Most people think a pressure washer is only meant for cleaning siding, wooden decks or stairs. While you can certainly pressure wash those things, there are many other surfaces and outdoor furniture to clean with a pressure washer that many people don’t know about. So if you have a pressure washer, or you have been thinking about getting one, keep this list in mind:
Grill
There’s nothing better than grilling meals on your patio during the summer. Those grill marks and the fresh taste of food make any summertime gathering memorable. But a summer’s worth of use can leave your grill looking pretty rough and in need of a good deep cleaning. Before storing your grill for the winter, you’ll want to get it super clean before you start it up for summer.
Your pressure washer can help to make cleaning your grill easy. To clean your grill, start by removing the grates (scrub those clean separately), and then disconnect the propane tank, the gas, and the electrical components of your grill. You’ll want to focus just on the body of your grill, and then remove these components so that the water doesn’t damage them.
Next, apply degreasing detergent to your grill and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes. To pressure wash your grill, you’ll need a soap nozzle. To start, work your way from the bottom of the grill to the top. Be very careful to avoid spraying any heating elements. Once the grease and grime is removed, rinse the grill off and let it dry.
Patio and Outdoor Furniture
Is your patio furniture in need of a deep cleaning after a summer out in the weather, or after being stored during the winter? Whether you’re working with wood, vinyl, or plastic furniture, you can pressure wash patio furniture for a fast, deep clean.
When washing furniture, you’ll want to use a low-pressure spray nozzle so you don’t cause any damage. Place your furniture on a flat surface, then spray the furniture starting from the top and working your way down.
The benefit of pressure washing furniture is that you usually don’t need to use any detergent. There’s no scrubbing involved, so you’ll save yourself some excess labor and possible back pain! Just be sure to let all of your furniture thoroughly dry if you’re washing it in preparation of putting it into storage for the winter.
Driveway
When people pull up to your house, the driveway is the first thing they see. And with time, your driveway gets dirty and stained and starts to look old. Removing stains from concrete or asphalt takes time, elbow grease, and some powerful cleaning.
When you pressure wash your driveway, you can use a high-pressure nozzle and run your pressure washer at full strength. This can remove stains, dirt, oil residue, moss, and more.
In addition to your driveway, you can also pressure wash brick and tile. This means an exterior chimney, a brick wall, and cement stairs and sidewalks are all fair game. Your pressure washer can revitalize and transform the look of your driveway and other home accents, increasing the value of your property. A fresh, pressure washed driveway can help to make a positive first impression on buyers, possibly helping to sell your house in the process.
Fencing
Have a fence that’s looking less than stellar? Whether you have wood, vinyl, or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) fence, over time it will get dirty and start to look worn out. Depending on your climate, you may also be dealing with unsightly mold and mildew – and scrubbing that off by hand will take time.
A pressure washer can be the perfect solution. Use a low-pressure nozzle with a wider tip to make for a softer spray so that you don’t remove any paint. Then, work your way down the fence line.
This is a great strategy for your backyard fence, but it’s also highly useful for farms and other locations with significant fencing. You can quickly and easily restore your fence’s appearance without having to result to scrubbing, bleaching, and other time-consuming and labor-intensive chores.
Cars and Trucks
Did you know that you can even wash cars, trucks, and other vehicles like lawn mowers? Using a pressure washer can cut down on the amount of time it takes to wash your vehicle, and also makes it easier to access tricky areas, like the stubborn grime inside your vehicles car rims because pressure washers are more powerful than your typical garden hose. And because pressure washers are more efficient, you’ll reduce the amount of water you use.
You’ll need to carefully choose the right power washer for the job, though. Make sure that you stay within a PSI range of 1200-1900 so that you don’t damage your vehicle. Use a wider washer nozzle, such as a 25 degree or a 40 degree.
Test out the washer’s pressure before you spray the car. Most pressure washers can hold cleaning detergents, so you can apply your vehicle’s detergent using the washer, itself. Rinse thoroughly, and you’re done – it’s fast, easy, and there’s no scrubbing required.
Have a boat? You can pressure wash that, too.
Getting Started With Your Pressure Washer
Before you start any of the tasks above, please make sure to read your pressure washers’ manual so that you know how to safely handle the equipment. Always follow safety precautions, including wearing protective eyewear and closed shoes. Never aim the nozzle toward your body. Wear appropriate footwear and keep children and pets in the house when you’re using the equipment.
Conclusion
Because a pressure washer is so versatile, it’s a great investment and can help out with various home maintenance chores. From cleaning your grill to removing the stains on your driveway, you can do countless chores with a quality pressure washer, an assortment of nozzles and nice weather to help!
