Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1543375
UPKEEP RESSURE OINTS CHOOSE THE CORRECT VERSION. Not all pressure washers are created equal. Consider your needs and match the machine to your project. Electric washers provide lighter pressure and are great for low-maintenance jobs, and gas washers offer more might for heavy-duty chores. Read your manual and only use manufacturer-approved detergents. KNOW WHAT YOU CAN CLEAN. A pressure washer can make the filthiest spots look brand-new, but you shouldn't use it on everything. While you can wash driveways, sidewalks, garage floors and doors, decks, and fences, you should skip windows, electrical components, roofs, gutters, stucco, painted surfaces, and older materials. Always do a quick test run on a small area first. USE THE RIGHT NOZZLE. Pressure washers come with multiple color-coded nozzles for various spray angles and pressures. Here's a breakdown: • Red (0°): A narrow, powerful pinpoint stream that gets rid of tough stains on unpainted hard surfaces and metal. • Yellow (15°): Potent, high-pressure spraying that works on substantial dirt and grime. Use this nozzle to strip paint and prep surfaces. Proceed with caution on softer materials. • Green (25°): A go-to, all-purpose setting that gently flushes dirt and mud from places like driveways, yard tools, patio furniture, and sidewalks. • White (40°): Low pressure and wide coverage combine to clean finished or delicate surfaces. • Black (65°): Known as the soap nozzle, the extremely low pressure is designed to apply and rinse detergents. KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE. Cleaning can send bits and pieces flying, so start at least three feet away from your surface. Spray from the top down with smooth, overlapping side-to-side strokes. Then, adjust your distance and wand angle as needed. DRESS PROPERLY. Pressure washing can be messy and loud. Put on safety glasses, long pants, and closed-toed shoes to protect yourself from injuries and stay dry. Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs can also be beneficial. Smart power-washing tips. P 32 COMING HOME MAGAZINE