Monthly Archives: June 2021

pressure washing wooden decking

How to clean wood with a pressure washer

Pressure washers are a great way to inject some life into your wood deck or fencing – plus it is a project which can easily be completed in a weekend!

For this blog, Britclean will tell you everything you need to clean wood using a power washer.

Everything you need to clean wood with pressure washers

Here are all the tools you will need to clean wood using a power washer –

  • A gas-powered or electrically powered washer, but don’t forget that the job will take longer with electric ones.
  • A green-tipped nozzle for a 25-degree spray
  • Wood sealer

If this is the first time you have used a pressure washer, we would highly recommend you do a spot test before beginning your project. Most fences and decking is constructed from relative softwoods, such as pine or cedar. It is quite easy to strip off more of the surface than intended.

Our tips to achieve the best results

  • Move the power washer’s wand in an even, up-and-down motion
  • For an even cleaning experience, try not to let the spray linger in any one place. Once you get the hang of it, you may need to make a couple of passes over the same spot. This is a much better option than getting too aggressive and damaging the wood.
  • Don’t stop the spray in the middle of the board, just wait until you are at the top or bottom
  • Do not start spraying in the middle of the board
  • Use overlapping strokes to avoid visible lines

Once you have finished pressure washing, it is time to seal the wood to protect it from the elements. Just make sure the wood has dried for at least a day first.

Need more information? Contact us now

If you need more information about pressure washers from Britclean, please get in touch with us now. We offer power washers for purchase and hire, including leading brands such as Karcher and Nilfisk.

Don’t take our word for it, read some of our Customer Testimonials.

Pressure washing away dirt on a wooden panel

What is the best size for pressure washers?

No matter what type of pressure washer you choose from our selection here at Britclean, you will need to make an informed decision about the size of the engine.

Like any other engine-powered machine, the size of the engine determines the total power of the unit. Smaller engines will not be able to produce the water pressure or the gallon-per-minute output of larger engines.

For this blog, we will talk you through the four different engines for pressure washers.

What are the different engines for pressure washers?

Light-duty power washers – Light-duty washers produce water levels below 2000 PSI, making them the best choice when cleaning the occasional outdoor household item, a small deck or a patio.

Medium-duty power washers – Planning to clean your home’s siding, driveway or fencing – you may want to consider using a medium-duty cleaner. This type of pressure washer produces water pressure levels of between 2000 and 2800 PSI.

Heavy-duty power washers – If you are planning to clean large areas of concrete or needing to reach a second story, using a heavy-duty washer may be your best bet. They reach pressure levels of between 2900 and 3300 PSI.

Professional power washers – If you are planning to do plenty of pressure washing on tasks such as preparing your home’s exterior for a repainting job – consider buying or hiring a professional-grade washer. The extra-heavy-duty engine is designed specifically to handle big jobs that could take hours to complete. These power washers produce water pressure levels of 3300 PSI and higher.

No matter which pressure washer you choose, don’t forget to take the GPM measurement into account.

Hire or purchase a pressure washer from Britclean now

Thanks for taking the time to read our latest blog, if you have any questions about our range of power washers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help.

Close-up of a pressure washer in use

Giving your home’s exterior a fresh look with pressure washers

As the seasons change we often get the urge to change up the look and feel of our homes. Rejuvenating your property can come in different forms, including using pressure washers from Britclean.

With spending so much time at home over the past 12 months or so, many of us are starting to reassess our homes and how we can improve them.

For this blog, Britclean will share some tips to get your creative juices flowing and add some class to your home without going over budget.

Decorative Window Film

Installing a decorative window film is an easy alternative to etched or stained glass. This can enhance the look of your windows and provide extra privacy too.

Although it is beautiful, etched and stained glass can be very expensive whereas a window film can give you a similar look and privacy at a fraction of the price.

You will also have more freedom to change up the patterns and colours easier plus they can be a temporary or permanent solution for your glass.

Pressure washers for your home

Pressure washing the exterior of your property will help add sparkle and restore natural beauty. Just like anything else that is constantly exposed to the elements, your home will get dirty and sometimes it goes unnoticed over a space of time.

