10 Pressure Washing Tips Every Professional Should Know
Master These Techniques for Pro Results
Whether you're new to professional pressure washing or looking to refine your technique, these 10 expert tips will improve your results, increase efficiency, and extend equipment life. Learned from years of experience and thousands of cleaning jobs.
1. Always Pre-Treat Heavy Soiling
The Mistake
Jumping straight in with the pressure washer on heavily soiled surfaces, expecting pressure alone to do the work.
The Professional Approach
Pre-treat stubborn dirt, grease, or organic growth with appropriate chemicals BEFORE pressure washing:
- Apply TFR (Traffic Film Remover) to greasy surfaces
- Use biocide on algae and organic growth
- Let chemicals dwell for 5-10 minutes
- Then pressure wash for dramatically better results
Why it works: Chemicals break down contamination, pressure washes it away. Together they're far more effective than pressure alone.
Time saved: 30-50% on heavily soiled jobs
2. Master the Two-Foot Rule
The Technique
Keep your nozzle approximately 2 feet (60cm) from the surface as a starting point. Adjust closer or further based on:
- Surface hardness (closer for concrete, further for wood)
- Contamination level (closer for stubborn dirt)
- Pressure rating (closer for lower pressure machines)
Why Distance Matters
- Too close: Surface damage, etching, paint removal
- Too far: Ineffective cleaning, wasted time
- Just right: Maximum cleaning with no damage
Pro tip: Start further away and move closer until you find the sweet spot where dirt lifts easily without surface damage.
3. Work in Overlapping Passes
The Pattern
Clean in systematic, overlapping passes rather than random spraying:
- Start at the top, work downward
- Use consistent, overlapping strokes
- Overlap each pass by 50%
- Maintain consistent speed
- Work in manageable sections
Benefits
- No missed spots or streaks
- Even, professional finish
- Faster overall completion
- Easier to track progress
Common mistake: Random spraying creates tiger striping and missed areas that require rework.
4. Choose the Right Nozzle
Nozzle Guide
Red (0°): Pinpoint jet - use sparingly, high risk of damage
Yellow (15°): Aggressive cleaning - concrete, heavy dirt
Green (25°): General purpose - most common for everyday cleaning
White (40°): Gentle cleaning - vehicles, delicate surfaces
Black (65°): Low pressure - applying chemicals
Pro Combinations
- Driveways: Yellow for heavy dirt, green for final pass
- Vehicles: White for washing, green for wheels
- Buildings: Green for general work, white for painted surfaces
- Chemical application: Always use black/low pressure nozzle
Investment tip: Turbo nozzles combine the power of 0° with the coverage of 25° - game-changer for concrete cleaning.
5. Hot Water Isn't Always the Answer
When to Use Hot Water
- Grease and oil removal
- Organic matter (food, animal waste)
- Sanitization requirements
- Industrial cleaning
When Cold Water is Better
- General dirt and mud
- Algae and moss (hot water can set stains)
- Painted surfaces (heat can soften paint)
- Cost-sensitive jobs
Pro insight: Many professionals overuse hot water, wasting fuel. Cold water with the right chemical often works better and costs less.
6. Protect Yourself and Surroundings
Personal Protection
- Safety glasses: Non-negotiable - debris flies everywhere
- Waterproof boots: Steel toe caps for heavy equipment areas
- Gloves: Chemical-resistant when using detergents
- Hearing protection: For petrol machines and extended use
- High-vis clothing: Essential for roadside or commercial sites
Site Protection
- Cover electrical outlets and fixtures
- Move vehicles and equipment
- Protect plants with plastic sheeting
- Warn nearby people before starting
- Block drains if using chemicals
Insurance note: Proper PPE and site protection can reduce insurance premiums and liability.
7. Maintain Consistent Technique
The Professional Stance
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Slight bend in knees
- Two-handed grip on lance
- Arms slightly bent, not locked
- Body weight balanced
Movement Technique
- Move your whole body, not just arms
- Keep consistent distance from surface
- Smooth, steady movements
- Avoid jerky or rushed motions
- Take breaks to prevent fatigue
Why it matters: Consistent technique prevents fatigue, reduces injury risk, and delivers even results. Poor technique leads to back pain, arm strain, and uneven cleaning.
Pro tip: If you're getting tired, you're working too hard. Adjust your technique or take a break.
8. Use Surface Cleaners for Large Areas
The Game-Changer
For driveways, patios, car parks, and other large flat surfaces, invest in a surface cleaner (like the Kranzle UFO):
Benefits
- 3-5x faster than lance cleaning
- Even results - no tiger striping
- No overspray - contained cleaning
- Less fatigue - easier to use
- Professional finish every time
ROI Calculation
A typical driveway:
- With lance: 2-3 hours, uneven results
- With surface cleaner: 30-45 minutes, perfect finish
Investment pays for itself in just a few jobs through time savings and better results.
