Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Outdoor Furniture

Pressure washers are an effective tool for cleaning outdoor furniture. To start, attach a low-pressure spray nozzle to the lance/wand and pressure wash top down. No detergent is usually needed, but if the furniture is really dirty, use detergent on the plastic or harder surfaces.

If cushions are stubborn, spot clean with a brush.

Be careful not to damage furniture by setting the proper pressure (1500-1900 PSI) and using the 25° nozzle tip.

Avoid pressure washing teak and some other wood furniture, and always clean wooden decking and furniture in the direction of the grain.

Using a Pressure Washer to Remove Graffiti from Walls

  • Assess the area to determine the type of surface being washed.
  • Use a pressure washer capable of exerting a pressure of about 2000 PSI, particularly on concrete surfaces.
  • Use a turbo nozzle attachment to cut the removal time almost in half.
  • Start with a general low-pressure spray pattern and hold the nozzle about 24 inches from the surface.
  • Dial down your PSI to around 80 psi when applying the chemicals to avoid driving them into the surface and leaving stains.
  • Pressure washing alone will not remove the graffiti, especially if it has dried and sat for a while.
  • Start by pressure washing your surface with just enough pressure to remove the graffiti.
  • If you have areas where you still see graffiti, spot clean those areas with chemical while working on your next section of the tag.
  • How to Safely Clean Your Car Engine with a Pressure Washer

  • Choose the right pressure washer: A pressure washer with a PSI under 1,500 or within the range of 2000 PSI to 2200 PSI is safe to use. However, avoid using a 3000 PSI washer as it can damage the engine components.
  • Apply a degreaser: Before pressure washing, spray a degreaser on the engine block and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the grime. Use a firm brush to work the degreaser in.
  • Protect electrical components: Cover necessary electrical components with wrapping polybag and tape them to avoid water damage.
  • Use a softer spray tip: Use a softer, wide-angle spray tip (at least a 25-40 degree angle tip) to avoid blasting water into the electrical components. Never use the 15- or 0-degree nozzles.
  • Hold the lance at a safe distance: Hold the lance at least 3 feet from the engine and use a safe water spray 2x garden hose pressure efficiently cleaning the engine.
  • Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Swimming Pool

  • Drain the pool and put the plugs back in to catch the water as you power wash.
  • Start cleaning from the top down, directing any dirt and residue away from your work area.
  • Once the walls are clean, move on to the floor, starting at the edges where the wall meets the floor.
  • Never run bleach through your pressure washer, as this will cause damage to the machine.
  • Use a steam pressure washer without detergent to clean pool tiles. Heat the water up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and use different nozzle sizes for proper cleaning.
  • Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Deck or Patio

  • Choose the right cleaner: Make sure the cleaner you choose is appropriate for the type of material your deck is made of.
  • Apply the cleaner: Use a nozzle suitable for soap to apply the cleaner to your deck.
  • Switch to the widest spray nozzle: After applying the cleaner, switch to the widest spray nozzle and begin pressure washing your deck, moving with the grain of the wood in wide sweeping motions.
  • Keep the nozzle at a safe distance: Keep the nozzle about two feet away from the surface and move closer as needed, but don’t get closer than 6 inches or you could damage the wood.
  • Keep the pressure at a safe level: Please keep the pressure washer at an appropriate pressure level to avoid damaging the surface.
  • Rinse thoroughly: After pressure washing, rinse the surface thoroughly to remove any soap or detergent residue.
  • How to Safely Clean Your Roof with a Pressure Washer

  • Protect the roof: Before starting, cover all vents, seal the edges of the roof, and protect any plants or outdoor furniture that may be damaged by the pressure washer. Use a biodegradable detergent that is safe for pressure washers.
  • Start at the bottom: To avoid cleaning the same area multiple times, start at the bottom and work your way up. Use the right nozzle and adjust the pressure accordingly. A medium pressure spray pattern is recommended to start, and the pressure can be adjusted as needed.
  • Aim down the roof: Stand on a dry area of the roof and aim the pressure washer down the roof, toward the gutters, to avoid pushing water under the shingles.
  • Inspect for damage: After cleaning, inspect the roof for any damage that may have been caused during the cleaning process.
  • Consider soft washing: Soft washing is an alternative to pressure washing that uses a lower pressure and less water. It is effective at removing grime and harmful growth, but may not be effective at removing certain stains, such as embedded dirt.
  • How to Effectively Pressure Wash Your Boat or Yacht

  • Put away any loose equipment and items that may be pushed around or damaged by high-pressure water.
  • Remove the boat’s seat cushions, canopies, and other removable equipment like walkie-talkies or buckets.
  • Close any sliding doors, windows, hatches, and portholes before turning on the pressure cleaner. Make sure all entryways are properly closed and sealed off to prevent the boat’s interiors from getting wet.
  • Now that you’ve prepped your boat, it’s time to start pressure washing. Use a pressure washer with at least 2,000 PSI and 1.3 GPM. This pressure ensures that any dirt, debris, and contaminants are removed from all cracks.

    Use a biodegradable cleaning solution that the pressure cleaner user’s manual approves of.

