Don’t Let Power Turn Into Pain: Your Complete Guide to Safe Pressure Washing at Home
While pressure washing can transform your home’s exterior from grimy to gorgeous in minutes, an estimated 6,057 people went to emergency rooms in 2014 alone with pressure washer-related injuries, making safety knowledge absolutely critical for every homeowner.
The Hidden Dangers Lurking Behind That Powerful Stream
Pressure washers might look like oversized garden hoses, but they pack a serious punch. These machines can generate 1,500 to 4,000 psi, compared to a garden hose’s 50 psi. A pressure washer’s powerful spray is hazardous when misdirected, strong enough to damage skin in an instant, with lacerations being the most common injury, followed by bruises, punctures, and eye injuries.
The strong spray from a pressure washer can cause serious wounds that might first appear minor, and wounds that appear minor can cause a person to delay treatment, increasing risk for infection, disability or amputation. Even more concerning, up to 30% of pressure injuries eventually require amputation.
Essential Protective Gear: Your First Line of Defense
The right protective equipment can mean the difference between a successful cleaning project and a trip to the emergency room. Here’s what every homeowner needs:
Eye and Face Protection
Eye protection is crucial for keeping your eyes safe from flying debris, water spray, and chemicals, helping prevent serious eye injuries and ensuring clear visibility while working. A face shield provides comprehensive facial protection, covering your eyes, nose, and mouth – this additional layer of safety guards against chemical splashes and debris that safety glasses alone might not block.
Hand Protection
Hands are one of the most common body parts injured with pressure washers, making gloves one of the best forms of safety gear you can wear as they not only protect your hands but improve your grip, helping to avoid other unnecessary injuries. Look for heavy-duty rubber or latex gloves that resist punctures and tears and will keep out oils and corrosive chemicals, ensuring they allow your fingers to move comfortably without compromising your grip, and if you’re using a hot-water pressure washer, make sure the gloves are insulated.
Footwear
A sturdy pair of rubber boots will prevent your feet from getting wet and protect your skin from corrosive chemicals while providing added grip on wet and slippery surfaces, and you should look for a pair with metatarsal guards for added protection, especially if you’re working with high-PSI machines. Never wear flip-flops while using any pressure washer.
Body Protection
A heavy-duty, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) raincoat with a hood will keep you dry and prevent flying debris from causing injury, and you should make sure the jacket is big enough and doesn’t restrict your movements. It’s recommended to wear waterproof, PVC rain pants to ensure your legs are protected, looking for models that can be tightened around the ankles to prevent water from getting in, with a bib also being a good option that provides an extra layer of protection for your torso.
Hearing Protection
Pressure and power washers can be loud, especially gas-powered models, and prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, so hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, helps prevent hearing loss and keeps you focused while cleaning.
Critical Safety Precautions Every Homeowner Must Follow
Pressure washer injuries are preventable simply by wearing the proper PPE and following operation guidelines. Here are the essential precautions:
- Read your owner’s manual entirely, from front to back, as they feature information that may be vital for safely using your power washer and include instructions on how to use model-specific safety features
- Never aim a pressure washer at another person or pet, as the high-pressure water output can cause very severe injury and should never be treated like a squirt gun
- The force of the pressure washer can make it difficult to maintain balance, increasing the risk of falls, so use both hands to maintain a firm grip on the wand, keep your body balanced, do not overreach or stand on unstable support, and keep good footing and balance at all times
- Never use a gasoline powered washer in an enclosed space or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent
When to Call the Professionals
While DIY pressure washing can be rewarding, some situations call for professional expertise. Companies like High Pro Power Washing, which has been dedicated to delivering outstanding cleaning services since 2019 with certified excellence on Yelp and NextDoor, backed by over 200 five-star reviews, understand the complexities of safe pressure washing.
High Pro Power Washing proudly serves a wide range of areas throughout Montgomery County and Frederick County, with their service area including residential and commercial properties in surrounding cities and neighborhoods, ready to help whether you’re in need of pressure washing for your home, driveway, roof, or business exterior. For homeowners in need of professional pressure washing Garfield and surrounding areas, their expertise ensures both safety and superior results.
High Pro Power Washing’s mission is simple: to provide superior cleaning services that enhance the beauty and value of your property, believing in building lasting relationships with clients by consistently delivering outstanding results that exceed expectations, with their vision being to be the leading power washing company in Montgomery County and Frederick County, known for their quality, reliability, and customer-focused approach.
Emergency Response: What to Do if Injury Occurs
Persons who have high pressure spray wounds are urged to get medical attention as soon as possible, as a medical professional might X-Ray the injured area, provide a tetanus shot and antibiotics, or make a referral to a specialist. If the injury is serious and warrants emergency help, you must call 911.
The Bottom Line on Pressure Washing Safety
Pressure washing doesn’t have to be dangerous when done correctly. By following pressure washer safety tips, including wearing the right gear and maintaining awareness of your surroundings, you can effectively minimize risks and enjoy the benefits of pressure washing with confidence, always prioritizing safety and equipping yourself with the necessary protective equipment.
Remember, many pressure washer injuries are preventable simply by wearing proper safety gear. Whether you choose to tackle the job yourself with proper precautions or hire professionals who understand the intricacies of safe pressure washing, the key is never compromising on safety for the sake of convenience or cost savings.
Your home’s exterior deserves attention, but your safety should always come first. With the right knowledge, equipment, and respect for the power you’re wielding, pressure washing can be both safe and highly effective in maintaining your property’s beauty and value.