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A pressure washer’s size or power is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The amount of pressure you need will depend on your project and the material you’re washing, but consumer pressure washers range from 500 to 2,400 PSI. Porous materials like brick and stucco should not be blasted with anything stronger than 1,000 PSI, while you can use a PSI of up to 2,400 to clean a vinyl fence.

You should avoid using a pressure washer on any surface or item that could be damaged by the high-pressure spray, as some materials are too delicate to withstand the force.

Key items and surfaces to avoid include:

• Electrical Components: Never pressure wash electrical systems, as water can cause short-circuits and create a safety hazard. This includes utility meters, breaker boxes, electrical outlets, generators, and HVAC or air conditioner units.

• Delicate and Fragile Materials: Fragile items can crack, shatter, or be stripped by the pressure. Avoid pressure washing windows, glass, light fixtures, shingled roofs (especially asphalt), and stucco.

• Painted, Stained, or Sealed Surfaces: Unless your goal is to strip the finish, do not pressure wash painted surfaces, stained wood (like decks), or anything with a protective seal that could be stripped away. Be especially cautious with older surfaces that may contain lead paint.

• Soft Woods and Certain Decking: Delicate surfaces like softwood, composite decking, and antique or wooden patio furniture can be etched or damaged. If you must wash wood, use a lower-powered pressure washer with a wide-angle nozzle to prevent damage.

• Living Things: Never use a pressure washer on people, pets, or plants. The force can cause serious injury and will destroy landscaping.

No. In spite of its identical chemical makeup, sodium bicarbonate manufactured for blasting purposes has a particular type and size of particles that differs from grocery store baking soda. In addition, this method would not be cost effective because you would need several boxes of baking soda to equal one blast-sized bag of medium.

Jet washers can last for up to 10 years, but a more exact timeline for your jet washer depends on the frequency of use and maintenance. Some machines are given a rating of their approximate total hours of usage, which can help determine how long yours will stick around based on how many hours you use it each year. Aside from learning how to properly use the jet washer, you’ll want to keep it stored safely and securely so that it won’t rust or get damaged between uses.