Pressure Washing Guide

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

I have a two story house and if possible, because of fear of heights Embarassed

, I'd rather stay on the ground and clean my windows with pressure washer set on low. Is this possible?

Midwestpro · Posted: Thu Mar 19, 2009 5:54 pm Post subject:

A contractor grade pressure washer with a high flow rate, measured in gallons per minute, will definitely reach that high even at low pressures. It would be able to shoot chemicals and cleaners that high and then be able to wash/rinse them clean. It is best done at the same time the entire house is washed.

A lesser consumer grade pressure washer will not have the flow to be able to shoot that high. It is all about professional equipment to get the job done right. Most homeowners are not going to go out and spend that kind of money though, which is why hiring a professional is worth the cost.

You may be able to purchase a long extension pole with a soft brush. You could use a step ladder with the brush and pole to wash the window and then rinse with a garden house with the right kind of nozzle. Just a thought. But be forewarned, if your water is not softened at the spigot outside your windows may be left with hard water spots.

Aries · Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 24

I'm speaking from experience here Tongyun, make sure you have someone inside watching the windows you clean, and move anything electrical away from the windows. Not all windows are 100% waterproof, especially in the face of a pressure washer at any level.

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

I live in Utah where the water is so hard I've installed a water softener. Unfortunately, that doesn't help me with water on the outside. Are there any types of cleaners that you'd recommend, Midwestpro? And Aries, I've actually had that happen but it's a nice reminder to keep an eye on water leaking into the house.

Midwestpro · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 8:07 pm Post subject:

For hard water spots vinegar and water works great, cut it half and half. If the windows are extremely dirty just wash them with warm water and soap and then use the vinegar mix if they spot up after they dry.

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

If I use a non-commercial grade pressure washer, how can I combine the vinegar with the water to get my windows clean? Is it even possible? Thanks for the suggestion.

Aries · Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 24

Barry mentioned in another thread that a handful of pressure washers have a sort of chemical injector on them. If bleach is safe enough to use on it, then I'm pretty certain that it can be used with vinegar as well.

Though, your whole street will smell like a chippy for about a month or so.

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

Your point about overspray is well taken. Not sure I want the house smelling like vinegar. Guess it'll have to be the ladder....not something I'm excited about. Makes me wish I bought those windows that flip around to make cleaning easier.

louise31 · Joined: 26 Mar 2009 Posts: 8

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

Mockingbird · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 37

For my upstairs windows, which are very old fashioned,I have the real old fashioned hang on screens I found that I could open the window and pull the screen off, and set in the room and actually wash the outside with a long handled sponge thingy, I then spray with the house from the ground. I have to admit my bro in law had to show me how easy it was. I had used ladder before that.

tongyun · Joined: 16 Mar 2009 Posts: 52

Given my fear of heights and general lack of trust in ladders (although I've never fallen off one), I think the idea of a brush attached to a long handled "sponge thingy" will work for me. Can you tell me where I can find that kind of setup?

Mockingbird · Joined: 05 Jul 2009 Posts: 37

absolutelybrilliant! · Joined: 15 Aug 2009 Posts: 26

you guys think a scrubby/squeegee attachment (kinda like they got down at the gas stations) mounted on an extension wand would do the trick for the windows?

Midwestpro · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:19 pm Post subject:

I've used something similar. If I was going to clean windows on a regular basis I would get more professional window cleaning equipment but in a pinch it worked.