A high-pressure cleaner is an excellent tool for removing graffiti, dirt and other stuck debris on the surface, but some items may be damaged by strong water currents. Although there are obvious items that need to be avoided under pressure washing, such as people, animals, and plants, many other surfaces and objects in the home are also vulnerable to damage.
Water pressure may be the reason to avoid certain objects, but some equipment may be damaged by any water seeping into the cracks. It can cause severe damage to sensitive electronic and mechanical systems. Therefore, before high-pressure cleaning a car or house, check this list of 9 things you should never use a high-pressure washer to clean.
It seems like a good idea to clean the windows quickly with a high pressure washer, especially when you consider how difficult it is to reach the windows on the second floor, but the fragile glass panels cannot withstand the spray produced by the high pressure washer at high pressure. Compared to cleaning windows, water streams are more likely to blow out the glass, so you need to replace at least one window and clean a lot of water and glass inside.
Related: How to make a streak-free homemade window cleaner
Electric meters usually have a sturdy metal casing and a transparent glass or plastic cover on the surface of the meter. Although the housing protects the meter from rain, sleet, and snow, it may be susceptible to the high-pressure flow generated by the high-pressure cleaner. The electricity generated by the high-pressure cleaner will force water to flow through narrow cracks and crevices, which can damage the incoming electrical system and cause expensive repairs.
Avoid turning the high pressure washer on a roof with asphalt shingles to prevent damage to the roof and possible leakage. High water pressure will actually remove particles from the asphalt shingles, and if the roof is older, it may crack or completely remove shingles. A leaking roof can cause problems throughout the house, including rot, structural damage, and mold. These problems can enter the heating and cooling system and affect the health of anyone living in the house.
Cleaning drains is not fun for most people, and it can be tempting to use the power of a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt, grime, clumps, or leaves. However, this is not a good idea. The power of the high-pressure cleaner is too powerful, and it may pull the drain out of the house or damage the downpipe. It is best to clean up the debris in the drain by hand, and then use a garden hose to rinse the inside of the drain.
Related: The best electric pressure washer for outdoor cleaning projects
High-pressure cleaners are ideal for cleaning concrete terraces and paving stones. They can also be used at the lower pressure setting of new bricks. When the bricks and mortar outside the house are cracked and broken, the high-pressure cleaner will only cause problems. The strong water flow can pull the mortar from the wall and cut it into old bricks, causing serious structural damage and exposing the inside of the house to outdoor weather conditions.
Some high-pressure washers are sold as suitable for vehicles, and this may be correct if the washers are set to a low-pressure setting. However, it is recommended to completely avoid using a high-pressure washer on the vehicle, because small changes in the distance to the vehicle or spray angle can cause permanent damage, such as dents and debris in the paint, which can make the vehicle prone to rust. The power of the spray will also force water into the cracks and crevices of the vehicle engine, resulting in expensive repair costs.
The powerful water flow produced by the high-pressure cleaner is very suitable for removing paint on metal siding or stains on wooden decks. In fact, it is recommended to pressure wash the deck before applying a new layer of stain to properly prepare the surface. If you don't want to peel, peel or otherwise damage the stain or paint, avoid using a high pressure washer on the stain or paint surface.
Related: How to clean the deck
Outdoor light fixtures, such as lamppost lights and porch lights, can withstand rain, sleet, snow, ice, and strong winds, but they are not designed to handle strong horizontal water flows in high-pressure washers. The high-pressure water stream can break any glass plate or bulb and may completely remove the lamp from its base. If the external force does not damage the fixtures, water may still seep through the cracks and damage the internal electrical components.
The air-conditioned metal box helps protect the delicate metal fins that filter the air as it enters the air-conditioning unit. Although a high-pressure cleaner can quickly remove dirt and debris from the outside of the air conditioner, it can also bend or crush the heat sink, restricting airflow into the equipment. Instead, use a garden hose or vacuum cleaner and a soft brush to gently clean between the fins, and reserve a high-pressure washer for the driveway.
Summer is the best time to break the pressure washer. Use pressure washing in the hot months to clean up all these things around the house and take things into your own hands.
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