Ways On How To Safely Use Your Electric Pressure Washer At Home
Pressure washers are superb cleaning machines that can effectively wash your property and other larger spaces. It’s great for quick cleanups of concrete floorings, decks, cladding, and a whole lot more.
Furthermore, you can easily wash your vehicle and tackle simple cleaning jobs with an electric pressure washer. Meanwhile, a gas-powered washer is perfect for heavier chores.
However, these cleaning tools generate high pressure, making them extremely powerful. Hence, you need to be extra cautious when using one.
Also, it’s advisable to follow the owner’s manual on how to properly use your unit to avoid untoward incidents that may cause serious or catastrophic injuries. And with that, here are vital tips on how you can safely use your pressure washer to avoid likely mishaps down the road.
But if you’re still looking for the best washer for your needs, make sure to check out this electric pressure washer reviews to hep with your decision.
Read And Understand Your Owner’s Manual
One of the precautions that should be on top of your list is to master how to properly handle your washer before even consider operating it.
All pressure washers come with a user’s manual that contains all the essential guidelines and information you need. It covers everything from key features and pressure levels to how to use it with caution and water temperature.
So before starting a cleaning session, make sure you’ve gone through the manufacturer’s suggestions carefully and have fully understood all instructions. Your washer’s handbook may also contain instructions on the proper way to assemble and dismantle your unit as well.
Always Protect Yourself By Wearing Safety Gears
Working with a pressure washer itself already poses risks. But once you use the red nozzle, which can damage even hard concrete exteriors, your normal clothing simply won’t do.
Aside from that, the high-pressure flow of water combined with flying debris everywhere is likely to injure your feet, hands, and eyes. Therefore, it’s a must to wear the right protective gear. Doing so can help you avoid accidental injuries.
Here are the safety gears you need to equip yourself with:
- Long pants. Make sure to keep your legs protected from pressurized water and all sorts of flying rubbles that can easily tear your delicate skin.
- Boots. Wear a pair of shoes with a closed toe. As much as possible choose a steel-toe boot because it’s possible for water with that much pressure to tear through your regular rubber boots.
- Gloves. Your hands are probably the most at risk of acquiring an injury when pressure washing. So it just makes sense to wear gloves to protect them. This will not only prevent injuries, but it’ll also improve your grip.
- Safety goggles. It’s also important to wear shatterproof or safety goggles so that your eyes are shielded from all those flying rubble.
- Hearing protection. Gas pressure washers are a bit loud since their motors generate piercing decibels. However, electric models are relatively quiet and you may not need to wear hearing protection when utilizing it.
Keep Your Children And Pets Out Of The Way
Always check to see if your children or pets are around before starting to pressure wash your property. Also, it is highly advised that you don’t let any of your kids use cleaning instruments as powerful as this one.
Make sure they fully understand that pressure washers are not toys and they should not be near it at any time. Nevertheless, if you want your child to use it, it is vital to provide him with solid training and supervision.
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
Always check around the area where you’ll clean to make sure you and everyone around you are safe. Additionally, consider every potential hazard before even gearing up your power washer. Aside from your kids and pets, as mentioned above, check for any obstacles that pose as trip hazards, like slippery or uneven surfaces, hose, etc. Likewise, you have to stay vigilant for any changes in your surroundings that may become hazardous.
Use The Right Nozzle For The Task At Hand
It may seem cool to carve patterns in your wood or concrete surfaces, but spray nozzle tips are quite dangerous. So start washing using a nozzle tip that has the largest degree. Then work your way from there and make adjustments if necessary.
Avoid Working On Wet Floors
Avoid operating your device on a wet floor or if it’s not possible, let it dry first. There’s a high chance that the floor may be slippery. Additionally, if you’ll apply chemical or detergent, it may just worsen the floor. So ensure that you’re careful with your footsteps and always keep a steady balance.
Keep in mind that wet floors and electrical machines are a deadly combination. Water is a good conductor of electricity, meaning there’s a possibility of electrocution. Also, never spray your electric outlets and check your unit’s electrical cords for any damage or exposed wire before starting it.
Only Use The Recommended Detergent For Your Pressure Washer Model
Some models of power washers feature a detergent or chemical injector. This is used for a more efficient application of cleaning agents. However, it is crucial that the soap you use is designed specifically for your equipment since it can also be hazardous, not to mention, tedious.
Do Not Forget The Safety Latch
When not in use, always fasten the safety latch of your cleaning machine on its gun. This will prevent you from accidentally engaging it. Many pressure washer models come with a safety latch, which you can usually find on the handle.
Furthermore, if the safety latch is not utilized, never place the washer’s gun down. And one more thing, do not leave your machine at any time while it is running. If you have to answer a call or do something important, turn your machine off.
Even if you only need a minute, you should turn it off. If you’ll let it run when not in use, it can harm people or objects around, as well as the machine’s pump.
Protect Your Machine
Store your power washer properly after each use in a well-ventilated, clean, dry place that’s away from sparks. Additionally, your machine requires winterizing if storing it in during cold months or in an unheated room.
When storing your gas pressure washer inside your home or down the basement, get rid of all the remaining gas from its engine. Likewise, you want to protect its pump if you plan to store it for 3 months or more.
Final Words
A Pressure washer, whether gas or electric, is fantastic at what it does and enables you to clean just about anything. Nonetheless, you need to use it with caution or it can be very dangerous.
No one can guarantee 100% safety when using one. Still, following these tips can help minimize your risk of getting injuries significantly.
