Pressure washer safety tips

Did you know a pressure washer can spray water up to 4,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)? That's 80 times the force of a garden hose. These pressure washer safety tips will help you handle that extra power.

What should I wash with a power washer?

As tempting as it is to pressure wash everything, some surfaces are not able to handle the force. You should avoid pressure washing these surfaces:

• Wooden furniture
• Outdoor fabrics
• Resin or plastic furniture
• Crumbling concrete
• Painted surfaces (unless you want to remove the paint)
• Roof
• Car (if you need to use the pressure washer, set to a lower PSI level)

How should I clean and store my power washer?

Keeping your pressure washer in good condition can help improve safety. Always check it before use and follow these guidelines:

• Make sure your model has been approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories.
• Never attempt to repair a damaged hose. Always replace it.
• Don't clean the machine with its own gun — water can damage the machine and increase risk of electric shock.
• Have a qualified electrician check the unit if it trips a circuit breaker.

How to use your pressure washer safely

Use the tool responsibly by following these important pressure washer safety tips.

• Never operate a gas model indoors.
• Use only extension cords designed for wet conditions, and always plug the unit into a grounded outlet.
• Wear safety glasses, gloves and rubber boots for protection.
• Do not spray others, animals or yourself — power washers can easily penetrate skin.
• Don't let children operate the machine, and keep them a safe distance away when you're using it.
• Use only cleaners approved for your model, and never use chemicals such as pesticides.
• Be cautious around power lines, service feeds and electric meters.
• Stand three to four feet from the surface you are cleaning to prevent harmful ricochet.