Type of Pressure Washer
There are several types of pressure washers available on the market, but the most common types are:
Electric pressure washers: These pressure washers run on electricity and are suitable for light to medium-duty cleaning tasks such as washing cars, outdoor furniture, and small patios. They are typically less powerful than gas-powered pressure washers but are quieter and more affordable.
Gas-powered pressure washers: These pressure washers run on gasoline and are suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks such as cleaning large decks, driveways, and painted surfaces. They are typically more powerful than electric pressure washers but are also louder and more expensive.
Hot water pressure washers: These pressure washers use hot water to clean and are suitable for heavy-duty cleaning tasks such as removing grease and oil stains from concrete surfaces. They are typically more expensive than cold-water pressure washers but are more effective at cleaning tough grime and dirt.
Commercial pressure washers: These pressure washers are designed for heavy-duty commercial and industrial cleaning tasks. They are typically more powerful and durable than residential pressure washers and are capable of handling larger and more complex cleaning jobs.
3 Steps to Using Pressure Washer
You have your electric pressure washer and you have your gas pressure washer. While there can be a difference in the performance between an electric and a gas-pressure washer, the usage is pretty much the same.
1- Setting Up Your Pressure Washer
Alright, the first step is attaching all the parts. Connect the high-pressure hose to the outlet, attach the spray wand to the hose, and stick the nozzle onto the wand. Next, hook your garden hose up to the inlet and turn the water on.
Plug the power cord in and switch the washer on (in case using electric pressure washers).
Pull the coil to start the engine of the gas pressure washer
Check that all the connections are tight. Finally, adjust the nozzle to the right spray pattern for your surface.
We already had a detailed article about how to start a pressure washer (both electric & gas), You can read to see the details if get confused here.
2 – Using Your Pressure Washer Safely and Effectively
Start with a wide-angle nozzle and lower pressure, around 1500-2000 PSI for general cleaning. Choosing the suitable PSI for pressure washers with the surface cleaning material is very important.
There are some main ways to adjust the pressure washer of your pressure washer or the simple way is unloader valve adjustment.
Stay 6 to 12 inches away from the surface. Move the wand in slow, straight lines side by side. Only use soaps made for pressure washers.
For practice, clean out-of-the-way areas first to get a feel for it. Wear eye protection, boots, and gloves. Put your weight on the wand while washing to avoid damage.
If possible, go over areas in even overlapping rows from top to bottom and side to side. Use the lowest PSI to remove dirt then increase for rinsing.
3 – Maintaining Your Pressure Washer
Once you're done, rinse all the parts with fresh water to flush out any leftover soap. Run white vinegar through the system to dissolve any buildup left behind. The vinegar and water rinses will extend the life of your seals and valves.
Store the washer upright in a cool dry place covered by the hood, if available. Detach the hose, wand, and nozzle to let them air dry. Put RV antifreeze through the parts in cold weather to prevent freezing damage.
FAQs
1. How do I adjust the pressure?
A: Higher pressure PSI is needed for removing stubborn stains and dirt. Most pressure washers have a pressure adjustment dial or knob. Lower the PSI for delicate surfaces and higher PSI for tough jobs. Start around 1500-2000 PSI and increase gradually until satisfied.
2. Can I use too high of a PSI?
A: Yes, exceeding a surface's recommended PSI can damage it. For wood, a maximum of 2000-2500 PSI is recommended and for vinyl siding is from 1200 to 1500 PSI. For brick and concrete, up to 3500 PSI is safe.
3. How long should I spray in one area?
A: Spraying for too long in one spot can cause damage from over-saturation. Limit spraying delicate surfaces like wood to 5-10 seconds max and move on to the next area. For stricter surfaces like concrete, spraying for 20-30 seconds per spot is generally safe.
4. What PSI is safe for cars?
A: For washing cars with a pressure washer, limit the PSI to around 1200. Higher PSI risks damaging paint, trim, and seals. Use the widest angle nozzle tip and maintain at least a foot of distance from the surface while spraying.
5. Can I use bleach in my pressure washer?
A: Using bleach in a pressure washer is not recommended due to the corrosive nature of the chemical. Bleach can damage hoses, seals, and valves over time. For disinfecting large areas, use a bleach spray solution and rinse thoroughly with the pressure washer afterward.
Conclusion
With proper technique and care, your pressure washer can help you quickly clean patio furniture, siding, decks, walkways and more for years. Start slowly, gain experience and adjust the PSI and spray pattern based on the specific surface. With the right setup and safety precautions, a pressure washer can transform your outdoor cleaning routine.
