A guide to your DIY project: How-to Videos on Pressure Washing Basics - Using a Power Washer Correctly

I have collected a variety of videos and keep doing so to support you with any power washing DYI projects you might have.

Today, I'd like to start with showing you how to correctly use a pressure washer. Prepare yourself by wearing protective eyeglasses or goggles, earmuffs and work gloves, as mentioned in the videos.

It's important to realize that there is one key to prevent damage to a surface when using a pressure washer around your home and that's using the correct tip on the wand and holding the wand at a very low angle.

Pressure washer tips normally come in these sizes:
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• 0 degrees
• 15 degrees
• 25 degrees
• 40 degrees
• 65 degrees for a wide angle rinse

Which pressure washer tip do I use?

Depending on the task at hand, you have to choose the appropriate tip for your power washing wand (see video). I recommend to start with a tip of a 40 degree angle. It sprays water in a wider range and can be used for light duty cleaning. You have to check your surface to see if you create the desired effect. Especially wood should be treated with care because its surface is much softer than e.g. cement.
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Use a 15-degree tip for heavy-duty cleaning and a 25-degree tip if you want to remove paint from your patio. See if you get acceptable results and switch to the 15-degree tip if the paint is holding on tight to the patio.

The 65-degree tip is mostly used to distribute the cleaning solution to the area you intend to power wash.
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Note: If you compare the 40-degree with a 0-degree tip you will quickly see the difference. The 0-degree tip delivers a laser-type stream of water and it's easy to imagine, that it can be very destructive and should never be used on wood, masonry or any other softer surface. It's best used on steel, stubborn stains on concrete. However, the 0-degree tip is ideal for removing weeds from cracks in drive- and walkways.

 
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How to prepare the area you are pressure washing

When encountering algae and mold, apply a solution of bleach and water with your 65-degrees tip and - if you can reach the area by hand - scrub it off before power washing. Always use the lowest possible pressure when you begin and use the guidelines I have provided above and from the video to make it a safe and efficient job. As an example: A concrete driveway can withstand a greater force of water than vinyl siding. Vinyl siding needs a 40-degree nozzle, which sprays water over a wider area as its surface is more prone to damage.


Tips for Cleaning Vinyl and Other Types of Siding

Power washing won't damage the siding of your home if you follow a few simple rules:
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• Use a low angle and never spray water underneath the panels. The water gets trapped and can cause water damage to your home.
• Work from top to bottom. Spray the cleaning solution starting at the highest point of your surface to avoid streaking.
• Use an extension wand for higher areas of your home.
• Never use a power washer when standing on a ladder - the recoil can make you loose your balance.
• Be careful when you work around light fixtures and power outlets.
• Spray from a distance of about 3 or 4 feet and move the wand in a constant sweeping motion.​​

Watch the short YouTube Videos for more information

​I hope you enjoyed this article and my video collection.

As always, if you need help with your project, please give me a call at 813-991-7243 or request a Free Quote here on my website. 

In any case, I am always happy to hear from you!
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Sincerely,

Mauricio Munoz
- Owner -
Office: (813) 991-7243
Cell: (727) 565-8722
Contact Us

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DPI Pressure Washing has been working with many home owners, property managers, city representatives, schools, churches etc. throughout the Tampa Bay area for years now. We are known to be able to handle any size of job.

Please read our customer testimonials for reference.