DIY Network

Great Outdoors: Power Washers From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-144

Figure A

When cleaning exterior surfaces around the home, a power washer if often the tool of choice. While they are excellent cleaning tools, knowing when and how to use a power washer is important. The Power Washers of North America offer the following tips for using a power washer:

• Wood structures should be rinsed down from a distance (figure A). If you clean too close to the wood surface, with a power washer, you can damage the fibers of the wood.

• If the home is suitable for power washing, you'll need to choose a machine capable of releasing 3 to 4 gallons of water per minute in order to clean effectively.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• You can regulate the force of the water by choosing from different colored nozzles (figure B). For example, a zero degree nozzle, usually colored red, shoots a laser like beam of water, capable of etching surfaces (figure C).

• To protect yourself from the force of the water and possible flying objects, wear boots and protective goggles.

• Cover outlets and telephone boxes with plastic to protect them from the force of the water. Keep the water spray away from electrical lines coming into the house (figure D).

• Don't stand on a ladder while using a pressure washer. Instead, use pressure washer cleaning chemicals that will help break down the dirt.

• Make sure the washer has a rubber pad on the bottom to prevent scraping along decks and walkways.

• To prevent damage to the motor, ALWAYS make sure water is coming out of the wand before you start the machine.
  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Great Outdoors: Q & A and Bird Baths and Feeders
  	Great Outdoors: Power Washers
  	Great Outdoors: Preparing for Winter
  	Great Outdoors: The Deck Area