how much psi to clean concrete
By erick montufar Pressure Washing • 0 Comments

How Much psi to Clean Concrete Driveway?

No one likes a muddy driveway and sometimes, so much dirt has accumulated over the years that you can’t tell whether that shady brown-gray tone was original to the property! Trust us–it’s not!  Your driveway can appear unpleasant due to dirt, filth, and discoloration. Cleaning it can bring it back to its former glory and improve the appearance of your house. Salt, oil, and other chemicals can also have an impact on concrete, weakening the surface. Regular cleanings of these compounds might help your driveway last longer. Pressure washing can save the look of your property and driveway through its high-powered cleaning system. If you haven’t heard of pressure washing or you’re a newbie, don’t worry. We are going to teach you everything you need to know about cleaning a concrete driveway. Read on and then when you’re done, enjoy a smooth parking experience in your refreshed driveway!

What is PSI?

PSI, or “pounds per square inch,” is a measurement of pressure used to gauge a pressure washer’s strength. It quantifies the force per square inch that the water being ejected from the pressure washer’s head exerts. The pressure washer’s power and ability to remove stubborn filth and grit from surfaces increase with increasing PSI. Overall, pressure washers typically have a range of 1000 to 4000 PSI.

Why does PSI matter?

Understanding PSI is crucial for pressure washing since it determines how much pressure a device can produce. Moreover, the cleaning jobs a pressure washer is best suited for and how successfully it will remove dirt, grime, and other materials from surfaces depend on its PSI rating. A greater PSI rating indicates a higher degree of pressure and can result in more effective cleaning, but it can potentially harm some surfaces if not handled correctly. To guarantee both successful washing and protection, it is crucial to comprehend the PSI of a pressure washer and select the appropriate one for the work at hand.

How much PSI to clean concrete?

The volume of filth and dirt that has to be removed, as well as the kind of surface, determine the pressure needed to clean concrete. Cleaning dirt and grime off concrete surfaces usually just requires a pressure washer with a range of 1500–2000 PSI. However, a pressure washer with a greater PSI capacity might be required if the concrete surface is very muddy or contains stubborn stains. Additionally, it’s crucial to bear in mind that a greater PSI doesn’t always equate to a better clean and, if improperly applied, can actually harm concrete. We recommend starting with a lower PSI and adjusting as necessary.

PSI for an electric pressure washer

An electric pressure washer works by pumping water from a faucet and pressurizing it before spraying it through a nozzle to boost the cleaning power of the water. It is a flexible tool for cleaning jobs outside since the pressure may be altered to meet the cleaning requirements of various surfaces and materials. In most cases, a pressure washer with 2000 to 3000 PSI is enough for cleaning concrete. However, some stubborn stains or significant filth accumulation may call for a pressure washer with a greater PSI, such as 4000.

PSI for a gas-powered pressure washer

Unlike electric pressure washers, a gas-powered pressure washer employs a gasoline engine to push high-pressure water via a pipe and nozzle.  Compared to electric pressure washers, gas-powered pressure washers frequently have higher power and a wider operating range. A gas-powered pressure washer must normally have a PSI rating of at least 2,500 to 3,000 in order to effectively clean concrete. To properly clean concrete surfaces, a pressure washer with a sufficient water flow rate (measured in GPM or gallons per minute) is also essential.

Conclusion

Doing pressure washing on your own is great and we believe you’ve become an expert after this but, rather than getting your own machine, why not save yourself the trouble and employ a pressure washing service? A professional pressure washing team can help restore that dulled driveway to look brand new at a cheaper cost and quickly! Whatever you choose to do, we hope you have benefited from our quick tips on PSI and the benefits of cleaning your driveway!

how to pressure wash a fence
By erick montufar Pressure Washing 0 Comments

How to Pressure Wash a Fence

Fence cleaning is sometimes overlooked, but in actuality, a dirty fence speaks volumes about the overall state of the house and can really reveal years of neglect. As springtime approaches and more community members and local residents will be outside enjoying the gentle breeze, make your fence stand out by learning how to power wash a fence. Fences may harbor years’ worth of filth and germs. If this damage is allowed to build up, it may cost far more to rebuild the entire fence than it would use a straightforward fence cleaning solution. Read along to find out how you can pressure wash your fence with ease to boost your curb appeal this spring.

