If you are thinking of having your home pressure washed, you may have wondered if the chemicals used in pressure washing are safe for you and your family. It is important to understand how pressure washing works and what pressure washing chemicals are used for this important task.

What is Pressure Washing?

According to Miami Pressure Washing services, pressure washing uses cold water combined with chemicals to clean surfaces such as sidewalks. It is different from power washing in that it uses cold water instead of hot. Coldwater is less damaging to the surfaces of your home, and it is generally considered better for cleaning the outside of your home.

If you have a lot of mold growth in your home, it is probably better to use power washing to clean it. Pressure washing will be the safest method if you need to remove graffiti from a building, prepare a structure for a paint job, or clean a trash chute or sidewalk.

Pressure Washing Chemicals

Several different types of chemicals are used during pressure washing. You should be very careful when using these chemicals because they can burn if you get them on your skin. The chemicals can cause a bacterial infection if they get inside an open wound.

The kinds of chemicals you use when cleaning depend upon the surface you are cleaning. The amount of the chemicals you use may depend on how dirty the surface you are cleaning is and the quality of the equipment that you are using.

Oxalic acid

If you are cleaning rust off a surface, you are likely to use this chemical. It is derived from many of the foods we eat, such as dark green leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts. In addition to rust, it is excellent at cleaning hard water scales and grout.

If it is ingested in its chemical form,  it can cause burns and nausea. It can cause severe gastroenteritis, vomiting, shock, and even convulsions in extreme cases.

Sodium hydroxide

Best known as a component in chlorine, this substance is often used in soaps and other cleaners. It is known for its ability to dissolve fat and grease. It is often used for cleaning ovens and can be used to powerwash a grill.

It can be dangerous when it makes contact with your skin, and if it gets into your mouth, it can cause nausea or diarrhea. It can also cause chest pains.

Bleach

Bleach is used to clean and disinfect many surfaces. Bleach will always be diluted when it is used in pressure washing and is used to remove mold and mildew.

You probably already know that you can die if you ingest bleach, and it can do damage to your lungs if you breathe it in. It can even kill you. It is important to wear goggles and gloves when you pressure wash something using bleach.

Ammonia

Ammonia is often used in glass cleaners and is used when pressure cleaning windows. Ammonia can be dangerous when inhaled, and it is especially harmful when combined with bleach. You must dilute ammonia as well. Exposure to full-strength ammonia can cause burning in the lungs, damage to your organs, and death.

Citric acid

Citric acid is found in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. In cleaning products, it is usually synthesized. It is very good for removing soap scum and is considered a safe alternative to bleach.

Professionals Know How to Use Chemicals

None of the chemicals used in pressure washing will hurt you if you use them properly, but it is best to hire a professional pressure washing company. The technicians will be well trained in safety and they will know exactly how much of a chemical should be used to clean each surface.