Are layers of dirt and grime concealing the beauty of your patio, siding and deck? The perfect tool to help is a power washer.
If you already own a power washer great, if not you can rent power washers for about $50 to $70 a day. A great way to save some cash is to split the cost with a friend and share the washer. Now when you're choosing a washer, keep in mind that they come in many pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. For most smaller jobs you'll only need one with a PSI of 1500 while larger jobs require a PSI of 3000. Be sure to notice that the wand comes with varying tips for different jobs. Fan tips spray the water in a fan shape and are good for cleaning items that are closer to you, such as walkways, patios and driveways. Spear tips direct the water in a straight line and are super to use when cleaning siding or items that are much hard to get close too.
The water is usually supplied to the pump by a basic garden hose and then pressurized by a gasoline or kerosene fueled engine. The water is then forced through the wand a lot like those you'd see in a do-it-yourself car wash. Water pressurized up to 3000 PSI will not damage intact paint but will blast away layers of dirt, moss, mildew and debris. Make sure you wear safety goggles, the stuff will go everywhere. As you begin to wash, make a few test passes to see how close to hold the tip of the nozzle to the surface. Really stubborn stains might need a second or third pass. Be careful when spraying around foliage, since a blast can easily shred your plants or flowers. Spraying old mortar or pebble based surfaces can be tricky too. Don't get so close that mortar or pebbles break away.
Before you return the power washer, make the time to quickly clean a few more outdoor items like your deck, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, the garage floor and even garbage cans.
