Guam’s tropical climate, with its high humidity, consistent sunshine, and occasional heavy rains, is a double-edged sword. While we cherish our island paradise, these conditions are also perfect for the rapid accumulation of dirt, dust, salt spray, and persistent green or black mildew on our homes’ exteriors.
Over time, this buildup can make even the most beautiful house look tired and neglected, diminishing its curb appeal.
But what if you could restore that vibrant, clean look with a powerful, satisfying, and surprisingly simple DIY project? Enter the pressure washer – your secret weapon for transforming your home’s exterior this summer.
Pressure washing is an incredibly effective way to blast away years of grime, revitalize surfaces, and make your home sparkle. It’s a rewarding project that you can tackle yourself, saving money and gaining immense satisfaction.
The Point of Pressure Washing Your Home?
The benefits of pressure washing extend far beyond just making things look nice (although that’s already a deal):
- Boosts Curb Appeal Instantly: A clean exterior dramatically enhances your home’s appearance, making it look well-maintained and inviting. This is especially important if you’re considering selling your home.
- Prevents Long-Term Damage: Mold, mildew, and algae don’t just look bad; they can slowly degrade paint, siding, and even concrete over time. Regular pressure washing removes these harmful growths, prolonging the life of your home’s exterior finishes.
- Prepares Surfaces for Painting or Sealing: If you’re planning on repainting your home or sealing your driveway, pressure washing is an essential first step.
- Creates a Healthier Environment: Removing mold and mildew can also contribute to a healthier living environment, particularly for those with allergies or respiratory sensitivities.
- Enhances Value: A well-maintained exterior contributes significantly to your property’s overall value.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need for Your DIY Project
Before you begin your pressure washing adventure, gathering the right equipment is crucial. Benson Guam has everything you need to get the job done safely and effectively.
- The Pressure Washer: This is the star of the show. For most residential tasks, an electric pressure washer offers sufficient power and ease of use.
- Our Recommendation: We highly recommend a versatile and reliable model like the Do It Best 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer. This unit strikes a great balance of power for tough jobs like driveways, yet is manageable enough for siding and more delicate surfaces, making it ideal for the average Guam homeowner.
- Find it at Benson Guam: You can explore the Do It Best 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer
- Cleaning Solutions & Detergents: Water alone isn’t always enough for stubborn mold or deep-seated dirt.
- Look for detergents specifically designed for pressure washers and the surface you’re cleaning (e.g., house wash, concrete cleaner, deck cleaner, mold & mildew remover). Many pressure washers come with a detergent tank or siphon tube.
- Find it at Benson Guam: Browse our selection of exterior cleaning solutions and pressure washer detergents.
- Pressure Washer Accessories: These can significantly enhance your cleaning efficiency and versatility.
- Nozzle Kit: Most pressure washers come with a set of quick-connect nozzles (0-degree, 15-degree, 25-degree, 40-degree, and a soap nozzle). Learn what each one is for!
- Surface Cleaner Attachment: A round, rotating attachment that makes cleaning large, flat surfaces like driveways and patios much faster and streak-free.
- Extension Wand: Great for reaching high siding or gutters without a ladder.
- Find it at Benson Guam: Explore our comprehensive range of pressure washer accessories, including nozzles, wands, and surface cleaners.
- Safety Gear: Non-negotiable for any DIY project involving power tools.
- Eye Protection: Goggles or safety glasses are a must to protect against debris.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from chemicals and high-pressure spray.
- Sturdy, Closed-Toe Shoes: Protect your feet and provide good grip.
- Find it at Benson Guam: Stock up on safety gear to ensure a safe and comfortable experience
- Other Essentials:
- Garden hose (for connecting water supply).
- Buckets and sponges (for pre-rinsing or spot cleaning).
- Painter’s tape or plastic sheeting (to protect delicate areas).
Before You Begin: Essential Prep Work
Preparation is key to a successful and safe pressure washing job. Don’t skip these crucial steps:
- Clear the Area: Move furniture, potted plants, decorations, and anything else that might get in the way or be damaged by the spray.
