Choosing the Right Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is a cleaning machine that sprays water at high pressure thanks to a pump driven by an electric or gas motor. It is used to remove dirt through the impact of water or even to strip surfaces.

The wide variety of models available meets the needs of both private individuals and professionals, particularly for domestic cleaning, washing vehicles, unclogging drains and rain gutters, cleaning roofs, washing machinery, agricultural sheds, etc.

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  • Residential or professional pressure washer?

    The choice between a residential and professional pressure washer depends on the intended use.

    Bosch pressure washer

    Bosch pressure washer

    High-pressure washers for residential use

    They are intended for domestic use, as their continuous operation should not exceed 1 hour.

    Applications: They are suitable for washing small surfaces and equipment, such as balconies, patios, garden furniture, and cars.

    Professional high-pressure washers

    They are intended for intensive use, which means they can operate for up to 8 hours straight.

    Professional pressure washers are made from more resistant and durable materials. This is particularly true with high-pressure pumps made of brass components, which gives them greater strength. However, they are more expensive than residential washers.

    Applications: They are suitable for cleaning outdoor areas of more than 80 m², such as large terraces, facades, and roofs.

    To choose the most suitable pressure washer for your intended use, you need to consider three main criteria:

    • Pressure: Measured in bars, pressure is essential to guarantee effective surface cleaning. In other words, you should opt for a washer with a pressure suitable for the surfaces you want to clean, above 140 bars, for example.
    • Water flow: Expressed in liters per minute or hour, the water flow determines how quickly the work can be done. The higher the flow rate, the faster the dirt can be removed.
    • Hot or cold water washers: Hot water pressure washers have a boiler to heat the water up to 160 degrees, which makes them ideal for cleaning greasy surfaces. On the other hand, cold water pressure washers are more affordable.
  • Should I choose a pressure washer with cold or hot water?

    The choice between a cold water pressure washer and a hot water pressure washer depends on the intended use and the type of cleaning work you want to carry out.

    Cold water pressure washers

    This is a simple and economical solution, suited to the needs of private individuals.

    The effectiveness of cold water washers is based on the solvent power of the water and the force of the jet.

    They are easy to use, just connect them to the water supply and electricity before turning them on.

    Advantages of cold water washers:

    • They are suitable for everyday cleaning tasks and less dirty surfaces.
    • They are easy to use as there is no need to preheat the water.
    • They are less expensive.
    Nilfisk hot water pressure washer

    Nilfisk hot water pressure washer

    Hot water pressure washers

    They have a built-in boiler to heat the water up to 160°C, which makes them particularly effective and powerful for cleaning greasy or very dirty surfaces. They are mainly used by professionals, for example in workshops, construction sites, and for washing commercial vehicles.

    Advantages of hot water pressure washers:

    • They are ideal for removing stubborn stains, such as oil.
    • Highly effective, they require less pressure and less detergent.
    • They are available in electric versions or with a diesel or gas engine.
    • They speed up work as they perform better (faster drying, for example).
  • Electric or gas engine pressure washer?

    To decide on the type of washing machine motor to buy, you need to take into account the specific characteristics of each of these options.

    Karcher gasoline high-pressure washer

    Karcher gasoline high-pressure washer

    Pressure washers with gas motors

    They incorporate a high-pressure pump driven by a gas or diesel motor, thus providing greater autonomy than electric washers, which have to be plugged into an electrical outlet. They are therefore ideal for applications that require mobility.

    Hot water models also have a boiler, which is also powered by that motor.

    These washers are generally more powerful than electric models.

    Advantages:

    • They have more pressure, flow, and power than electric washers.
    • They offer greater autonomy.

    Disadvantages:

    • They require regular maintenance due to the motor (oil change, spark plug replacement, etc.).
    • They generate more noise, are heavier, and emit exhaust fumes.
    • They are more expensive.
    Comac electric pressure washer

    Comac electric pressure washer

    Electric pressure washers

    The high-pressure pump is driven by an electric motor.

