Tips for Pressure Washer Users

Water pressure washers are perhaps the most powerful cleaning machines available today. If you conduct a search on the internet, you may come across several varieties of commercial and industrial pressure washer machines, such as cold water, hot water, or steam pressure cleaning machines. Some of the classifications are easy to understand, while others may be a bit more difficult.

The first thing that needs to be understood about these machines is how they work.

How do Pressure Washers Work?

Pressure washing systems pump water onto hard and semi hard surfaces to wash away the dirt, dust, and other impurities present on the surface. One of the most important aspect of these machines is the pressure level, which determines the overall power of the system. Pressure is created by a pump that ejects water through a nozzle on a trigger gun.

The pump is usually powered either by an electric motor or by a propane or gasoline engine. For indoor cleaning jobs, an electric pressure washer is preferred, as it generates no exhaust or toxic fumes. For outdoor cleaning applications, propane or gas pressure washers are generally recommended, as they do not require use near an electrical outlet. However, if used indoors, a gas pressure washer requires proper ventilation due to its production of exhaust.

The following are some of the vital specifications of pressure cleaning machines.

Pressure Level

Pressure level is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi). This indicates the overall power exerted by the machine. The output pressure level of commercial pressure washers and industrial pressure washers usually varies from 500 psi to 8000 psi. Higher pressure levels are suitable for more demmanding applications.

Flow Rate

Flow rate is another important specification of water pressure washers. It specifies the amount of water being emitted from the machine, measured in gallons per minute (gpm). The flow rate varies from 0.5 gpm to 8 gpm.

A higher flow rate normally indicates a higher power. It also indicates increased use of water. A low flow rate is preferred for many cleaning jobs where water waste and drainage must be considered, especially auto detailing. In addition, if water is not abundantly available and the place does not have sufficient drainage facilities, cleaning professionals prefer a pressure washer machine with a low flow rate.

TemperaturePressure washer systems can provide an output temperature of up to 330 degrees Fahrenheit. These machines are placed into three categories, based on the output temperature: cold water, hot water, and steam pressure cleaning machines.

Cold water machines provide water at inlet temperatures. Hot water devices can provide an output temperature of 210°F, while steam pressure washer machines can provide an output temperature of 330°F.

Steam pressure cleaners provide the greatest cleaning power by dissolving the most stubborn stains and residues; but the high temperature makes them unsuitable for use on heat-sensitive surfaces. The latest models of pressure washer machines offer all three types of output in a single machine. These are called tri-mode systems, enabling operators to reap the benefits of all three temperature options for varying applications.

Power of Pressure washer

Of all the pressure washing machines on the market, steam pressure washers easily rank among the most powerful. These industrial pressure washers are great for heavy duty industrial projects and have far more cleaning power than commercial pressure washers utilizing cold water or even hot water. However, to get the most out of them, it is important to understand what makes these water pressure washers so powerful.

A Powerful Cleaning Package

Steam pressure washing machines provide the benefits of a pressure washer and a steam cleaner in a single unit. Pressure washing systems use force to blast dirt and debris off different surfaces. This is why cold water cleaning machines are often enough to tackle very stubborn stains and deposits from certain surfaces. Steam cleaners, on the other hand, use the power of steam to dissolve dirt from surfaces. Steam pressure cleaners bring these two elements together to create a truly powerful cleaning machine, capable of dissolving and blasting away the most stubborn, hardened grease deposits and other residues.

The best water pressure washers with steam abilities should be able to reach temperatures of 330ºF. The most powerful industrial pressure washers have pressure levels of around 3000 psi and flow rates of approximately 5 GPM. While having all this cleaning power in your hands is certainly effective for a range of demanding industrial applications, it is important to control that power. As such, it is best to opt for machines with a durable trigger wand that has quick disconnect and a variety of nozzles, enabling operators to apply the correct degree of power to a surface.

Choosing the Right Power Method

There are a number of different power methods available for pressure cleaning machines. These include propane or gas pressure washers and electric pressure washers. An electric pressure washer is recommended for indoor applications, as it produces no exhaust yet requires the use of an electrical supply. Gas pressure washers are recommended for outdoor use where electrical outlets are not accessible, thus making them more mobile.

A Common Oversight

A mistake many people make when looking at pressure cleaning machines is assuming that vapor steam cleaners can do the job just as well. After all, many people make the incorrect assumption that steam pressure washing systems and steam cleaners can tackle the same jobs, as they both utilize high temperature steam. This is not necessarily true. The key difference is the power at which the steam is ejected.

Vapor steam cleaners, ideal for commercial cleaning, feature low pressure levels maxing out at 150 psi. This enables these machines to dissolve residues. However, displaced impurities must be wiped away or extracted with an attached vacuum. On the other hand, steam pressure cleaners use steam to soften stains and deposits while blasting these residues away, ensuring fast and complete removal. The use of highly pressurized steam is essential for heavy-duty degreasing applications in industrial settings; though, this can also damage delicate surfaces if pressure levels exceed what the surface can withstand.

Steam pressure washing units are certainly some of the most rugged cleaning machines on the market. Understanding how what sets these machines apart is the first step to learning how to use them effectively.