Are you tired of seeing the exterior of your house covered in filth and mold? Is that dirt just not coming off your car?
Are there oil and chemical stains on your garage floor that you'd like to see disappear?
It sounds like you need the help of a pressure washer. Before choosing a pressure washer, educate yourself on pressure washer terminology to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Pressure Washer Terminology:
PSI - PSI stands for "pounds per square inch." This is the amount of water pressure that disperses out of the pressure washer when in use.
A simple garden hose will disperse approximately 50PSI, where a many pressure washers can offer up to a few thousand PSI.
GPM - GPM stands for "gallons per minute." This is how much water flows through the pressure washer per minute when in use.
What Do You Need to Clean
Pressure washing cement.
Pressure washers are capable of cleaning a wide range of objects and surfaces.
Lighter Jobs: vehicles, boats, fences, sidewalks, siding, patio's, decks, and lawn mowers.
Heavy Duty: farm equipment, brickwork, paint preparation, oil spills, and graffiti removal.
Another thing you need to keep in mind is how often you want to use your pressure washer. A residential pressure washer is built for use on only a weekly basis. If you need your pressure washer on a daily basis, a commercial or industrial one may be best for you.
Electric vs. Gas Pressure Washers
Avoid the hassle of gas with an electric pressure washer. These pressure washers are lightweight, compact and require less maintenance. These are generally used for smaller projects around your house. Also, they are powered by electricity from your house and are usually equipped with GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interruption), protecting your circuits from overload.
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Gas powered pressure washers, however, do usually bring a higher PSI getting your cleaning done fast and efficiently. These are typically used to clean larger areas and surfaces that are harder to clean.
The gas powered pressure washers also offer more options in mobility, as they do not need to be within reach of an electrical outlet.
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Cold vs. Hot Water Pressure Washers
Choosing between a hot or a cold water pressure washer depends on the applications you need to clean.
Cold Water Pressure Washer: These are the most commonly used pressure washer. From small electric pressure washers to those with over 6000+ PSI, a cold water pressure washer is a favorite cleaning machine for many homeowners and commercial users who clean off dirt and grime.
Hot Water Pressure Washers: If you've ever washed the dishes before, you know that hot water definitely helps. Hot water pressure washers typically use heating coils to heat water over 200 degreees. These pressure washers clean up tough oil and grease stains easily by combining the heat and high water pressure to create an abrasive cleaning pressure.
Many manufacturing industrial plants, including food processing, use hot water pressure washers to clean and disinfect surfaces as well.
Residential Pressure Washers: 1000 - 3000PSI
Residential Pressure Washer
Do you need to wash your car, your boat, or your lawn mower? Are you thinking your patio or outside furniture could use cleaning? If that is the case, a residential pressure washer is what you are looking for.
Residential pressure washers range from a 1000-3000PSI. Although smaller, the residential pressure washers have the right amount of power for any project you may want completed around your house.
Many residential pressure washers are also equipped with some higher grade features, including ergonomic spray guns and engines with low oil shutdown. Unique pressure washers, like the Generac One Wash, use variable pressure technology to let you control and adjust the intensity of your spray in a single swipe.
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Commercial Pressure Washers: 3000 - 4000 PSI
Commercial Pressure Washer
If you need to clean a wide range of items, big areas, or you need to use the pressure washer on a daily basis, a commercial one will be your best choice.
The commercial pressure washers typically range from 3000-4000PSI and can be used for farm equipment, graffiti removal, garage floors and construction.
A commercial pressure washer is equipped with a more powerful engine, professional grade features, and a much higher PSI.
What makes these pressure washers much more durable is the professional grade triplex pump with ceramic-coated pistons that extends the life and improves the performance of your equipment.
Another feature that makes some commercial pressure washers unique, such as the Generac 4000PSI, is their Pressure Control Valve. This gives you complete control of the water pressure.
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Choosing Your Pressure Washer
Pressure washers can be a great investment if you choose the one that best fits your needs. Make your decision wisely and you will be washing away dirt and grime in no time.
If you have any comments or feedback, please let us know. E-mail us at [email protected].