I have a new power washer. Learned a few things over the weekend – do not clean your feet off with the spray when you have the 40 degree tip in place. Now that I have recovered I have a soap question. I would like to clean both my driveway – cement – and my siding – rough sawn cedar. Any suggestions on what cleaning agent to use on either/both? I do not want to kill all my plants or yard and I will be washing my windows after the big event.
Thanks, Mike
Replies
I generally never use anything but pressure.
what is it that you want to remove from the driveway....just general grime or is it spilled oil/ automotive fluid etc?
In regards to the siding, I did this same thing to a restaurant in the area. I did not use any chemicals. Just use a fan tip and a little practice on the back of the garage or inconspicuous spot on the house before taking on the front of the house.
How big is the pressure washer, so we can further advise you as this may make some difference. Will need to know psi and hp of motor.
Good luck
Ebe
I have some mold issues on the siding - well lots of mold issues. I also have some grease and oil on the driveway. Both need to be removed. The house is old enough that Tyveck (sp?) was not invented yet. There is a black tar like paper between the house and the siding.The power washer is a 2600 PSI with a 2.5 GPM rating. I do not have the rotating head but could get one if it is worth the cost. While I did try to wash my feet I will avoid the fingernail trick. I do wonder though if it is possible to wash my hair?Mike
"I do wonder though if it is possible to wash my hair?"
Yes, just once, and you'll never have to do it again! <g>
The best for mold/mildew is a combo of TSP and bleach. TSP is a surfactant, bleach kills the mold. And plants! Its best to use a pesticide type sprayer with your diluted tsp/bleach and wet the area to be cleaned. Do NOT walk into the house with this on your shoes! Don't ask me why. Damn she was mad. And miracle cleaners, if you look closely, are mostly tsp/bleach combos.
Most painters here can tell how much to dilute the products and best use them. Be careful with windows, as strong TSP etches glass if I remember right. http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
I've used my PW for spraying insecticidal soap up high into my birches and aspens when the aphids hit.
Not a bad idea. Wear goggles?http://www.etherhuffer.typepad.com
Which get fogged quickly.
Are you on a well? I held down my GPM purchase because I am on a fairly weak well.
You will like the rotating "turbo" tip. Worth the price. I bought one of the large surface cleaner for decks. Looks like a big upright vac with a noz that spins on an arm. About 100 IIRC.
You might look at Simple Green. Supposed to be bio degradeable and I think it is safe to use in kitchens.
Thanks to all - I have a mix of TSP and bleach that I will try first on the back of the house to see if it works. I have a garden sprayer and then I can power wash the house. Actually that is why I have two boys? Anyway I will take your advice and put it into action. If I have blond hair at the end of this job you know why!Mike
use a 15 degree tip and water,on the siding play a little to find how close you can get without damage. cement same thing,if it's really bad pre scrub with tide soap.
a 15 degree also works well to clean under your finger nails also,simalar to doing your feet but it's up close so you can see your skin being remove . larry
if a man speaks in the forest,and there's not a woman to hear him,is he still wrong?
Get a rotating head it cleans about three times faster and leaves less damaging marks.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Something to consider is what type of housewrap is under your siding.
My understanding is that soaps can degrade the surface of Tyvek.
My preference is just to use water, the universal solvent.
Impossible is an opinion.