A thorough pressure wash can yield surprising results, especially if it’s been a while since it was last cleaned.

Pressure washing is also a great preventative measure against mould and rot. When dirt or mud stays on the surface of your property for a considerable amount of time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. This can lead to structural damage, with pressure washing loosening and removing debris and bacteria which helps to safeguard your home.

Revive your driveway and sidewalks

Concrete around your home can also get dirty and discoloured over time. Comprehensive cleaning of your walkways and driveway can completely transfer the front of your home. You could be surprised just how bright and sparkling your driveway looks after a proper clean.

Cleaning hard surfaces around your home prevent the proliferation of mould and mildew, just like your home’s exterior.

Know the worth of your home

These cost-effective ideas will give your home the fresh new look you desire.

If you need some help with hiring or purchasing pressure washers, contact Britclean and find the perfect machine for you.

pressure washers - mossy paving

The need-to-know facts about pressure washers

Pressure washers use spraying water under high pressure to remove loose paint, mould, algae, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, fences, masonry, some vehicles and concrete or asphalt surfaces like driveways and patios.

The terms power washing and pressure washing are interchanged quite a bit, but they are two different processes. Both use water under high pressure to clean surfaces, but power washing involves a heating element that heats water and pressure washing doesn’t.

As with all cleaning processes, heated water cleans better. Some areas need to be power or pressure washed with added chemicals such as baking soda, vinegar, citric acid or commercial power washing soaps, detergents, sanitisers or disinfectants.

Finding out more about pressure washers

Steam cleaning your house, deck or driveway or other household features can be appealing but this is not the best choice for brick, concrete or masonry. Using a pressure washer is the best heavy-duty option for large areas such as extra-long driveways. The machine can also be employed where you have extreme dirt, grease, moss, weed buildup and slick surfaces due to mould.

Not all cleaning solutions are the same, so it is important to understand the differences between different ones. Remember cleaners remove dirt, sanitisers kill most bacteria and disinfectants kill all organisms within 30 minutes, according to industry statistics.

Every surface you are cleaning is different, so could require different techniques, nozzle sizes, pressure and even different chemicals. Ensuring you get the right cleaner for what you want to clean is crucial. Some surfaces require a power wash and water whereas others will just need hot water, soap and a pressure wash.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions about Britclean’s range of pressure washers, please do not hesitate to get in touch now. We offer leading brands such as Nilfisk, Karcher plus our own brand of manufactured pressure washing machines and industrial vacuums with all models available for hire or purchase.

Karcher Pressure Washers Staffordshire

The Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing

Pressure washers have become very popular hire options among homeowners looking for fast and efficient cleans.

Pressure washing your siding, deck and driveway is very effective if done correctly.

Unfortunately, some people are unaware of the different equipment needed for different surfaces and without sufficient training, you can damage your property.

Common mistakes using pressure washers

The most common mistake DIY pressure washing is applying too much pressure plus it is easy to underestimate the power of a jet of water. For many first-timers, they could end up carving strips out of wood decking or etching lines into the home’s siding.

Some people will only load their washer with water, without the proper ratio of cleaning solution mixed in. This means your cleaning effectiveness will be vastly reduced and lead to applying too much pressure to compensate for the lost power.

Water-only mixtures can also spread mould spores around. The extra pressure and mould-related damages can lead to costly repairs.

There is an art to giving your home a thorough clean, with some general guidelines for pressure washing the best solution.

  • Always start with a wider fan pattern and make sure you keep the nozzle moving.
  • Hold it at the distance that is recommended in your use manual.
  • Avoid blasting directly into corners, beneath the lip of a window, or into dryer and attic vents.
  • Pressure wash first if you plan to also do the windows.
  • Ensure electric pressure washers are properly connected and grounded at all times.
  • Beware of shock hazards around the house and ensure you are wearing rubber-soled shoes for increased protection.

Hire or purchase a pressure washer from Britclean

If you have decided to hire a pressure washer, do your research beforehand to ensure you get the best equipment for your requirements. Experts from Britclean are available to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us now.