Cleaning and maintaining your home and its exterior is an arduous task. It doesn’t matter whether you’re considering a thorough exterior cleaning or maintenance step to improve the appearance of your property or if it’s to do with protecting the condition of the building itself. In either case, choosing the best pressure washer for this purpose is a great place to start. A gas pressure washer can blast away dirt and grime in seconds, but they can be expensive.
Why Use a Pressure Washer?
When you use a pressure washer, you’ll find that it’s very efficient at removing dirt and grime from exterior surfaces such as driveways, decks, fences, patios, and more. In addition, it can help remove the minerals from bricks and stone, which have led to stains and discoloration. It’s also very effective at cleaning mould, mildew, and algae from exterior surfaces.
When you think about it, pressure washers are very similar to regular hoses, which deliver water. Still, the significant difference is that they use a cleaning wand with adjustable settings so you can control how much power you need for each particular project. For example, you can set the pressure washer for a soft wash rather than an aggressive one, damaging certain types of surfaces.
Types of Pressure Washers & Features to Look For
When it comes time for shopping around for your next pressure washer, consider these factors before making any purchase:
Power: You’ll want to ensure that you have enough ability to clean effectively. You may be surprised at how much energy is required for some surfaces. For example, driveways require more pressure than decks or patios, so it’s essential to choose a pressure washer that can handle the type of job you have in mind.
Hoses: Another thing to think about is the length of the hose. In some cases, you may need an extension depending on your particular project, which is why it’s essential to pick a pressure washer with a long enough hose so you don’t have to move it constantly.
Additional Options: Other types of spray nozzles may be helpful for specific projects, including rotary nozzles and turbo nozzles. These may help you boost the pressure and power of your cleaning wand while reducing its overall weight for more convenience.
Tip: You can also check out our article on Best Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner, where we rate some of the best surface cleaners & accessories out there.
Seven Things You Should Know About Pressure Washer
Now that you have a better understanding of choosing the best pressure washer for your particular needs, it’s time to learn more about its features and characteristics to become even more knowledgeable regarding this machine.
1) Cleaning power
As mentioned earlier, power is everything when using a pressure washer. The size of the engine and its pressure rating will determine how powerful it is, which in turn affects its cleaning power.
2) Different Types of Nozzles
Several nozzles come with a typical pressure washer, each delivering different amounts of water to suit your particular needs. You’ll want to use a rotary nozzle for large paddles or mops, a turbo nozzle for getting rid of grime on concrete or brick, and other types of nozzles to suit your particular needs.
3) The Hose
The hose was mentioned earlier as an essential feature that can affect how you use the pressure washer overall. If you need an extension hose to reach further, you’ll need to choose a pressure washer that has one available.
4) Engine Size
Typically speaking, engine size is determined by the unit’s power overall. If you want more power for more demanding jobs, opt for a pressure washer with a larger engine that can deliver higher PSI (pounds per square inch) for a more thorough clean.
5) Detergent Tanks & Hoses
Adding detergents to your pressure washer can help you break down any dirt and grime, as well as some types of mould or mildew from surfaces such as driveways or patios. Some units have a hose attachment that makes it easy to add detergents to the pressure washer.
6) Water Cooling Systems
A pressure washer needs to have a water-cooling system to stay calm and not overheat when in use.
7) Design and Design Features
A pressure washer’s design and design features can affect how you use it. For example, if you need to bring your pressure washer up and downstairs, you’ll want one with wheels that let you do so quickly.
Conclusion
There are seven things you should know about pressure washers before buying one. These include power, different types of nozzles, the hose length, engine size, detergent tanks and hoses, water cooling systems, and design features. By considering these factors before making a purchase, you’ll be able to find the best pressure washer for your particular needs.
As you can see, there are several different features and characteristics worth considering when shopping around for a pressure washer. With this information in hand, you’ll be able to choose the best one for your particular needs so you can get started on the many chores and projects you have in mind using this powerful machine.
