How to Choose a Pressure Washer
For cleaning dirt off vehicles and outside furniture, driveway oil stains or deck or siding mold, building grime or wall graffiti, pressure washers are the right machines.
You’re probably asking yourself, “What kind of pressure washer should I buy?” This guide will help you choose the right pressure cleaners in gold coast for your cleaning job.
What is a Pressure washer? How does it work?
A pressure washer can be described as a machine that sprays water using an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. It uses a high-pressure water pump to drive a powerful, mechanical sprayer. The machine receives water at low pressure. It then exits the pump via a hose. A spray nozzle is fired under high pressure. The spray removes dirt and stains.
The spray force is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) and the pressure output is measured in psi. What does gpm stand for on a pressure washer, and how do they measure it? Gpm (or gallons per hour) is the flow rate of water through the nozzle. Higher psi equals more cleaning power and higher gpm equals faster cleaning.
What Size Pressure Washer Should I Use?
What is the ideal pressure for a pressure washer? It depends on what the job is. Higher pressure models are more difficult to control and less power is not necessarily better. Be mindful of the surface that you are cleaning, and only purchase the power you require.
You shouldn’t just look at the psi when choosing a pressure washer. To determine the size pressure washer that you will need, multiply the machine’s psi and its gpm. This gives you an accurate measure of its cleaning power, also known as cleaning units or effective cleansing units (ECU). This number is useful for comparing models.
Tasks that are light-duty
A pressure washer with 1,000 to 1,750 PSI and 1.4 to 1.5 gpm (1.400 to 2.800 ECUs), will likely do the job.
Tasks of medium-duty
Concrete, exterior siding, and asphalt driveways need to be cleaned at a minimum of 2,000 to 2,800 PSI and 2 to 3 gpm (4,400 to 8,400 ECUs).
Heavy-duty jobs
For heavy-duty tasks such as stripping paint or removing graffiti, you need 2,800 psi and a gpm between 3 and 4 (8.400+ ECUs).
Pressure washers that are commercial-grade and intended for frequent use, and designed and powered accordingly, begin at 3,100 PSI. This tow-behind machine includes automatic detergent injection. It can also be equipped with rotating nozzles and extended reach wands. For better traction on uneven terrain, pneumatic tires can be purchased.
Gas pressure washers vs. electric
There are two types of pressure washers: electric and gas. An electric pressure washer is best for smaller jobs. They typically have 1,000 to 1,500 PSI and a gpm of no more than 1.5. They are quieter, lighter, and more maintenance-free than the gas models. The length and location of a power socket will limit your mobility. An extension cord is not recommended for many models. Check the label and ask.
Gas pressure washers can reach up to 2,000 PSI and 2 to 4 GPM. These washers are a good choice for heavy-duty tasks such as cleaning concrete sidewalks, siding cleaning or graffiti removal.
Pressure washers for cold-water and hot-water
The best choice for removing dirt, mud and sand is a cold water pressure washer. They are smaller and cheaper than hot-water models. These washers rely on the power of the pressurized water for dirt removal. They can be mixed with detergents but are not ideal for cleaning oily or greasy surfaces.
Hot water pressure washers can handle larger or more challenging cleaning jobs, particularly when it comes to oil and grease removal, where hot water cuts through the dirt more easily. Hot-water pressure washers clean quicker and use less detergent than cold-water counterparts. They are also more expensive and bulkier than cold-water pressure washers.
How to choose the right size of nozzle for your pressure washer
Concentrated spray is concentrated when the opening of the nozzle is smaller. Spraying too much can cause damage to your surface. Before you spray concrete or other hard surfaces, make sure to test it first.
Adjustable nozzles may be available for pressure washers with lower PSI values. These allow you adjust the spray and cleaning power without having to change nozzles.
Pressure washers that have higher pressure are equipped with multiple nozzle tips. These tips follow a universal color-coding system to identify the spray angle.
- Black Nozzle: Use this 65-degree, black nozzle to spray soap and detergent onto a surface using very low pressure. Then switch to another nozzle to clean.
- White Nozzle: Because the white nozzle has a spray that spans 40 degrees, water is released at a low pressure. This makes it an excellent choice for cleaning windows and other fragile items.
- Green Nozzle: This 25-degree green nozzle can be used for household cleaning tasks such as cleaning siding, patios, and decks. It can also be used on boats and cars if it is handled carefully. It can quickly clean larger surfaces because it sprays wider than the yellow or red nozzles.
- Yellow spray nozzle: This yellow, 15-degree spray nozzle creates a concentrated mist. This nozzle is suitable for cleaning concrete stains, paint and mildew. However, it can cause damage to wood and other soft materials.
- Red Nozzle: This red nozzle sprays water at a very concentrated angle of 0 degrees. It can be used on metal and concrete surfaces. You can peel paint off of soft surfaces by using the red nozzle.
Rotating nozzles can also be used. They spray in a circular motion. Many pressure washers have adjustable wands, which allow you to adjust the pressure and spray pattern without having to change the tip.
A pressure washer is a better choice than a garden hose for cleaning dirt, grease, and prepping surfaces for painting. It even saves water. The best pressure washer for the job will make it easier and quicker.
