Reach for the 1500 PSI Pressure Washer and use the 40-degree nozzle to clean painted soft-wood surfaces, aluminum siding, and windows. Brick, stone, and vinyl can handle the higher pressure of the 1600 PSI model. For stucco, stick to the gentler cleaning power of the
You have to know its capabilities, 1600 PSI is good for most home jobs (general siding cleaning/gutters, car washes, cleaning furniture) Don't expect it to clean a whole concrete driveway in one smooth pass.
This 1600 psi 1.2 GPM electric pressure washer, as explained earlier, generates 1,600 Pounds Per Square Inch (which is in the recommended pressure range), and 1.2 Gallons Per Minute (ideal for washing cars, house exteriors, fences, garage floors, etc…).
It's very important that you use the right nozzle when cleaning house siding or you can quickly damage it. The yellow 15-degree nozzle is the best choice for siding and similar surfaces.
1000-2000 PSI
This pressure range is good for cleaning decks and siding and for light-duty auto cleaning.
PSI Pressure range for Different Surfaces
Different surfaces require different levels of PSI pressure. Generally, for most residential uses, an electric pressure washer (less than 2000 PSI) will suffice. Soft surfaces, such as decks and siding, usually require more cleaning power than harder surfaces such as driveways.
For light-duty tasks such as washing a car or cleaning a barbecue grill, a pressure washer with 1,000 to 1,750 psi and 1.4 to 1.6 gpm (1,400 to 2,800 ECUs) will probably do the job.
The power of pressure washing can result in holes in your siding, breaking off vinyl panels, and more. When you're using a pressure washer, you're likely shooting water up toward the top of your house.
Spray Your Siding Clean
Be careful not to spray directly at eaves, vents or light fixtures. High water pressure can knock out loose windowpanes or break them. Also, keep the angle of the wand pointing down so you don't spray up under the laps of horizontal siding.
Fastest Way to Remove Dirt: Pressure washing is one of the fastest ways to clean the vinyl siding. Cleans without Damage: If you do it correctly, pressure washing vinyl siding is safe and won't damage the siding. Get the Best Result: Since pressure washing is a top-down process, you will get the best results.
Concrete and asphalt require more cleaning power. You'll want to use the turbo nozzle on the 1600 PSI for hard-to-clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios as well as brick paving. For wood decks and painted surfaces, switch to the gentler 40-degree nozzle.
For cleaning a wooden deck, you'll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that's still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi.
For most cars, a psi between 1200 and 2200 is recommended. This range provides enough cleaning power to remove dirt and grime without damaging the car's paint or delicate surfaces.
Using Soap Means Less Pressure and Less Damage To Your Home.
If the stream of water is too strong, it can damage stucco, masonry, wood and vinyl siding and can also penetrate into your home's structure. Pressure washing with high pressure also routinely damages window screens, decks and exterior lighting.
Bleach Cleaning
If you think you need something a little hardier than vinegar, a DIY bleach solution is very effective at cleaning vinyl siding. Here are the materials you'll need: 1 cup powdered laundry detergent. ½ cup dish detergent.
Most homes should be power washed a minimum of once a year. Power Washing your siding will actually extend the life of it so it won't need repairs and you won't need to replace it as often. It also makes your home look as good as new when it's tidy and clean on the exterior.
Vinyl siding can withstand a powerful gas pressure washer (2,500-3,000 psi). Aluminum, stucco or soft-grain wood homes will do better with a less powerful washer (about 1,200-1,500 psi). Determine whether you will rent or buy your machine.
Will Pressure Washing Remove Mold? Yes, pressure washing can remove mold from your exterior surfaces such as roofing, concrete and siding; however to effectively kill the mold, pressure washing should be combined with a bleach solution.
Option 1: Fill a bucket with 70% water and 30% white vinegar. This is an all-purpose cleaner that removes mold and mildew. Option 2: For a stronger option, mix one-third cup of powdered laundry detergent, two-thirds cup of powdered household cleaner, one quart liquid laundry bleach and a gallon of water.
Pressure washing a properly maintained vinyl siding should not damage its paint or finish in any way. However, if you are using an overly powerful washer or applying too much pressure during the cleaning process, then there is a possibility you could cause damage to the finish or paint job.
After pressure washing your house, you have to wait for it to fully dry before you can paint it. This waiting time can be anywhere from 24 hours to 3 days. Pressure washing isn't for beginners. If you're not experienced, the high water pressure can easily damage portions of your house's exterior.
Vinyl, Cedar Shake, or Wood Panel Siding
They are easily damaged by high-pressure water. Soft washing, on the other hand, effectively cleans contaminants such as dirt, mold, and mildew from these surfaces. For this reason, it is better to use the soft washing method on vinyl, cedar shake, and wood panel siding.
Light Duty 1500-1900 PSI
These feature PSI ranging from 1500 to 1900 and would be enough to get rid of dirt and mild stains. This is the safest pressure washer PSI rating for all surfaces, but it isn't ideal for getting rid of tough stains.
The RYOBI 1800 PSI 1.2 GPM Electric Pressure Washer is the perfect powerful yet portable option to get the job done. This pressure washer is ideal for light duty applications like cleaning small driveways, sidewalks, decks, windows, patio furniture, campers, bikes, boats, and many other recreational applications.