The pressure washer is one of the best appliances to have for anything related to home improvement and cleaning. The immense amount of force it emits is able to remove the toughest of stains from any surface possible. Pressure washers make cleaning so much easier and people wonder why it isn’t used in every cleaning project. At Nashville Soft Wash Pros, a pressure washing company in Nashville, we’ve had a number of customers ask us about pressure washers and if they can really clean everything. Well in simple terms, yes, but that doesn’t mean it won’t damage it as well. As great a pressure washer may be, you shouldn’t overdo it because sometimes they work a little too well. Here are a couple things you shouldn’t use a pressure washer on and why.
People/Pets/Plants
This one should be a no-brainer. Do not use a pressure washer on any living things and make sure they are not near when in use. The force of the water coming from the pressure washer alone is capable of penetrating skin and can lead to severe injuries. When using a pressure washer, make sure you are wearing protective gear to prevent injuries like this and be sure that there are no pets, plants, or humans in the way.
Vehicles
Although cars are a lot more durable than humans, pets, and plants, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can pressure wash them. We don’t recommend pressure washing your car because the amount of force it projects can create small dents on your car and chip away paint. This could leave your car vulnerable to rust overtime and damage your car. You’re better off using a garden hose and a sponge to clean your car. However, if for some reason you need to use a pressure washer to clean your car, use a lower pressure setting and a wider nozzle angle.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are primarily made of little granules that protect your roof from extreme weather conditions. You should avoid pressure washing your asphalt shingles as the high pressure can actually remove the granule from your shingles and expose your roof. Pressure washers are also capable of removing the shingles entirely and could result in structural damage, rotting, and development of mold on your roof. All of this will eventually lead to damaging your home overall and can be costly to repair if not addressed properly.
AC Units
If you are using a pressure washer near the air conditioning unit, do not hit it and make sure you have something to protect it. The air conditioning unit is contained in a metal box for the purpose of protecting it from dirt and debris because the fins that run in the unit are delicate and can be damaged easily. Pressure washing your A/C unit can bend or crush the fins, causing the airflow into the unit to be restricted and shorten its lifespan.
Lead Paint
Many old homes that were built before the 1970s often used lead paint, which is found to be highly toxic and can cause severe health complications. Because of this, lead paint is often disposed of carefully and with care so that there aren’t any traces of it left behind. For this reason, you should not pressure wash the paint away as the debris from the paint can scatter and end up in any direction, making it more dangerous for you to properly dispose of it. Lead paint needs to be contained and disposed of safely in order to not be affected by the health complications that come with it.
Gutters
Although pressure washing your gutter may sound like a great idea, it comes with a big risk. Cleaning your gutter with a pressure washer can damage the downspout and could pull the gutter off of the house due to the high pressure. It’s also important to mention that using a pressure washer on a ladder is very dangerous. It’s best that you clean the gutter by hand and with a garden hose.
Are you ready to pressure wash your home in Nashville, TN?
Pressure washing your home’s exterior might seem simple enough, but if it’s done incorrectly, a lot can go wrong. Make sure you hire a reliable pressure washing company to clean your house the right way. The pros at Nashville Soft Wash Pros can clean your dirty siding and stucco with ease—and without causing damage. Need us to clean up your dirty sidewalk and patio too? We’ve got you covered. No pressure washing job is too big or small for our crew.
Call us today at 615-510-1852 to schedule an appointment or you can email us at nashvillesoftwashpros@gmail.com