Residential window cleaning, like gutter cleaning and driveway sealing, is a great way to keep your house looking professional and maintained. It also allows more natural heat and light into your home to cut down on utility costs.
Pressure washing may seem like a great window cleaning shortcut, but it can come with its own risks. Consider the following pressure washing tips before you attempt it.
Make sure to look at the manufacturer’s warranty on each of your windows before you start cleaning them. Some warranties will be voided by the use of a pressure washer, and if your window cleaning results in accidental damage, you may find yourself without a way to pay for the repairs.
Pressure washers can push water in through tiny cracks and openings in a window, so make sure you thoroughly inspect each window before cleaning it. If a window has any holes, dents, cracks or gaps, clean it manually, without the use of a pressure washer. If a window looks good, you should still put a rolled up towel on the inside of the window to absorb any water that leaks in.
Before you start cleaning your windows, stand about five to six feet away from your house and test the pressure on the siding. Work the pressure down to the lowest setting and make sure it looks like your windows will be able to withstand it.
When you begin to clean the windows, make sure to start at the top of the window and spray down, holding the nozzle at an angle of 45 degrees. Carefully move the nozzle across the window in a back and forth motion, moving down until you’ve sprayed the hole surface. It’s crucial to keep the water pressure low to avoid damage.
To finish up, spray the window ledge and siding underneath your window to get rid of any dirty water that may be trickling down.
If you’re not confident in the use of a pressure washer, this may be a job better left to a professional. Helpful research also found here.