applied, let it settle for about 5 minutes.
A surface cleaner attachment can make for a quicker and more effective job.
After cleaning, use a 25 degree nozzle to give the surface a final rinse.
Pressure Washing Machines for Wood Surfaces
The wood on your deck and fence is a porous surface that is susceptible to dirt, mildew, and other grime. However, pressure washing can make it look brand new and years younger. Here are few tips to safely and easily pressure wash your wooden surfaces.
Use a specific detergent for cleaning wood.
Apply detergent from bottom to top.
Reduce Pressure and use the White (40 degree) Nozzle to prevent damage.
Work with the grain of the wood as you spray the detergent off.
Allow 48 hours for the surface to dry and you can apply a stain or sealer to protect the newly clean surface.
Washing Stucco
Stucco is popular material used on homes in south Louisiana. However it is notorious for accumulating dirt, dust, and mildew. Fortunately, washing can make a dirty, streaky wall look brand new. Here are a few tips for washing your home’s stucco.
Begin by repairing any cracks or chips. This will prevent water from compromising the wall.
Work from section to section.
Use a detergent for the most effective results.
Apply detergent from the bottom up, and allow it to settle for 5-10 minutes.
Heavy stains may need to be scrubbed.
The use of a Pressure Washer on Stucco requires adjusting the pressure to between 100psi to 300psi. This can be easily done by reducing the engine speed with the throttle lever. You can also lower the pressure by adjusting the regulator/unloader valve. The use of a Pressure gauge in the discharge of the pump will provide a more accurate adjustment.
Soft Wash is also an option to clean Stucco. Soft Wash uses high volume (normally 4 to 10gpm) at low pressure (normally 100 -300psi). Soft Wash Systems provide a higher volume of water at a much lower pressure than most homeowner pressure washers provide.
Using a low pressure spray pattern, hit the wall at a 40 degree (white) nozzle for rinsing.
Hold the nozzle at least 24 inches away from the surface when rinsing detergent away.
With these tips and tricks your home will have a refreshed and reinvigorated appearance. As storms and the volatile summer weather of Louisiana approaches you can also do quick touch ups and spot cleaning as needed. When it comes to pressure washers, service, and accessories, trust the pros at Bozeman Distributors.
