My DIY Pressure Washer Journey in Fresno

So listen, folks. Fresno heat and dust are no joke, right? My patio looked like a sandbox after those windy days. Saw the pressure washers at the local hardware store – boom, bought the cheapest electric one. Grabbed it, brought it home. Felt pretty good. Didn't even read the manual. Rookie mistake number one.

Plugged it into that old extension cord I found in the garage. You know the one. Frayed a bit near the end. Connected the garden hose, turned on the faucet. Waited. Started the machine... VROOM! Kicked like a startled horse. Almost yanked it right outta my hands. Water sprayed everywhere except where I wanted it. Soaked my shoes completely. That's when the spark happened near the plug end. Small, but scary as heck. Yanked the cord out faster than anything.

Lesson learned? Ditch the junk cords.

• Used that old cord? Bad. Big fire hazard. Don't be me.
• Bought a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord next day. Shorter, thicker, feels solid.
• Checked my outdoor outlet – actually installed a GFCI plug finally. Basic safety.

Alright, got the water under control. Started blasting the patio furniture. Mud flew! It was kinda satisfying. Then, a tiny rock or something pinged off the plastic chair leg. Hit me right in the cheekbone. Stung like crazy. Could've easily taken out an eye. Had sunglasses on, thankfully. But still...

Safety gear is NOT optional.

• Went inside immediately. Put on my workshop safety goggles. Real ones, not dollar store shades.
• Grabbed my old, thick boots too. Way better than sneakers.
• Wouldn't mind heavy-duty gloves next time either. Hands got slapped by the hose.

Confidence slightly boosted, I tackled the side of my stucco house. The stuff actually worked! Years of grime peeling off. Felt powerful. Aimed near a bedroom window – careful, careful... BAM! What was that? A small, hidden chip in the stucco, blasted by the jet? Nope. Tiny crack appeared in the bottom corner of the window pane. Heart sank. How? Water pressure must've hit a weak spot or gone under the sill.

Pressure washing near windows or wood? Yikes.

• I now stay WAY back from windows, doors, and painted wood areas.
• Using a wider spray nozzle tip for anything near the house. Less concentrated power.
• Seriously considering putting up plywood boards as a shield near vulnerable spots next time. Learned that online after.

Finished the day sweaty, damp, but the patio looked amazing. House wall much better too (window aside). Took way longer than I thought. That cheap washer works, but it's slow. Cleaned everything properly – flushed the system, drained the water, coiled the new cord.

Honestly? Respect the machine. Fresno sun might make you rush, but don't. Cost me a new cord and probably a window repair. Could've been worse – much worse. Take it slow, gear up, watch where you point that deadly jet, and maybe don't use Grandma's antique extension cord.