Pressure washing can be a maintenance manager’s best friend, from cleaning out garbage cans to getting rid of graffiti to removing persistent dirt and grime in the warehouse. While pressure washers are relatively simple to use, there are various factors to consider for faster, more effective results.

Here are some top tips for getting the most out of your pressure washer:

• Start by testing out the flow to make sure you have enough water pressure to get the job done. Send your spray into a five-gallon bucket and if takes two minutes or less to fill, that indicates a sufficient water flow.
• All nozzles are different, so be sure you have the correct one for each task. You don’t want to inadvertently take the paint off a surface you are just trying to clean. The narrower the spray, the more forceful it is, so be mindful of how strongly you want the water to come out.
• Water is not always enough to get the job done, so you may need to add chemicals or detergents for best results. Give the chemicals some time to work their magic, but not so much time that they dry before you rinse. Some detergents need a set amount of time for suspension or emulsification before they can be released from the substrate, so read the instructions carefully.
• If dirt is really caked on, soaking it with a wet cloth and detergent can be a great way to prep the area ahead of time.
• For high-pressure, low-volume cleaning, like stripping paint, cold water is recommended. For most other applications, warm water will yield the best results.
• For longer jobs, try using the pressure washer in five-minute intervals to get maximum exposure, while minimizing the chance of burning out your machine.
• Keep your pressure washer in good working order by storing it safely at the end of the season so it’s ready for the next time you need it.

A pressure washer can be a useful tool to help maintenance managers keep the building looking great throughout the spring and summer months.