A clean and neat business keeps your employees and customers safe and lends you credibility. While your normal cleaning processes are usually enough, every so often you need a deep clean to remove accumulated grime — especially on your building’s exterior.
Pressure washers can make your building’s exterior surfaces, including walkways and parking lots, look new again. However, if you plan to rent or buy a pressure washer to give your building a deep clean, you’ll need to prepare first. If you take these steps before you get started, you’ll keep your property and everyone on it safe, and you’ll get the best results for your money.
Decide What Surfaces Need Pressure Washing
The first step is to figure out what surfaces need attention. Perhaps you only want to wash your parking lot or your walkways, or maybe you’re more interested in focusing on your building’s walls. Whether you want to wash asphalt, concrete, or siding will determine what products you’ll need to obtain, so take a good look around to get started.
If you plan to wash grime off of painted or stained-wood surfaces, you may be able to do so safely if you get the right equipment. However, even with proper care, power washing is meant to be a forceful way to clean, and it may scrub off the paint or the stain from your surface. It is important to use the right size nozzle for the job. Some nozzles can damage some surfaces like wood. There are several choices of spray nozzles that have different spray angles and pressures that work best for your cleaning task. If you are unsure of which pressure washer nozzle is best for the cleaning job you are doing, test in an inconspicuous area first. Be warned that you may need to plan to repaint or restain after you’ve finished washing the surface.
Talk to an Expert
Once you have an idea of what needs washing, you’re ready to reach out to a qualified industrial cleaning equipment rental company. They’ll help you find the equipment you need for the surfaces you want clean.
For example, they’ll help you decide whether you’re best off with hot or cold water, how much power you need the machine to have, and what nozzles will best work for your project. They’ll also help you find the right cleaning agents that will clean your surfaces without damaging them. If you plan to wash a painted or stained-wood surface, make sure to bring that up and get the provider’s advice.
While you’re talking with the rental company, make sure to get instructions for how to use the machine you choose safely and effectively. The rental company will be best equipped to teach you this. They will probably also advise you to buy safety equipment to protect the person using the machine, such as safety goggles or a face shield.
Move and Cover Items
Once you have the right equipment and are ready to get started, begin by moving or covering anything that could get in the way or become damaged:
- Remove extra items from the area. This includes potted plants, vehicles, trash cans, and outdoor furniture. Make sure to move them a good distance away so the runoff doesn’t affect them.
- Cover water and electrical outlets. Not only do you not want to damage these outlets, but you also need to stay safe. Spraying water at an open electrical outlet could be a safety hazard.
- Close and lock windows and doors. If you know that any of your windows or doors are drafty or don’t seal right, consider fixing them before you get started. At the very least, note which ones are a problem so you can take care around them, and take precautions on the inside of your building, such as moving anything that could be damaged from water coming in away from those areas.
If you take these steps, you’ll protect both your property and the people on it.
Prepare the Surfaces for Cleaning
Once you have everything moved away or covered, you’re ready to prepare the surfaces themselves. If you plan to power wash the ground, such as a parking lot or walkway, start with a good sweep: use a broom to sweep dirt and debris off. This will make pressure washing easier and more effective.
Next, see if you have any stains you need to deal with. For example, motor oil stains in a concrete surface will come out better when you pressure wash if you pre-treat them. Use a stiff brush and a concrete cleaning solution to start the process before you begin pressure washing.
Pressure washing can make your business look as good as new again, which attracts customers and gives you credibility. To make sure that you get the most value for your time and money, prepare carefully and thoroughly, and you’ll be able to keep your building, your property, and your employees and customers safe.
For pressure washers of all kinds, turn to Ben’s Cleaner Sales Inc. We sell and rent equipment suitable for different surfaces, and we can help you decide which machines and cleaning solutions will work best for your needs. Contact us today to get a quote or ask a question about what we offer.