Pressure washing cars is a great way to remove caked-on and embedded soils. However, any time a pressure washer is used, it’s important to exercise care to protect both the vehicle and the operator. Because high pressure water streams can cause damage or injuries, there are a few pressure washer safety guidelines that must be followed.
Pressure Washer Safety Guidelines
- Remove all jewelry, watches, and rings before pressure washing. This will help prevent scratches and injuries.
- Only use the pressure washer while standing on the ground. Never use a ladder – the power of the pressure washer back-kick can be enough to knock you right off!
- Always wear goggles and other personal protective equipment!
- Never aim the pressure washer wand or gun at another person.
- Do not use the pressure washer to rinse hands, feet, or any other body parts. The pressure is so powerful it can hurt intensely.
How to Pressure Wash a Vehicle Safely
- Start by holding the pressure washer gun in both hands and spraying it on the ground to test the power.
- After the ground test, try it on a small area of the car to be sure it doesn’t cause damage. Make sure you are using the right kind of nozzle for your application!
- Work across the car’s surface in overlapping movements. This helps to eliminate marks left where strokes began and ended – sort of like mowing the lawn, or vacuuming.
Following these steps may add a few extra minutes to your total wash time, but it is worth it for the additional safety! By following appropriate safety protocols, you will have a great result and a happy car owner. Visit our pressure washing catalog for all the equipment and soaps you need, and don’t hesitate to give us a call at 1-800-233-3873 for help choosing the right products!