    Other ammonia-type solutions will damage the boat and washer, so be sure to avoid them.

    Attach the pressure washer soap nozzle and spray the boat from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Start from the top down and work in small areas about three to four feet wide. Hold the trigger gun perpendicular to the surface you are washing and move the spray slowly.

    The ninety-degree angle is the best to get the most power out of your pressure washing equipment.

    Rinse from the top of the boat to the bottom using the widest nozzle tip. This method prevents streaking and ensures all the grime washes down and away from the boat. With these tips, you’ll have a clean boat or yacht in no time!

    Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Driveway or Sidewalk

  • First, prep the area by clearing any large, loose debris such as leaves, sticks, and rocks. This will prevent them from getting caught in the pressure washer and causing damage.
  • Next, apply a detergent or pre-treatment solution to the surface to loosen dirt and grime. Make sure to use a detergent specifically designed for pressure washing concrete surfaces.
  • Allow the detergent to sit for about 10 minutes to give it time to work its magic.
  • Use the pressure washer to rinse the surface, starting from the highest point and working your way down. Hold the spray handle at a consistent distance of 8 to 18 inches from the surface to avoid causing damage.
  • Finally, rinse the surrounding areas with a garden hose to remove any soap or chemical residue.
  • When choosing a pressure washer, please consider the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) rating. For driveways and sidewalks, a heavy-duty pressure washer with a PSI of 3000 to 3400 is ideal. However, be careful when using a pressure washer with a high PSI as it can easily take paint off and damage surfaces.

    It’s also important to take safety precautions when pressure washing. Wear safety gloves, eye protection, and ear protection to protect yourself from any flying debris or loud noises. And never pour bleach or other chemicals into the pressure washer soap tank, as this can cause damage to the machine.

    Cleaning Your Fence or Gate with a Pressure Washer

  • Set the pressure washer to the appropriate pressure level to avoid damaging the fence or gate.
  • Use a wood cleaner formulated for pressure washers or a cleaning solution that is safe for wood.
  • Wet the fence or gate with water from a garden hose before applying the cleaning solution from the bottom up to avoid streaks.
  • Let the solution settle for 5-10 minutes to give it time to work. Use a rotating scrub brush attachment for troublesome areas or deep stains.
  • Rinse the fence or gate using a low-to-medium pressure spray pattern to avoid causing any damage or streaking. Work the pressure washer in arcs over the surface of the fence or gate.
  • Rinse with plenty of fresh water and do not let the cleaning solution sit for more than 10 to 15 minutes or it will dry and leave residue.
  • Ensure that the area behind the fence or gate is clear and safe before starting the cleaning process to avoid harm to people, animals, and plants.
  • Using a Pressure Washer to Clean Your Barbecue Grill

    Cleaning your barbecue grill with a pressure washer is a quick and easy process that can remove even the toughest grease and grime. To get started, preheat the grill for 15 minutes to soften the grease on the grates.

    Then, use a pressure washer that produces at least 1.3 GPM at 2,000 PSI to clean the grill.

    Here are some tips to make the process easier:

  • Use a turbo nozzle for heavy grease deposits
  • Use a pressure washer-safe degreaser detergent
  • Apply the degreaser from the bottom up, being mindful of heating elements
  • Adjust the distance of the pressure washer water jet accordingly
  • Let the degreaser sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing from top to bottom
  • Let the grill dry thoroughly before using it again
  • Coat the cooking grid and grates with oil to prevent rust
  • While there is some debate among BBQ aficionados over whether pressure washing a grill is safe or not, it can be done safely and effectively with the right equipment and care. Give it a try and enjoy a clean grill for your next cookout!

    Related Video

    What are some ways you can keep the outside of a house clean?

    Tip: Turn on the caption button if you need it. Choose ‘automatic translation’ in the settings button, if you are not familiar with the English language. You may need to click on the language of the video first before your favorite language becomes available for translation.

    Other References and Links:

    Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces: Surprising Statistics And Facts

    How To Use A Pressure Washer

    Troubleshooting: Pressure Washer

    Safety Tips To Remember When Using Your Pressure Washer

    Simple Steps To Maintaining Your Pressure Washer For Optimal Performance

    The Best Pressure Washer (For You!)

    Power Washing 101: Surfaces, Benefits, Cost & More

    Exterior Cleaning 101: Pressure Washers

    Revive Outdoor Surfaces: Surface Restoration 101

    Outdoor Maintenance: Pressure Washers 101

    Outdoor Dirt Removal 101: Surfaces, Methods, & Maintenance

    Mastering Outdoor Stain Removal

    Mold & Mildew Removal: Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces

    Deck Cleaning 101: Tips, Tools & Solutions

    Patio Cleaning 101: Tips, Tools & Safety

    Discover the Benefits of Driveway Cleaning

    Cleaner Sidewalks: Benefits, Methods & Safety

    Brick Cleaning 101: Tips, Tools & Methods

    Clean Concrete: Tips & Tricks

    Graffiti Removal 101: Tips, Costs & Legalities

    Rust Removal 101: Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Surfaces