If you don't already own one, you can rent pressure washers for about $50 to $70 a day. A great way to save some bucks is to split the cost with a neighbor and share the washer. Now when you're choosing a machine, keep in mind that they come in different pounds per square inch (PSI) levels. For most small jobs you'll need one with a PSI of 1500 while bigger jobs require a PSI of 3000. You'll also notice that the wand comes with varying tips for various chores. Fan tips spray the water in a fan shape and are good for cleaning items that are close, such as walkways, patios and driveways. Spear tips direct the water in a straight line and are great to use when cleaning siding or items that are a little hard to get close too.
The water is usually supplied to the pump by a basic household garden hose and then pressurized by a gasoline or kerosene fueled engine. The water is then forced through a wand, just like those you'd see in a do-it-yourself car wash. Water pressurized up to 3000 PSI should not damage intact paint but it will blast away layers of dirt, moss, mildew and debris. Be sure to wear safety goggles, the stuff will fly everywhere. When you begin to wash, make a couple of test passes to see how close to hold the tip of the nozzle to the surface. Really stubborn stains might need a 2nd or even 3rd pass to get the job done. Be very careful when spraying around foliage, since a blast can easily shred your plants or flowers. Spraying old mortar or pebble based surfaces can be a bit tricky too. Don't get so close that mortar or pebbles break away.
Before you turn the power washer back in, it would behoove you to quickly clean a few more outdoor items like decks, outdoor furniture, playground equipment, the garage floor and even garbage cans.
But if you want to sand your deck first, the dust-raising experience can leave you squinting like a naked mole rat gazing into the sunny sky.
John Randazzo, Owner of Long Island Power Wash, says if you opt to sand your deck 1st it might achieve the desired result, but the gritty experience is less than enjoyable.
"The deep-cleaning action of a power wash will remove ground-in dirt, mold and mildew without all the mess," says Randazzo.
The smallest power washer Randazzo recommends using is at least a mid-sized pressure washer with at least 2400 pounds per square inch of pressure.
"Smaller models will work, but you'll definitely appreciate a canyon-cleaning stream of a mid- to large-sized model versus a small water pick," says Randazzo.
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