- Protect Plants & Landscaping: If you’re using detergents, wet down nearby plants thoroughly before you start. You can also cover delicate plants with plastic sheeting.
- Secure Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are tightly closed to prevent water from seeping inside.
- Cover Electrical Outlets: Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to cover and protect any exterior electrical outlets or fixtures.
- Test in an Inconspicuous Spot: Always test your chosen nozzle and detergent on a small, hidden area first to ensure it won’t damage the surface.
- Wear Your Safety Gear: Put on your eye protection, gloves, and sturdy shoes before starting.
Step-by-Step DIY Pressure Washing Guide
Once prepped, you’re ready to make your Guam home shine!
- Connect Your Equipment:
- Attach your garden hose to the pressure washer’s water inlet.
- Connect the high-pressure hose to the pressure washer’s outlet and then to the spray gun.
- If using detergent, fill the detergent tank or place the siphon tube into your detergent container.
- Plug in the power washer (for electric models) or ensure it’s fueled (for gas models).
- Turn on the water supply fully before turning on the pressure washer.
- Apply Cleaning Solution (If Using):
- Attach the black “soap” nozzle (usually the widest spray, lowest pressure) to your spray gun.
- Spray the detergent solution onto the surface you’re cleaning, working from the bottom up. This prevents streaks.
- Allow the solution to dwell for the recommended time (check the product label), but don’t let it dry.
- Rinse Away the Grime:
- Switch to a higher-pressure nozzle (e.g., 25-degree for general cleaning, 15-degree for tougher spots on durable surfaces like concrete).
- Start rinsing from the top down. This ensures dirty water doesn’t run over already clean areas, preventing streaks.
- Hold the nozzle at a consistent distance (typically 6-12 inches) from the surface.
- Use steady, overlapping strokes, moving from side to side or up and down. Avoid spraying directly into cracks or gaps.
Specific Area Tips:
- Siding: Use a wider fan nozzle (25 or 40-degree) and hold it further away (12-18 inches). Work in sections, applying detergent bottom-up, then rinsing top-down.
- Concrete Driveways & Patios: These can handle more pressure. Use a 15 or 25-degree nozzle, or better yet, a surface cleaner attachment for even, fast results.
- Fences: Use a lower pressure (40-degree nozzle or even a white soap nozzle for delicate wood) and keep a good distance. Work in sections.
Safety First! Crucial Precautions
A pressure washer is a powerful tool. Always prioritize safety:
- Never Point at People or Pets: The high-pressure stream can cause serious injury.
- Wear PPE: Always wear eye protection and gloves.
- Mind Electrical Outlets: Never spray directly into electrical outlets, light fixtures, or power lines.
- Ladder Safety: If using a ladder for high areas, ensure it’s stable and have a spotter. Even better, use an extension wand from the ground if possible.
- Start with Low Pressure: Always start with a wider nozzle (higher degree) and test on an inconspicuous area. You can always increase pressure, but you can’t undo damage.
- Avoid Delicate Surfaces: Be extremely cautious with painted surfaces, old mortar, or soft wood, as high pressure can cause damage.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Streaking: Usually caused by inconsistent overlap, applying detergent unevenly, or rinsing top-up instead of top-down. Go back over the streaked area slowly and evenly.
- Uneven Cleaning: Often due to inconsistent distance from the surface or rushing. Take your time and maintain a steady hand.
Your Sparkling Summer Home Starts at Benson Guam!
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing your home transform from grimy to gleaming. Pressure washing is a highly effective and rewarding DIY project that will make your Guam home look its absolute best this summer.
Ready to unleash the power of clean? Benson Guam has a full range of pressure washers, including the robust Do It Best 2300 PSI Electric Pressure Washer, along with all the essential cleaning solutions, specialized accessories, and vital safety gear you need for a successful exterior refresh. Our knowledgeable team is always on hand to offer advice and help you pick the perfect products for your project.
Learn about how else you can refresh your home with home in Guam with our article
Transform Your Guam Home with These DIY Refresh Projects
