How to Choose the Right Pressure Washer for Your Cleaning Needs
Pressure washers are an effective and efficient cleaning tool that can be used to remove dirt, grime, and other build-ups from various surfaces. However, with so many different types of pressure washers available, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To make the process easier, it's important to consider several key factors when selecting a pressure washer.
Water Flow Rate and Pressure
The two most important factors to consider when choosing a pressure washer are water flow rate and pressure. Water flow rate refers to the amount of water that the pressure washer can deliver in a minute and is measured in liters per minute (lpm). The pressure refers to the force of the water and is measured in psi.
A higher water flow rate means that you can clean a larger area in less time, while higher pressure is better for tougher cleaning jobs. For most domestic cleaning tasks, a pressure washer with a water flow rate of between 6 and 8 lpm and a pressure of 1000-2200 psi is sufficient. However, for more heavy-duty tasks, such as cleaning driveways or industrial equipment, you may need a pressure washer with a higher flow rate and pressure.
Electric or Petrol
Another factor to consider is whether to choose an electric or petrol pressure washer. Electric pressure washers are quieter, lighter, and more affordable, but they are not as powerful as petrol models. Petrol pressure washers, on the other hand, are more powerful and can be used anywhere, but they are louder, heavier, and more expensive. Petrol machines also require regular servicing and maintenance, so this should also be taken into consideration.
Electric pressure washers are ideal for small to medium-sized cleaning tasks such as cleaning cars, patios, and garden furniture. Petrol pressure washers, on the other hand, are more suitable for larger jobs such as cleaning industrial equipment, boats, and large driveways. Generally simple domestic tasks can be achieved with an electric washer, however if you are using it fairly often or require the results to be a little better, petrol would be the way to go.
Portability
If you need to use your pressure washer in different locations, portability is an important factor to consider. Some pressure washers come with wheels and handles, making them easier to move around, while others are more compact and lightweight.
Electric pressure washers are generally more portable than petrol models, as they are lighter and more compact. However, some petrol models come with wheels and handles, making them easier to move around. Just be sure to always use a petrol pressure washer on flat, level ground to ensure the engine is not damaged.
Accessories and Attachments
When choosing a pressure washer, consider what accessories and attachments are included. Most pressure washers come with a 4-5 nozzles and a hose, but some will even come with brushes or other attachments allowing you to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks. These can include attachments for cleaning gutters, patios, underneath cars or driveways.
For example, a turbo nozzle can provide a more powerful and concentrated spray, making it ideal for removing stubborn stains on concrete surfaces. A surface cleaner attachment can be used for cleaning large flat surfaces such as driveways, patios, and decks.
A surface cleaner, like the one pictured below, is generally used for driveways. It is a large round attachment which has 2-4 nozzles on a spinning bar, allowing you to cover a much larger area in shorter amount of time.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the pressure washer. Electric pressure washers are generally more affordable than petrol models, but prices can vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the machine. Look for a pressure washer that offers the features you need within your budget.
For example, if you only need to use your pressure washer for small cleaning tasks, such as washing your car or cleaning patio furniture, then an electric pressure washer with a lower water flow rate and pressure may be sufficient. However, if you need to clean larger areas or more heavy-duty surfaces, such as large driveways, boats or industrial equipment, then a petrol pressure washer with a higher water flow rate and pressure may be required. Keep in mind the maintenance costs for a petrol machine.
In conclusion, choosing the right pressure washer requires careful consideration of the water flow rate, pressure, portability, accessories, and price. By taking the time to research and compare different models, you can choose the best pressure washer for your specific needs.
Remember, contact the professionals for dangerous cleaning jobs such as roofs. Safety is paramount, stay safe, stay dry.
