Pressure washers, also known as power washers, are used to clean vehicles, outdoor furniture, driveways, decks, siding, graffiti on walls, or building grime.
You might be unsure of the best type of pressure washer to buy or rent for your residence or place of business. In this pressure washer guide, we have provided a thorough review of its features and types. It will help you choose the best pressure washer for your cleaning project.
But before going into the details, it is very important to know the purpose of the pressure washer and how it works. Let’s dive right in:
What is a pressure washer, and how does it work?
Pressure washers are mechanical sprayers powered by internal combustion engines or electric motors. Under high pressure, the pump releases water via a hose, which then sprays a nozzle when low pressure is applied. As a result, the spray blasts away the stains and dirt.
A pressure washer should be able to both remove the surface particles and rinse them off when washing it. You can determine the spray’s force using pounds per square inch (PSI). Gallons per minute (GPM) indicate how fast the water flows through the nozzle. Cleaners with higher PSI are more powerful, and cleaners with higher GPM are faster.
How big should your pressure washer be?
When checking the pressure, you might wonder what the ideal PSI should be. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. Pressure washers with higher-pressure models are harder to control, and more powerful models aren’t necessarily that better. When buying a pressure cleaner, consider what you will be cleaning and only pay for the power you need.
However, choosing a pressure washer is based on more than just PSI. To determine the size of the pressure washer required, multiply the pressure washer’s (pressure rate) PSI by its (flow rate) GPM. It is called an effective cleaning unit (ECU) and will give you an accurate measure of its cleaning capacity.
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For light cleaning
Pressure washers with up to 1,750 PSI and a flow rate of 1.5 to 1.6 gallons per minute (1,400 to 2,800 ECUs) are suitable for light-duty cleaning tasks like washing a car.
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For medium cleaning
When cleaning concrete or exterior siding, you should get at least 2,000 to 2,800 PSI and a flow rate of 2 to 3 GPM (4,000 to 8,400 ECUs).
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For extensive use
We strongly recommend using 2,800 PSI or higher and a flow rate of 3 to 4 GPM (8,400+ ECUs) for heavy-duty tasks such as stripping paint and removing graffiti.
The starting pressure designed for commercial use, built and powered for regular use, is 3,100 pounds per square inch. Such a tow-behind machine can be equipped with rotating nozzles, reach extensions, cleaning attachments, sandblasters, and detergent injection systems. Additionally, pneumatic tires are also available that provide better traction on rough surfaces.
Electric or gas pressure washers – Which is better?
There are two types of pressure washers: gas and electric. Electric pressure washers are ideal for smaller jobs, and their pressure ranges from 1,000 to 1,500 PSI, with a maximum flow rate of 1.5 GPM.
Their quieter, smaller, less expensive design and virtually maintenance-free operation are ideal for removing spots from garden furniture and cleaning vehicles and tires.
However, their power cord length and power outlet location may limit your mobility when using. Many models require extension cords, so don’t forget to check the label before buying.
A gas pressure washer typically has 2,000 PSI and 2 to 4 gallons per minute. These tools are better if you want to clean concrete sidewalks, wash siding, or remove paint.
Cold-water pressure washers or hot-water pressure washers?
Pressure washers with cold water eliminate mud, dirt, and sand effectively and are less expensive and smaller than those with hot water. Their ability to remove dirt is based on the force of water pressure. While they can be used with detergents, they aren’t recommended for oily or greasy surfaces.
A hot-water pressure washer is ideal for larger or more difficult cleaning jobs, especially if oil and grease need to be removed. They clean faster and use less detergent than the cold-water pressure washer. However, their downside is higher prices, lower PSI, and bulkier construction.
What size nozzle should be used?
There is a direct correlation between the size of the nozzle opening and the concentration of the spray. As the nozzle opening shrinks, the spray becomes more concentrated. If you choose a spray with too much concentration, it could cause damage to the surface. Before cleaning, try it on a hard surface to see how it works.
There are pressure washers with adjustable nozzles that have lower PSI values. Using these, you can change the spray pattern as you clean without adjusting the nozzles.
A pressure washer with a higher PSI typically comes with several nozzle tips color-coded according to the spray angle. These include:
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Black nozzle:
When cleaning, use the 65-degree black nozzle to apply detergent or soap on a surface at very low pressure, then switch nozzles until the surface is clean.
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White nozzle:
With a spray angle of 40 degrees, the white nozzle sprays water at low pressure. Consequently, it is a good option for cleaning fragile objects like windows.
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Green nozzle:
A Green 25-degree nozzle is typically used to clean siding, decks, and patios to remove dirt and mud. It can also clean vehicles, including cars and boats. However, you must use it carefully when cleaning them. Its wider spray cleans a larger area more quickly than a red or yellow nozzle.
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Yellow nozzle:
Yellow 15-degree nozzles produce powerful sprays. While it’s suitable for removing stains, mold, fungus, and paint from concrete, it can cause damage to wood and other softer materials.
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Red nozzle:
Red nozzles spray water at a zero-degree, making the water highly concentrated. You can work it to clean metal and concrete surfaces. However, it can easily damage delicate surfaces and remove paint.
Alternatively, you can use a rotating nozzle, which emits a circular pattern spray. You can also adjust the pressure and spray pattern of some pressure washers with adjustable wands.
Conclusion
If you want to remove dirt, grime, and grease from surfaces and prepare them for painting, then a pressure washer provides a much better result than a garden hose. It can also save you a lot of water.
Keeping the above tips in mind, you can choose the right pressure washer for the task and get the job done faster and more efficiently.
