A pressure washer is a useful tool for any homeowner, but it can also be dangerous to you and your property if handled incorrectly. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls so you can use it to clean safely, quickly and effectively.
Treat Injuries Seriously
Basic pressure washer safety is the same as using any outdoor equipment: use eye and hearing protection, keep people and animals out of the way and wear clothing that won’t restrict movement or cause you to slip on slick surfaces. What isn’t as obvious is the damage that can be done if the stream of water comes in contact with your skin. While the cut this can leave may not seem serious, the water injected into the wound can lead to a serious infection. If you accidentally injure yourself or someone nearby, the wound needs to be inspected and cleaned by a medical professional as soon as possible.
Picking the Right Nozzle
When in doubt, use a wider nozzle than you think you need. Your pressure washer has more than enough power to damage surfaces when used with a narrow-angle nozzle.
The 0-degree red nozzle concentrates the water into an area about the size of a quarter. It’s good for removing tough stains on concrete and bare metal, but it will damage most other surfaces. Even when used properly, the jet must be moved constantly to keep from eroding the surface being cleaned.
The 15-degree yellow nozzle is best used for removing paint and heavy buildup on hard surfaces.
The 25-degree green nozzle can be used as a water-based sweeper, pushing dirt and leaves off of decks and pavement. It’s also safe enough for cleaning cars and boats.
The 40-degree white nozzle is useful for cleaning delicate surfaces like windows.
The black nozzle is the soaping tip. It sprays at 65 degrees, and it’s the only tip that draws from the detergent system. This wide angle is designed to lay down soap quickly and has little cleaning power on its own.
Selecting a Detergent
You should only use detergents made specifically for pressure washers. Other cleaners may be too thick to be drawn through the detergent system, not apply properly, or even damage the pump. Strong bases and acids including bleach and muriatic acid should be avoided.
Most consumer detergents available at your local hardware store can be used straight from the bottle, while professional detergents and detergents shipped by mail are usually concentrated and need to be diluted before use. Check the label for the right ratio of detergent to water.
Look for detergents that are biodegradable. This makes the runoff safer for the environment, and it’s often required in areas with storm drains. These drains go directly to waterways without treatment, which means imperishable detergents can damage aquatic life.
Using the Wand
Start four feet away from the surface you’re cleaning and work your way in until you get the desired cleaning power and spray pattern. Never get closer than two feet from the surface.
Keep the spray at a 45-degree angle from the surface. This helps the water push away dirt. Spraying directly can force dirt into the surface, especially on porous materials like brick and concrete.
When using water, working your way from the bottom to the top of the surface will prevent streaking. When applying soap, start from the top and work your way down.
Tips
Before starting the engine, squeeze the trigger on the gun to let water flow through the pump and wand. This relieves pressure on the pump and will make the engine easier to turn over.
The pump is cooled by the water running through it. If you aren’t going to use the wand for more than two minutes, shut off the engine to keep the pump from overheating.
Many detergents have dwell times: once they’ve been applied, they need to sit for a few minutes to soak in and absorb dirt before being washed off. Check the label for manufacturer recommendations.
When cleaning heavily soiled surfaces, use plain water to sweep off loose dirt and grime before applying detergent.
Get Quality Parts for Your Cub Cadet
Cubparts.com is an authorized dealer for Cub Cadet and their manufacturing partners including AAA, Simpson, and Honda, so we’re able to offer OEM replacements for everything on your pressure washer. Not sure what you need? Just type in your model and serial number, and our search engine can show you factory diagrams and descriptions so you can see where and how each part fits on your equipment. We can ship your order straight to your door whether you live in the U.S. or Canada.