Power Washing - A Great Way to Start Your Spring Cleaning!

It's spring! The air is fresh and clean, the temperature has risen, and everything is covered in a winter layer of gunk, salt spray and bugs. It's time to power wash!

Power washing is an economical and logical way to start spring cleaning. You can have a great season and return bookings for next year with a little guidance.

Renters are more selective and are choosing homes to rent that are different from the rest. It is not common for homes that aren't well maintained and cleaned to receive the same return bookings as they used to.

Any salesperson or agent who is a rental agent will tell you curb appeal matters a lot. Renters will often look for alternatives if they see a property that isn't up their standards when they visit it.

Power washing can often be all you need to make your home look presentable for guests. Power Washing You get the benefit of a thorough cleaning. Additionally, this will allow you to inspect the exterior for any signs of siding or trim rot.

We received an unusually high number of emergency power washing requests from rental agencies last year. The wind blowing almost exclusively from the West during the summer meant that the east side of rental homes was the most likely to be infested by mosquitoes and spiders. Renters made it a point to have those areas cleaned up immediately. The problem continued to recur each week as the wind blew only in one direction. Many homes were power washed every turnover day so the property could be ready for guests.

It was obvious how vital cleanliness is for renters and their happiness. Each year, the Better Business Bureau receives thousands of inquiries about reputable power washing companies. You can ask your local BBB for information about companies you are interested in soliciting.

You might consider your needs before you attempt power washing. You might want to wash your outside, car, driveway, and decks. These all require minimal pressure. It would be a waste to buy a machine that can deliver 4000 PSI (pounds/square inch) at 3.5 Gallons per minute.

Smaller machines, which deliver 1800 to 2500 PSI and can produce up to 2 gallons per minute, have been more successful. These machines are lighter, smaller, more compact, easier to maintain, and less costly.

Do-it-yourselfers who attempt power washing often make the most of their cleaning efforts by being too harsh, using too much pressure, and causing damage to the surfaces they are trying clean. A power washer can easily damage siding, concrete, and other surfaces. The smaller, electrically powered machines are better suited for small and intermittent projects.

A machine can also be rented from a local hardware or paint store. This is a great option if you're not familiar with power washing machines or have some questions. Before you begin, the rental agent will give you directions and help you to familiarize yourself with the equipment. Most jobs can be done in one day, and rentals usually cost between $35-50 per day.

These are the basics to remember, whether you're renting or purchasing. To run the machine, you will need a gardenhose and approximately 3-5 pounds of pressure. While most homes have sufficient pressure, some properties with well water or an older pump may not have enough. This will cause the unit to overheat.

A gun and pressure hose are also required. These are usually included with rental or purchase, but you should verify. Consider how many hoses you'll need to reach the highest point of the machine without lifting it. To reach higher areas from the ground, you may need ladders and specialized equipment like a 24-foot extendable wand.

When operating pressure-washing equipment while standing on a ladder, be careful. The blast that results from pulling the trigger could cause you to lose your balance and lead you to fall if you do.

As standard equipment, ensure that your unit comes with a chemical injector. This is faster than using a garden sprayer that pumps up chemicals. You can pick up mildew-killing chemicals and brighten the wood to its natural colors. You can also use it to clean your vinyl siding, car, or cobwebs. Cobwebs will be easier to get rid of if soapy water removes the stickiness.

All chemicals must be rinsed after they have been applied. This step can cause chemical burning on the surface if it is not done. You want to rinse the surface with water volume and not pressure. The garden hose has a higher volume than the power washer. Keep plants, grass, or any other items you wish to protect from chemicals wet when applying them. This will ensure that the chemical is sufficiently diluted to not cause damage. You can also burn yourself with chemicals, so make sure you have rain gear.

If you plan to paint outside, you should first treat the surface with mildew chemicals. Mildew can be seen from only a few feet away. It starts small and becomes a problem when it grows to a large extent. Mildew will grow under your paint or stain if it isn't completely destroyed before any coating job (even clear-deck sealers).

A wide range of cleaning tasks can be done with power washers. There are many options for cleaning, so it is important to check with someone who is familiar with the subject.

You now have the basics. Get out there and maximize your rental income. And, don't forget to clean up. It's definitely worth the effort.