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Spraying Tips

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Here are some common tips to help you with your spraying needs.

Moss Away!

If you live in a rainy or humid area, moss often will build up on concrete walks and decks and plastic outdoor furniture. Rather than using an expensive moss removal product, here's a simple and low cost method of removing unsightly moss. Spray it with a moderate solution of ordinary washing bleach (2/3 and water (1/3). After waiting a couple of hours for the solution to fully attack and penetrate the moss, it can be quickly blasted away with either a high pressure washer or water hose. You can use your same sprayer to apply a sealer or other treatment which will tend to slow down the build of new moss or algae.

P.S. The same solution will also zap mildew that has collected on equipment or walls of unheated sheds and equipment. A glimpse of the obvious, don't spray this solution on any fabric or other material that would be adversely impacted.

A Shower A Day

Don't assume you only have to use store-bought chemicals to solve problems with annoying insects. Sometimes other easily available and low cost options are just as effective. For example, a solution of one cup of Ivory liquid soap mixed with 1 gallon of water works remarkably well in eliminating Red Bark Beetles in the Northwest United States. Your local County Extension Agent is an invaluable source of information and don't forget talking with a Master Gardener about their favorite non toxic spray solution.

Can't Stand The Pressure

Perhaps one of the most annoying parts of using a manual sprayer is a marked deterioration in the output pressure. Naturally, less pressure typically means more time. Assuming you have properly cleaned your sprayer on its last use, there are two likely culprits: kink(s) in your hose or lance or a clogged in-line filter.

Just like a water hose, a manual sprayer will dramatically lose pressure if its hose or lance is kinked, bent or ruptured. Sometimes when reaching extra high or low you put your hose in an unusual position or attitude which restricts the flow of fluid. This can often be easily corrected by simply holding the wand loosely without extra tension.

Another common problem is to ingest debris into the sprayer during use. For example, if you spray noxious weeds and grasses during the end of summer and fall when they are releasing seeds, some get blown in during fill ups of your spraying solution. If your hose or lance is not knicked, chances are you could have debris in your in-line filters. Remove and clean them in accordance with instructions in your operators manual.

Sprayer Cleaning

One of the most important aspects of using a backpack sprayer is cleaning it after use. Many times we tend to get in a hurry and overlook this extremely important part of any spraying job.

After each use, and especially before storing the sprayer for any extended period, the sprayer must be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated in order to ensure reliability and long life.

Chemicals used in today's sprayers, if left in the sprayer, can cause damage to internal components, even if they are left in overnight. To protect your investment, you should thoroughly clean and rinse your sprayer immediately after finishing your application.

Proper cleaning first involves the removal and proper disposal of any remaining chemical solution from the sprayer. This should be done in an approved decontamination area, and in accordance with all local, state and federal environmental rules and guidelines. The tank should then be thoroughly rinsed 2 or 3 times to remove all remaining traces of the chemical. The sprayer should then be refilled with clean water and this water pumped through the system, removing all nozzles and in-line filters first. Thoroughly clean all nozzles and filters, and re-assemble to the sprayer.

Finally, all moving parts should be lightly lubricated using a lithium based grease, or suitable lubricating oil. Lubricating oil can be a light coating of general purpose household oil, or any of the popular spray lubricants on the market that are suitable for use on plastic/rubber components. Be sure too, to lubricate all moving pivot points at the handle and pump lever areas, as well as lubricating the piston assembly inside the tank. Lastly, be sure to lubricate the chamber in the fully extended position. Refer to your owners manual for specific instructions.

By utilizing proper cleaning methods you will protect your investment, thus giving you many years of trouble free service from your sprayer. Additionally, you will be helping to protect our environment for future generations.