Preparation

Before you begin the actual power washing process, you should make sure that you have the proper preparation in place for the best results.

Preparation includes the following:

  • Remove any abrasive particles from around and close to the fence.
  • Ensure that your workspace is clear of clutter so that you won’t trip or stumble over anything.
  • Keep doors and openings closed to prevent damage to your home’s inside.
  • Use a sheet to cover surrounding objects such as trees, power outlets, lighting, patio chairs, and any other object.
  • Place your pressure washer in a secure location.

Safety tips for homeowners

There are also some safety tips you should follow before pressure washing. The number one rule is to get acquainted with your tool so that you know how to turn it on and off at the right moment–especially if you’re a first-timer.

Some other safety tips include:

  • When pressure washing, dress appropriately, and always use eye protection to safeguard against eye injuries from particles.
  • Because the detergent includes chemicals that might harm your skin, handle pressure washer detergent cautiously and adhere to assembly instructions.
  • After turning off your pressure washer, squeeze the tip trigger to relieve any leftover pressure before unplugging your nozzle.
  • Always lay the pressure washer on a flat surface.

Scrub, scrub, scrub

There are three types of scrubbing solutions that you can use: your go-to chemical fence cleaning solution, a more natural homemade detergent with vinegar and baking soda, and a mechanical solution using sandpaper.

Chemical solution:

There are many concentrated soaps made for fence pressure washing that come at an affordable price. They are great for clearing out any mold or fungus that may have grown, bird droppings, and any dirt stains.

Natural solution:

You’ll need baking soda and vinegar for this. Baking soda works well as an abrasive substance, while vinegar has a moderately acidic nature. Although this approach will need a little more scrubbing, it is a fantastic substitute for harsh chemicals.

Mechanical solution:

You can also use sandpaper or a sanding machine instead of scrubbing if you have a lot of dirt buildup on your fence. This is also beneficial if you plan on painting your fence afterward.

Pressure Washing Tool Tips

Making sure you are using your pressure washer correctly and using a soft detergent product is important because wood is very delicate. Mistakes can be made quickly because pressure washers work at a high-speed rate. Here are the proper tools you should be using.

Type of pressure washer

A minor project, such as cleaning your car or a tiny picket fence, is best handled with an electric pressure washer. While having a larger power and giving you more freedom to roam around because they don’t need an outlet, gas pressure washers are excellent for cleaning wood fences. Gas pressure washers will be your greatest option because they are portable and light.

PSI (pounds per square inch)

For softer woods you should use a PSI between 500 to 800. If you have stronger wood you can use 1200 to 1500. The average homeowner ends up using around 1800 but even then, they are subtle with their use. Spray the little area on the corner of your fence with various PSI levels to see which one produces the greatest results while preserving the structural integrity of your fence. This will help you determine how much pressure your wood fence can withstand.

Nozzle

The nozzle that you put on your pressure washer also matters. We recommend a 25° tip and nothing less so that your fence gets thoroughly cleaned without any damage that comes with a larger degree tip.

Sweet satisfaction: Pressure washing!

If you are utilizing an average PSI rate of 1800, it will take you between two and three hours to clean a 500-square-foot fence. To prevent damaging the wood, be careful to use a lower psi. The best technique to use a pressure washer to clean a fence is to simply begin at one end and work your way through it section by section. In order to apply the detergent from bottom to top, your pressure washer’s detergent tank has to be switched on. While the detergent has to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, make sure to keep the area moist by applying water.

Planning to stain— pressure wash first!

Homeowners who are performing a deep clean of their fence also have plans to either paint or stain the fence. Mold and fungus-collecting microorganisms are removed by pressure washing. In order to prevent debris or deformations from soaking into the stain, you should always pressure wash your fence before staining.

Conclusion

Now that you have your beautiful picket fence looking shiny and brand new again, make sure that you protect it for the future. Use durable outdoor stains to prevent having to clean the surface once again. Doing so will allow you to only have to touch up the stain every once in a while. But make sure to wait a few days for your fence to dry completely. You may also repair damaged boards if necessary. We hoped this helped!