As the cold season sets in, the art of maintaining pristine surfaces demands a touch of expertise. Here, Crown Cleaning Systems discusses the do’s and don’ts of Winter pressure washing, ensuring your outdoor spaces remain both clean and safe. From keeping your surroundings safe to maximizing the efficiency of pressure washing chemicals, we’ve got you covered.
What to Do
- Get Rid of Ice
Whether you are pressure washing during Winter or any other season, it’s essential to consider the direction of the runoff water. If water ends up on a driveway or sidewalk, the result could be swift ice formation. To prioritize safety, it’s advisable to de-ice the surfaces before you commence pressure washing. This can be achieved by applying substances like salt, sand, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride to the affected area.
- Pressure Wash with Hot Water
The primary concern when pressure washing in Winter is the potential for pipes and surfaces to freeze. To address this issue, use warmer water than your usual pressure washing temperature. Maintaining a temperature range of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal, as it encourages faster evaporation and reduces the likelihood of surfaces becoming icy.
- Pressure Wash When it’s Sunny
To reduce the risk of freezing pipes and surfaces, a good approach if possible is to do your pressure washing in sunny conditions. Strive to steer clear of shaded areas. When pressure washing try to operate under direct sunlight to deter ice formation. It’s even more advantageous to schedule this activity during the afternoon when temperatures tend to be at their peak.
What Not to Do
- Forget to Count in Chemical Imbalances
Chemicals often exhibit reduced effectiveness in Winter compared to other seasons. Being aware of the impact of cold weather, it’s important to plan ahead. You may find it necessary to increase the quantity of chemicals you use, compensating for their diminished performance.
- Forget to Wear Protective Clothing
A frequently overlooked aspect of winter pressure washing is ensuring your safety and well-being. In regions with temperatures dropping below freezing, the risk of hypothermia is a genuine concern. Counteracting this, it’s crucial to bundle up by layering your clothing and wearing a waterproof outer layer. Wearing protective equipment like goggles, gloves, and hats is a wise practice. When it comes to footwear, rubber boots with good traction is advisable.
- Forget About Your Fittings
One significant reason behind shutting off outdoor water sources during winter maintenance is the susceptibility to freezing. Given that pressure washing relies on water for cleaning purposes, it becomes important to secure access to indoor fittings for the task.
Contact Crown Cleaning Systems to Learn More About Pressure Washing Chemicals!
If you are planning to pressure wash this Wnter season, visit our store Cleveland store located in Northeast Ohio to see our wide selection of pressure washing chemicals and other cleaning equipment. Contact us for more information!