April 30, 2014 THE VILLADOM TIMES I & II • Page 25 Make safety a top priority when power washing Patios, decks, and outdoor entertaining areas often need some TLC. Homeowners looking forward to enjoying the warm air often start their annual chore of readying such areas for the entertaining season in the spring, and clean- ing outdoor furniture and entertaining areas is a big part of that process. Very often, individuals turn to pressure washing machines to clean such areas. While pressure and power washers are effective, they also can be dangerous if homeowners do not prioritize safety when operating these machines. Pressure washing machines come in many varieties, and not all are created equal. Smaller, electric-powered systems may be effective for cars and boats, but ineffective at clean- ing grime on a house or driveway. Pressure washers also may have hot or cold water supplies. Hot water can help cleaning detergents emulsify dirt faster and more effectively than cold water. The cleaning capacity of these machines is measured in cleaning units -- or the water pressure multi- plied by the flow rate. The higher the cleaning units, the greater the cleaning power of the device. But more power- ful tools also carry a greater safety risk, highlighting the importance users must place on safety when operating such machines. The following are a few safety tips homeowners can employ to ensure their next power washing project goes off without a hitch. Clear away furniture and any obstacles from the area where you will be cleaning. The area should be free of trip- ping hazards or items that can be damaged by the spray. Keep children and pets away from the area while the cleaning is taking place. Pressure washers are powerful, and highly pressurized water spray can cause injuries. Slips and falls on wet surfaces may occur, and high-pres- sure injection can happen when water and chemicals pen- etrate the skin and cause tissue damage. Eye and ear protection should be worn at all times when working with a pressure washer. Many pressure washers work better when used in con- junction with some type of cleaning solution. A combi- nation of bleach and water will help loosen dirt and will require less pressure from the washer. As you grow accustomed to the power of the washer, it is best to adjust the nozzle to a wide angle fan and the lowest pressure setting to see how effectively it cleans a given surface. Increase pressure accordingly as the proj- ect progresses. Making the water stream too narrow could cause damage. It takes time to learn the subtleties of the machine, so users should allow themselves ample time to grow comfortable. Keep the pressure wand 10 to 12 inches away from the surface that needs to be cleaned. Make small passes and check the cleaned area, adjusting the pressure and stream accordingly. Begin at the farthest corner of a deck, driveway, or patio, and the highest spot of a home. Use slow, even sweeps with the pressure wand, being careful to maintain an equal dis- tance from the tip to the work surface. This helps to ensure even cleaning and reduces the chances of streaks and over- lapping of the pressure spray. When working on a home, avoid spraying the water at a steep angle under siding or directly into corners. Do not spray under the edges of window or doors. Use caution around dryer and attic vents to avoid soaking the inside of the home or unwittingly cause water damage. Always use caution when operating a pressure washer while on a ladder. The power of the device can easily com- promise your balance. If ever you feel uncomfortable using the pressure washer, stop and consider hiring a professional. It is much better to make that investment rather than risk injury or cause damage.