It’s time for spring cleaning and while we’re familiar with the deep dive of curtains, carpeting, and cabinets, let’s not forget that the home’s exterior could use some freshening up too. Pressure washing is an easy and affordable way to improve your home’s appearance as it cleans and brightens decks, patios, driveways, and improves the curb appeal of your home’s stone and siding.
Pressure washing is also a good way to prepare a home’s surface for repainting as it removes peeling, flaking, and chalking paint. Dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and moss can be removed from almost anything with the high pressure water stream.
When choosing a pressure washer, understand PSI and GPM ratings as well as nozzle options.
PSI: The PSI (pounds per square inch) rating is the maximum amount of force (pressure) discharged by the pressure washer. The higher the PSI, the more cleaning power available and the more things you will be able to clean.
GPM: A pressure washer’s GPM (gallons per minute) rating refers to the water flow during one minute of operation. The higher the GPM, the faster you will be able to clean.
Nozzles: Look for your pressure washer to have more than one nozzle that is easy to change out and connect.
- A 0-degree nozzle is designed for blasting tough mud and rust. It delivers a pinpoint stream of pressurized water and is extremely powerful. This nozzle should only be directed at surfaces that can withstand high pressure such as metal or concrete. Do not use this nozzle to clean wood.
- Use a 15-degree nozzle for siding and gutters.
- A 25-degree nozzle is designed for general cleaning of roofs, driveways, and light stains.
- A 40-degree nozzle is best for cleaning lawn equipment, autos, boats, and RVs.
- A chemical nozzle dispenses soap for extra dirty jobs.
A-iPower has both gas and electric models. To read more about choosing a pressure washer, visit a-ipower.com.