RealKleen stocks: Kranzle UFO cleaners in various sizes - ask us which is right for your machine.
9. Never Neglect Your Equipment
Daily Maintenance (5 Minutes)
- Flush system with clean water after use
- Release pressure before storing
- Check hoses for damage
- Wipe down machine
- Check for leaks
Weekly Checks (10 Minutes)
- Clean inlet filter
- Inspect nozzles for wear
- Check oil levels (petrol models)
- Test unloader valve
- Tighten any loose fittings
Why It Matters
A £2,000 pressure washer with proper maintenance lasts 10+ years. Without maintenance, it might last 2 years. That's the difference between £200/year and £1,000/year in equipment costs.
Pro insight: The 5 minutes you spend on daily maintenance saves hours of downtime and hundreds in repairs.
10. Know When to Walk Away
Surfaces You Should Never Pressure Wash
- Old mortar: Can blast out pointing between bricks
- Asbestos: Illegal and dangerous
- Lead paint: Creates hazardous dust
- Damaged wood: Will splinter and deteriorate further
- Electrical equipment: Obvious safety hazard
When to Refuse a Job
Professional pressure washers know when to say no:
- Surface is too delicate for any pressure washing
- Customer expectations are unrealistic
- Safety risks outweigh potential profit
- You don't have the right equipment
- Weather conditions are unsuitable
Why it matters: One damaged surface can cost more than 100 successful jobs. Protecting your reputation means knowing your limits.
Alternative: Refer to specialists (stone restoration, soft washing, etc.) and build a referral network.
Bonus Tips from the Pros
Tip 11: Test in an Inconspicuous Area First
Always test your pressure, nozzle, and chemical combination on a hidden area before tackling the main surface. This 30-second test can prevent disaster.
Tip 12: Work with the Weather
- Best: Overcast, mild days (chemicals work better, less evaporation)
- Avoid: Direct hot sun (chemicals dry too fast), freezing temperatures (water freezes), high winds (overspray issues)
Tip 13: Build a Chemical Arsenal
Different jobs need different chemicals. Stock:
- TFR for general degreasing
- Biocide for algae and moss
- Concrete cleaner for oil stains
- Vehicle shampoo for car washing
- Autoglym range for professional results
Tip 14: Invest in Quality Hoses
Cheap hoses kink, split, and fail. Quality hoses (like those we stock at RealKleen) last years and prevent job-stopping failures. The extra £50 is worth it.
Tip 15: Keep Learning
The best professionals never stop learning:
- Try new techniques
- Test new products
- Learn from mistakes
- Share knowledge with other professionals
- Stay updated on new equipment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using Too Much Pressure
More pressure doesn't always mean better cleaning. It often means surface damage. Start lower and increase only if needed.
2. Rushing the Job
Pressure washing is about technique, not speed. Rushing leads to missed spots, uneven results, and potential damage.
3. Ignoring Chemical Dwell Time
Chemicals need time to work. Spraying and immediately washing wastes product and reduces effectiveness.
4. Poor Water Management
Not considering where dirty water goes can create environmental issues, drainage problems, and angry neighbors.
5. Skipping the Final Rinse
Always do a final rinse with clean water to remove chemical residue. This prevents streaking and protects surfaces.
Your Professional Toolkit
Essential Equipment
- Quality pressure washer (Kranzle, BOSS BOYS, or RealKleen)
- Surface cleaner for flat areas
- Multiple nozzles (full set of colors)
- Turbo nozzle for concrete
- Quality hoses (10m minimum, 40m for large jobs)
- Chemical application system
- Safety equipment (glasses, boots, gloves)
Nice-to-Have Additions
- Extending lance for high areas
- Foam lance for vehicle washing
- Hose reel for organization
- Water tank for remote locations
- Second machine for backup
The Path to Professional Excellence
These 10 tips (plus bonuses!) represent years of professional experience distilled into actionable advice. Master them and you'll:
- Deliver better results
- Work more efficiently
- Reduce equipment wear
- Increase profitability
- Build a stellar reputation
Remember: Professional pressure washing is a skill that improves with practice. Start with these fundamentals, refine your technique, and never stop learning.
Need Expert Advice or Equipment?
At RealKleen, we're not just suppliers - we're pressure washing specialists. Whether you need:
- Equipment recommendations
- Technical support
- Chemical selection advice
- Maintenance and servicing
- Training and tips
We're here to help you succeed. Contact us today and let's discuss how we can support your pressure washing business.
Visit our showroom, call our experts, or browse our range online at realkleen.co.uk