Where does the soap, grease and dirt go? Pressure washing your home, deck, sidewalk, driveway and vehicles can wash pollutants into storm drains and ditches that lead to waterways.
Here are stream friendly tips:• Sweep sidewalks and driveways, and put the debris in the garbage.
• Use automatic car washes that recycle the water and properly dispose of detergents.
• If you hand wash your car or boat, park it on grass so pollutants filter through the soil.
• If you pressure wash, plan to keep paint flakes, grease, and other pollutants from washing into storm drains, ditches or waterways. Collect and properly dispose of these pollutants, especially outdoor paint that might contain lead that is poisonous to plants, animals and children.
• If you pressure wash, direct the runoff toward grassy or planted areas.
• Try using water pressure alone to remove dirt and grime. If you must use a pressure washing cleaner, try this gentler solution: 2 cups mild laundry detergent, 1/2 cup vinegar and 1/4 cup lemon juice.
