What to Wear When Pressure Washing: Protective Pressure Washing Clothing, Masks, and More
As a wise superhero once said, with great power comes great responsibility.
If you’re harnessing a pressure washer’s immense cleaning power, you must be responsible and wear protective equipment.
A safe set of pressure washing clothes can be the difference between a successful cleaning job well done and a veritable disaster plagued by injuries and lawsuits.
This guide will explain what to wear when pressure washing. You’ll learn to ditch your standard clothes in favor of waterproof jackets, non-slip boots, and chemical-safe gloves.
Don’t underestimate the task, whether you are pressure washing commercial buildings or construction equipment. By wearing suitable clothes for pressure washing, you’ll mitigate any safety risks and ensure a job well done.
The Importance of Pressure Washing Protective Clothing
The first time you pick up a pressure washer and use it to blast away an oil, grease, or rust stain like swatting a fly, it’s easy to feel invincible. After all, if you can cut cleaning time to a tenth of what manual scrubbing would take, everything else must be easy breezy, right?
Well, not exactly.
If you think you can just throw on basic everyday clothes for pressure washing, you have another thing coming. Pressure washing protective clothing isn’t just a stylistic choice or a convenience–it’s a necessity that will make or break your cleaning ability.
Whether you are pressure washing factory floors or power washing parking lots for your business or clients, you’ll need the right equipment to keep you safe.
Safety From High-Pressure Water
While pressure washing is quick and powerful, that doesn’t mean you can throw safety out the window. Personal safety is the very first thing to consider when learning how to use a pressure washer.
While different types of pressure washers have varying levels of force, even the tiniest pressure washer sizes can be dangerous to exposed skin.
The intense power flowing through your machine’s hoses is no cakewalk. As a relentless flow of water stems from your machine, you must be vigilant to keep the stream on target.
The water will begin pooling around you, and if you lack waterproof clothing for pressure washing, you will be vulnerable. Ruptured skin, shattered bones, and nasty slips are just some of the injuries that await.
But suitable pressure washing clothes, like non-slip steel-toed boots and layered clothing, will provide layers of protection around your skin and bones.
Chemical Exposure Protection
One of the most common questions we receive regarding pressure washing clothes concerns how to protect yourself from the brew of chemicals found in most detergents. Should you wear a mask while pressure washing, and what other equipment do you need?
While the best detergents for pressure washers are very effective at their job, you still need to protect yourself. Degreasers, bleaches, and soaps can cause absolute havoc on your skin, eyes, and breathing.
Pressure washing protective clothing will combat these risks. This includes sturdy face masks, chemical-resistant goggles and gloves, and thick clothing. They will act as your first (and second) line of defense against that mix of chemicals.
Of course, it’s good that the stains on your property didn’t figure out what to wear when pressure washing–since those detergents will wipe them away in no time!
Protection From Outdoor Elements
In most cases, you’ll perform your pressure washing at least partially exposed to the outdoors. Whether vehicle fleet pressure washing or oil rig pressure washing, exposure to elements like scorching heat, harsh wind, or torrential rain can pose an obstacle.
Adapting to weather conditions is a significant part of understanding what to wear when pressure washing. Of course, pressure washing clothing will vary depending on the exact weather.
For example, waterproof clothing for pressure washing, like heavy-duty raincoats and non-slip boots, are ideal for rainy days. Conversely, if the summer heat is out, you’ll want breathable headwear clothes for pressure washing to block out the sun without overheating yourself.
On windy days, one critical piece of pressure washing protective clothing you will need is sturdy eye protection to keep your eyes safe from debris flying around.
What to Wear When Pressure Washing: All the Pressure Washing Clothing You Need for Protection
Now that you know why pressure washing clothes are vital to your operations, it’s time to build a shopping list.
Whether you are pressure washing restaurants, cleaning a maritime fleet, or pressure washing concrete, this list of protective clothing is suitable for every scenario.
Once you figure out what to wear when pressure washing, training your staff to gear up properly is a simple matter. Then, you can sit back and enjoy the unrivaled cleaning power.
Waterproof Overalls and Jackets
A consistent hallmark among pressure washing clothes is their waterproof nature. The high-powered jet streams of water your machines produce are nothing to play around with.
But if you have waterproof clothing for pressure washing, you’ll do the job without fuss.
The simplest way to introduce waterproof clothing for pressure washing is to begin with overalls and jackets. The two will create an impenetrable barrier between skin and water.
No more shivering or sloshing around in wet clothes, as you’ll be nearly bone-dry even if you accidentally get some water on you.
As a bonus, combining overalls and jackets will give you complete coverage of your torso and limbs, ensuring your skin is safe from cuts and chemical exposure.
Non-Slip, Waterproof Boots
Your footwear is the most vital thing to consider while shopping for pressure washing clothes. With water and soap sloshing around on the ground, you need a stable pair to keep you gripped to the ground.
That’s where a sturdy pair of non-slip and waterproof pressure washing boots come into play. They are crafted to give you perfect traction on the ground, keeping you firmly planted in place. With a quality pair, you can say goodbye to slips, falls, and that awkward feeling of water inside your shoes.
Gloves
While pressure washing does not involve your hands as much as manual scrubbing, it still puts them in harm’s way. A solid pair of gloves is a must-have.
