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A pressure washer comes in handy when you want to clean your windows. In addition to ensuring spotless windows, it speeds up the process so that you do not have to spend hours on your outside windows.
However, pressure washing can damage or cause cracks in your window panes if you do not do it correctly. It is best to consult a professional window cleaning team to ensure the best quality of work. In addition, taking safety precautions before starting the cleaning process is advisable.
Check out the following step-by-step guidelines on cleaning outside windows using a pressure washer.
A cloudy day works best
Cleaning your windows on a sunny day makes them dry too fast, leaving ugly streaks. You can expect this to happen whichever method you use. However, you can prevent this by cleaning your windows on an overcast day.
Ensure the windows are water tight
Cleaning windows that have leaks or cracks can get water inside your house. Therefore, ensure that the fittings have no bubbles and the glass has no cracks. If you discover any fault, fix it before pressure washing to avoid water damage.
Wooden window fittings are more susceptible to water damage than vinyl or acrylic. If unsure how to proceed, you may consider professional window cleaning services in your area.
Get the pressure washer ready
Connect the pressure washer to a power source and set it up. Screw on a 65- or 40-degree nozzle, or set it at its widest pattern before you start cleaning. A 40-degree power nozzle is white, while the 65-degree one is black.
Using a small nozzle can put your window glass at risk of cracking. After fixing the nozzle at the end of the pressure washer’s hose, try it first on the pavement; however, if you use a pressure washer for the first time, practice using the equipment by washing concrete to avoid damaging your windows.
Fill the washer tank with the appropriate cleaning agent
The user manual will guide you on the cleaning agent you can use with your pressure washer. Nevertheless, many pressure washers require a water mixture with a specific store-purchased soap for window cleaning. If yours meets that requirement, fill a bucket with clean water and add a bit of regular dishwashing detergent.
Then, remove the water tank cap and pour the mixture using a funnel. The mixture should clean your window perfectly without leaving stains. On the other hand, suppose your window panes have hard water stains, consider buying a commercial window cleaning agent instead.
Position yourself at least 3 to 5 feet away
Standing at least 10 Ft. away from your windows is advisable when starting. However, you can move closer, if necessary, but always stay as far as 3 to 5 feet away. The closer you are to the windows, the stronger the spray power and the higher the risk of damage to your windows.
Spray at a 40-to-60-degree angle
Avoid standing directly facing the windows while washing. Once you are ready to begin cleaning, stand off to a side to reduce the nozzle pressure even more. Use the power button on the side to turn the pressure washer and start moving the nozzle side to side, covering the entire window. Once you finish one window, move to the next until all the windows are sparkling clean.
However, it is important to consider a few points. Pressure washing has the potential to damage or chip off wood, so exercise caution when washing wooden trimmings.
Additionally, being quick during this step is helpful. Since the process involves spraying a mixture of soap and water, allowing it to dry on your windows may lead to unsightly streaks.
Starting your cleaning early in the morning is ideal, especially on hot summer days. This way, you can avoid the intense sunlight and prevent your soap mixture from drying on the window panes. Lastly, don’t forget to promptly rinse off the soap mixture using clean water.
Use a turbo nozzle for a story building
It can be risky to take a pressure washer onto a ladder. Thus, if you have a story house, remove the standard nozzle and fix a turbo one to the end of your hose pipe. Position yourself underneath the upper floor and cover the windows above with soapy water using the far-reaching nozzle.
A turbo nozzle sprays water in a spiral, making it possible to send water further away from the washer. That is why it comes in handy when cleaning upper-story windows.
Pressure washers often have kickbacks, making taking them up the ladder dangerous.
Rinse off windows with plain water
Rinsing off windows helps to remove any streaks. After covering all the windows with soapy water, use a standard garden hose or fill the pressure washer with regular water and rinse them off. Suppose you want to use the pressure washer, empty it of the cleaning mixture, and rinse it thoroughly using a hose before filling it with clean water.
Use the wide nozzle again, but now with the lowest pressure setting. Once all the windows are clean-rinsed, leave them to dry under the sun.
Cleaning your outside windows can be hectic, especially for story buildings. However, a pressure washer makes the job seamless. However, you can always contact a window cleaning provider if you are busy.
