Sturdy Stains That Can Be Removed By Pressure Washing

Posted by Rick Siri on December 16th, 2020

GUM

Chewing gum is one of the stickiest, toughest things to get off any surface, including concrete driveways and other types of pavement. Pressure washers work wonder on these gluey globs, even if they’ve been stuck there for a while and trampled over. The trick is to use hot water while spraying the gum to melt it away. Using about 4000 psi and working back and forth in a fan pattern should lift it off fairly quickly.

STAINS

By adding specialized pressure washer detergent, this tool becomes a powerful stain remover. Cleaning solutions can help you lift stains from aluminum siding, wood and vinyl siding, driveways and walkways, decks, paving stones, and other materials. It is also best to use a pressure washer surface cleaner to help you remove stains from large flat areas.

You can also use your pressure washer to clean stains from the roof of your house, just use a telescopic spray wand to extend the reach of your pressure washer. And the detergent mixes work on all types of stains left by dirt, leaves and other plant material, algae, built-up grime, and more.

For tough stains, try pretreating with the soapy mix and a stiff brush. Also, consider choosing a cleaning product that is environmentally friendly; it’s best to look for one that is water-based and biodegradable.

GRAFFITI

Spray paint vandalisms can be a huge eyesore on the side of any building or structure. It is also really tough to remove. The good news is that with a pressure washer that reaches 2000 PSI to 3000 PSI, you can erase graffiti from concrete surfaces. Keep the nozzle about two feet away from the painted surface and work in sections to power it away.

For brick and metal surfaces, we recommend first using a chemical product, such as Smart Strip to remove the paint. Apply as directed on the product label. Then, use the power washer to clear away any remaining paint and residue.

PAINT

Peeling paint from a fence, exterior siding, or a brick surface can be a hard job. Power washing makes it easier and faster. It’s always best to do a patch test before you start to ensure that the powerful spray won’t damage the surface that’s being stripped. Spray a small area and then adjust the pressure as needed. Then, work in sections and keep the sprayer moving to get the best result.

When removing paint from a wood surface using a pressure washer, be sure to spray with the grain of the wood. If any thinner or stripping chemicals have been used to remove the paint, be sure to rinse thoroughly with the power washer to ensure good paint adhesion when the new coat is applied.

RUST

Using a pressure washer that reaches at least 3000 PSI and a narrow-angle nozzle, you can power away rust from metal. The compact jet of water is forceful enough to remove rust and save you a lot of work while sanding and scraping. This is especially usefully when cleaning up old patio or deck furniture.

MOLD & MILDEW

Homeowners want to address mold and mildew wherever it grows. It can cause a lot of damage and ruin your home and your health. Pressure washing is an effective way to remove mold and mildew from a wide range of surfaces, including glass, roofing, concrete, pavers, wood and exterior siding.