Welcome to our article dedicated to the pressure washer. There are some occasions when vacuum cleaners, brooms, and brushes are not enough to clean a messy environment thoroughly: stubborn dirt can be difficult to remove, even if the appropriate chemicals are used.
The high-pressure cleaners have been designed to combat dirt that cannot be eliminated with traditional means: they offer very high power and pressure that can make every stain disappear in a few moments.
The high-pressure cleaners that are on the market are not all the same but differ according to the use for which they were specially manufactured: some are used to clean machines and motorcycles, others to remove dirt from the furniture, others still make the floors shiny again.
Here we had selected some of the best models of pressure washer that are present below.
Pressure Washer Buyer Guide
Nothing is more effective than a pressure washer for cleaning outdoor environments. Not only does it guarantee the expected results, but it also saves up to 8 times more water than traditional pumps. This dedicated section will go into detail and describe all the peculiarities of the machinery: if the topic intrigues you, continue reading.
What Is a Pressure Washer?
Pressure washers are nothing more than devices capable of transferring kinetic energy to a fluid, generally water, or a soapy solution. Through this process, it is possible to accelerate the speed of the washing cycle and complete more efficient work for medium-large surfaces to be cleaned.
The engine activates a high-pressure pump, which, through pistons, puts the water under pressure. A regulating valve then determines the rate of fluid escape, to allow you to change the intensity of the jet according to the specific needs of the moment.
What Is a Pressure Washer For?
As we have mentioned in the introduction, the primary function of this appliance is to thoroughly wash particularly dirty surfaces and external environments, which need to be invested by a more marked cleaning force.
The internal pressure of the high-pressure cleaners eliminates all types of stains, including those caused by fuel or exhaust oil. They are also useful for polishing the bodywork of motorcycles and cars, the interiors of a room, or a factory.
They are often used to remove the grease or gasoline that accumulates on forklifts or similar machines, regenerating unhealthy environments thanks to the power they have.
Better the Electric Pressure Washer or The Petrol One?
Here is a doubt that worries many potential buyers. Let’s make it clear that petrol-powered high-pressure cleaners are much more powerful than electric ones and guarantee greater autonomy, as they are not connected to the power supply. Their disadvantage is that they cost more and need extra attention to maintain a high degree of effectiveness.
Electric pressure washers are less bulky and easier to use, but must necessarily be connected to an outlet. They can, therefore, cover limited portions of the surface, based on the length of the cable, but their practicality often makes them prefer over petrol models.
How Do You Use a Pressure Washer?
These are not very complex, easy to use machines. Just make sure they are connected to the power supply (only in the case of high-pressure electric washers) and to the water pump, after which the engine starts, and the pressure is adjusted. Aim the jet of water in the areas you intend to wash, and you’re done: the machinery will do the rest.
Here is how to use it in detail:
- Put the detergent in the compartment provided.
- Adjust the pressure and open the tap connected to the water pump.
- Through the water pump, fill the suction pipe and the deposit; by pressing the trigger on the pressure washer, the water should come out of the gun.
- Connect the device to the power supply and switch it on. If you have a gasoline pressure washer, activate it without connecting it.
- Activate the jet of water through the trigger.
- Adjust the pressure according to the power you need, trying not to waste too much water.
- Approach the jet to the most stubborn stains to eliminate them effectively.
How Can I Take Care of My Pressure Washer?
In general, the seller reports the temperature limit that the pressure washer is able to withstand; some are limited to 40 ° c, others can reach 60 ° c, in any case, make sure not to exceed the threshold otherwise you would risk causing severe damage to the machinery.
Remember also that some models only work with cold water. The cleaning efficacy of hot water is undoubtedly higher than cold water, but experts recommend not to exceed the limits.
Boiling water would compromise the functioning of the most delicate components, such as the pressure valve, seals, and pistons; for a more marked action, it is therefore recommended to increase the degreasing power of the jet, keeping the fluid temperature unchanged.
Purchase Criteria
If you think it may be a useful product for your home or, more generally, for your needs, pay attention to the following: we have listed and described the most important factors to consider before focusing on a specific model, hoping to provide you with an even more comprehensive picture of the product.
- Length of High-Pressure Hose
- Type
- Power
- Ergonomics
- Accessories
Length of High-Pressure Hose
The length of the high-pressure hose is generally between 2 and 12 meters. The models equipped with long pipes have greater autonomy and freedom of movement, avoiding having to connect the machine to extensions or use joints to lengthen the hose.
It is also true that the longer the hose of the pressure washer, the bulkier the machinery will be. Usually, the gun is conveniently stored in a side holster, the cable rewinds and the hose can come off to be stored separately, but the larger models are still complicated to store. Please take this into consideration and find a suitable place to place the pressure washer before purchasing it.
Type
During the course of the article, we mentioned the different types of high-pressure cleaners on the market and its most frequent uses. Analyze the various models and built-in functions, and try to focus on what guarantees the best results according to your needs.
For sporadic uses, it is not worth spending a fortune, a compact, a medium-sized electric pressure washer will be enough to wash the bodies and balconies thoroughly.
If, on the other hand, you manage a company or a factory and you are looking for a machine to carry out periodic cleaning, you will have to focus on a more robust model.
Those with petrol offer high pressure and water jets capable of exerting a greater cleaning force; in fact, they are preferred to current models for large capacity applications.
Power
The power of pressure washers is generally measured in the bar. For domestic use, an apparatus with 100 or 140 bar pressure, equipped with an electric motor with a power between 200 and 220 w, is sufficient; no further energy is needed to complete a job well done.
If, on the other hand, you frequently clean in large and particularly messy environments, you will have to focus on a more robust model: the motors can reach 200 w and offer up to 200 bar of pressure, greatly simplifying the work. However, consider that the more influential the model, the higher the price to buy it.
Ergonomics
Regardless of the model, you prefer, take into account the elements that simplify its use: opt for a light pressure washer, easy to handle, easy to transport; some are equipped with wheels to optimize movement, others must be dragged, carefully evaluate the weight and size of the machine.
The water gun must not be too large. Otherwise, it will be challenging to direct the jet towards the designated areas; remember that this is very powerful because of the water pressure, and you need a firm grip and a minimum of strength in your arms to direct it.
Accessories
Almost all high-pressure cleaners are sold together with some accessories and spare parts, to make their use even more effective and complete. The water jet can be modified through specific components, and the high-pressure hose should be replaced from time to time; in fact, some brands provide a spare one.
Do not neglect the type of detergent you use: make sure it is the most suitable for the intended surface because the cleaning efficiency of the machinery depends on this factor; you usually use plain water or a soapy solution, but to be sure you are not wrong, it is good to read the warnings given by the seller in the instruction manual.
