Trotta's powerful and safe "soft wash" cleaning service blasts away years of dirt, mold and grime, saving you time and improving the curb-appeal, value and lifetime of your property.
Without further ado, here is the top ten list of tough things that can be sprayed away with a power washer or pressure washer.
Graffiti
Spray paint can be a huge eyesore on the side of any building or structure. It can also be a real pain to try to remove. The good news is that with a power washer that reaches 2000 PSI to 3000 PSI, you can erase graffiti from concrete surfaces. Keep the nozzle about two feet away from the painted surface and work in sections to power it away.
For brick and metal surfaces, we recommend first using a chemical product, such as Smart Strip to remove the paint. Apply as directed on the product label. Then, use the power washer to clear away any remaining paint and residue.
Gum
Chewing gum is one of the stickiest, toughest things to get off any surface, including concrete driveways and other types of pavement. Pressure washers work wonder on these gluey globs, even if they’ve been stuck there for a while and trampled over. The trick is to use hot water while spraying the gum to melt it away. Using about 4000 psi and working back and forth in a fan pattern should lift it off fairly quickly.
Stains
By adding specialized pressure washer detergent, this tool becomes a powerful stain remover. Cleaning solutions can help you lift stains from aluminum siding, wood and vinyl siding, driveways and walkways, decks, paving stones, and other materials. You can even use the power washer to clean stains from the roof of your house. And the detergent mixes work on all types of stains left by dirt, leaves and other plant material, algae, built-up grime, and more.
For tough stains, try pretreating with the soapy mix and a stiff brush. Also, consider choosing a cleaning product that is environmentally friendly; it’s best to look for one that is water-based and biodegradable.
Paint
Peeling paint from a fence, exterior siding, or a brick surface can be a hard job. Power washing makes it easier and faster. It’s always best to do a patch test before you start to ensure that the powerful spray won’t damage the surface that’s being stripped. Spray a small area and then adjust the pressure as needed. Then, work in sections and keep the sprayer moving to get the best result.
When removing paint from a wood surface using a pressure washer, be sure to spray with the grain of the wood. If any thinner or stripping chemicals have been used to remove the paint, be sure to rinse thoroughly with the power washer to ensure good paint adhesion when the new coat is applied.
Rust
Using a pressure washer that reaches at least 3000 PSI and a narrow-angle nozzle, you can power away rust from metal. The compact jet of water is forceful enough to remove rust and save you a lot of work while sanding and scraping. This is especially usefully when cleaning up old patio or deck furniture.
Mold & Mildew
Homeowners want to address mold and mildew wherever it grows. It can cause a lot of damage and ruin your home and your health. Power washing is an effective way to remove mold and mildew from a wide range of surfaces, including glass, roofing, concrete, pavers, wood and exterior siding.
By applying a mold and mildew remover mix, such as Jomax concentrate, with a pressure washer, you can also remove the stains they leave behind. It works on aluminum and vinyl siding, driveways, decking and fencing, brick, cement, stone, and stucco.
Deck Stain
Pressure washing is a quick way to remove a deck finish, but it requires some care so as not to damage the deck. A pressure setting of 1500 psi should be strong enough to clean away deck stain. Hold the sprayer about 3 inches off the surface and move the sprayer as you work in the same direction as the grain. Learn more about deck maintenance.
Calcium & Lime Deposits
Fountains, pools, and other hard surfaces can collect calcium and lime deposits over time. Hard water leaves behind these mineral deposits which are difficult to remove. Scale can be removed with a power washer on a high-pressure setting.
Gutter Clogs
Homeowners hate cleaning their gutters; it’s really a strenuous, dirty job. Pressure washers can be equipped with curved attachments designed specifically to make this work easier. The curved wand allows you to stand squarely on your feet without needing to reach up and into the gutter. For single-story houses, power washing extensions can also eliminate the need to use a ladder. The wand can help you clear out the downspouts and prevent clogged gutters.
Oil & Grease
Cars and lawn equipment can leave unsightly oil and grease stains. But with power washing, homeowners can remove these stains from the garage, concrete driveway, and walkway. You will need a degreasing detergent and a power washer that delivers at least 1700 psi. For tough stains use a high-pressure nozzle and pretreat the area by scrubbing it with liquid dish soap and a brush.
Convenient Residential & Commercial Pressure, Power & Soft Washing Services
Got a tough job on your hands? Wondering what the best way is to tackle maintenance and cleanup projects at your home or business? Call in the professionals. We serve the greater Peninsula, Ohio area. Contact Trotta’s at (330) 940-3705 or request a free quote online today.