Between the intense spray of water, your machine’s forceful vibrations, and the grime on the ground trying to get on your hands, you’ll need a layer of protection.
Gloves will keep your precious digits safe and sound while giving you a solid grip to speed up your cleaning. You’ll even be able to work longer without running into hand fatigue.
Eye Protection
Your eyeballs are directly on the front lines in the battle to eradicate tough stains from your property. One wrong move, accidental splash, or windy projectile, and you might suddenly find yourself shopping for eyepatches.
Even if the damage isn’t enough to destroy your vision, these hazards can still harm your eye. The last thing you want is to wake up in the future and realize you’re dealing with eye issues from decades ago.
Safety glasses or impact-resistant goggles are a requirement. They’ll shield your eyes from hazards that could arise while pressure washing.
You’ll even be able to see clearly while pressure washing, avoiding any squinting or blurred vision. That means less time waiting for the suds to subside and more time spent blasting away dirt and debris.
Should You Wear a Mask While Pressure Washing?
With our list of pressure washing clothes, we’ve just about covered every spot on your body. But what about your mouth and nose? Should you wear a mask while pressure washing?
Protecting your airway is vital when pressure washing. As you blast away dirt, grime, and rust, particles and chemical fumes fly into the air. If you get any of them into your lungs, you’ll suffer from a host of short—and long-term damage and sicknesses.
A quality mask, whether a simple cloth mask or a sturdy respirator, will shield your airways. You’ll eliminate coughing, hacking, or wheezing to breathe clearly as you remove those stains.
Other Safety Tips Beyond Wearing Pressure Washing Clothes
Knowing what to wear when pressure washing is vital, but it isn’t the only thing to remember.
Proper Equipment Handling
Whether you’re just picking up a machine for the first time or a seasoned pro, reviewing the fundamentals is critical. Whether using an electric or gas-powered pressure washer, you’re in charge of a powerful machine that can strip paint and eradicate stains in the blink of an eye.
After all, a small mistake can have significant consequences, especially without proper safety gear. You’ll need to grip the wand properly, hold it at the correct angle, and be deliberate with your movements.
Equipment safety isn’t just for yourself. You also want to ensure you use the proper force, including PSI and GPM, to protect the underlying surfaces.
Awareness of Surroundings
You should always be prepared for potential hazards while pressure washing. Pressure washing can be high-stakes, and the risks only get larger if you’re working in a confined or crowded space.
For example, if you are power washing a warehouse, you need to consider any nearby boxes or containers, shelving, hazards on the ground, and employees in the area. A single slip, wayward stream of water, or unexpected object could cause property damage, injuries, and everything in between.
Constantly scan the area, adjusting your technique on the fly. If you notice anything pop up, stop cleaning and clear the area accordingly.
Maintenance and Inspection
Even the best commercial pressure washers need a bit of TLC occasionally. Pressure washers are complex machines with plenty of moving parts. Each part works together seamlessly to provide that powerful jet stream of water.
If any of those parts malfunction, you could be at higher risk of accidents. Your water stream suddenly arcing in another direction or your hot water coil suddenly overheating are dangerous possibilities.
Trust us, the potential for injuries and future pressure washer repair costs aren’t worth it. Regularly maintaining and inspecting your machine for signs of wear and tear will extend its lifespan and maximize its performance.
Final Thoughts on What to Wear When Pressure Washing
Pressure washing clothes are a crucial part of any business’s cleaning process. Between waterproof equipment like overalls, jackets, and boots to additional layers like gloves, goggles, and masks, you want to ensure your entire body is protected.
After all, there are plenty of hazards. Injuries and damage are genuine possibilities between high-powered water streams, chemical exposure, and outdoor elements.
If you enjoyed learning about what to wear when pressure washing and want to learn more about the world of pressure washing, you’ve come to the right place. Our team at Hotsy of Houston is the #1 home for industrial pressure washers in Houston.
We have decades of combined experience helping businesses like HEB, Sonic, and Bobcat across Southeast Texas. Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to get started or want to speed up cleaning on your commercial properties, we have the best industrial hot water pressure washers in Houston.
Our team will walk you through what to look for in a pressure washer, helping you decide whether you want to buy, lease, or rent an industrial pressure washer in Houston. We’ll analyze your business’ cleaning needs to find you the perfect fit.
For jobs requiring extra mobility, we also provide Houston’s best pressure washer trailers. We’ll even help you with pressure washer trailer setup and customization.
And with safety on your mind, you’ll also need a reliable repair shop to keep your machine in great shape. We offer comprehensive industrial pressure washer repair and maintenance in Houston, including Hotsy warranty servicing.
In our shop, you’ll even find the extra tools you need to get the job done effectively. We’re proud to offer Hotsy’s biodegradable line of powerful pressure washer detergents, along with the best pressure washer accessories, such as extension wands and surface cleaners, for specific tasks.
Our blog contains several other articles to help you learn the ins and outs of pressure washing. Recent favorites include renting a pressure washer, the cost to start a power washing business, quoting pressure washing jobs, how to store a pressure washer, what soap to put in a pressure washer, and hot water vs. cold water pressure washers.
Otherwise, whether you want our expert guidance or want to upgrade your equipment, Hotsy of Houston is here to help. Check out our inventory of fantastic industrial cold water pressure washers in Houston by giving us a call or stopping by our Pasadena store today!