    Electric pressure washers can be divided into two categories:

    Electric washers are lighter and more compact than diesel or gasoline models, which makes them easier to move around. However, they are also less powerful, which makes them more suitable for occasional cleaning jobs and less dirty surfaces.

    Advantages:

    • As they do not produce exhaust fumes, they can be used indoors.
    • They require little maintenance (simple filter cleaning).
    • They are light and easy to handle.
    • Operation is simple.

    Disadvantages:

    • It is necessary to have an electrical outlet near the place of use.
    • They are less powerful.
  • Stationary or mobile pressure washer?

    To choose between a stationary pressure washer and a mobile model, you need to consider your specific needs.

    FAIP mobile pressure washer

    FAIP mobile pressure washer

    Mobile pressure washers

    These are the most common.

    Designed to be moved easily, they can be used to clean larger areas.

     

    Advantages:

    • They provide total freedom of movement during cleaning operations.
    • They are generally silent.
    • They can work with both cold and hot water.
    • They can be stored when not in use.

    Disadvantages:

    • They are not immediately operational.
    Nilfisk stationary pressure washer

    Nilfisk stationary pressure washer

    Stationary pressure washers

    These are robust pieces of equipment designed to supply water under pressure continuously. They are suitable for frequent cleaning jobs.

    As they are a fixed installation, they are always ready to work. They have a longer hose between the machine and the boom, so you can reach more distant places, as it is impossible to move the machine.

     

    Advantages:

    • They are always ready to operate.

    Disadvantages:

    • Since the reach is limited by the length of the hose between the machine and the arm, you need to bring the objects you want to wash close to the machine.
  • What are the criteria for choosing a high-pressure cleaner?

    When choosing a pressure washer, it is essential to take the following factors into account:

    Pressure: Bar is the unit of measurement for pressure in pressure washing machines. Higher pressure ensures more effective cleaning of surfaces or embedded dirt.

    Water flow: The water flow rate is expressed in liters per minute (l/min) or liters per hour (l/h). Higher flow rates allow work to be carried out more quickly and are therefore ideal for larger areas.

    Power: The power of the pressure washer’s motor is expressed in watts (W) if it is electric, and in horsepower (hp or cv) for motor models. More power means more effective cleaning.

    Water temperature: Models equipped with a heating system offer the possibility of using hot water to wash surfaces.

    Accessories: some pressure washers are sold with accessories that allow the equipment to be adapted to different cleaning tasks.

    These are the most common accessories:

    • Rotary brushes for washing delicate surfaces such as car bodies.
    • Floor brushes for washing balconies and terraces.
    • Single or rotating nozzles for degreasing surfaces.
    • Telescopic arms to reach hard-to-reach areas without having to use scaffolding (e.g. rain gutters on roofs, house facades).
    • Extenders to increase the overall length of the arm.
    • Hydroblasting kits for removing paint and other coatings from resistant surfaces such as wood, metal, or stone.
    • Water filters to prevent the nozzle from clogging.

    Weight and dimensions: Opt for a light and compact model if you have to move the machine frequently.

    Categories: High-pressure washers are classified into three categories according to their power and performance: high-pressure, very high pressure, and ultra-high pressure. The type you choose will depend on the intensity and nature of the cleaning tasks you intend to carry out.

    • High-pressure washers are the most common and are designed for domestic and semi-professional cleaning tasks. They have enough pressure to efficiently clean outdoor surfaces, vehicles, and garden equipment.
    • Very high-pressure washers offer higher pressure than the above models, making them suitable for more demanding tasks such as cleaning facades, roofs, and industrial surfaces.
    • Ultra-high pressure washers are the most powerful, with extremely high pressure, suitable for intensive industrial work (removing paint, tough coatings, etc.).

    Price: Pressure washers that operate only with cold water are cheaper than those that provide hot water.

    Type of surfaces: If you sometimes have to clean surfaces that could be damaged by hot water, make sure you opt for a model that also operates with cold water.

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