One of the effective ways of removing dirt from outdoor furniture and vehicles is by using a pressure washer. If this is your first time buying a pressure washer, you should know what features to check before paying for it.
Below are vital factors you should focus on when choosing a pressure washer:
Size
When choosing a pressure washer, the first thing you should consider is its psi. Higher pressure types can be more challenging to manage and have less power. You should only pay for the amount of energy you actually need based on the surface you’re cleaning.
The psi isn’t the only factor to consider when purchasing a power washer. In calculating the pressure washer you require, multiply the washer’s psi by its gpm to determine the actual measurement of the machine’s cleaning capacity (ECU). Comparing models is made easier with the help of this number.
Power Supply
Pressure washers are powered by electricity or gas. Your decision will depend on how big your task will be. For smaller jobs, we suggest you buy an electric pressure washer. It is around 1000 psi to 1500 psi, having a GMP not higher than 1.5. An electric pressure washer is cheaper, lighter, and quieter to work on. Use this washer to wash the stains off the outdoor furniture and clean the vehicle and its tires. With this pressure washer, your mobility is limited because of the power cord.
On the other hand, gas pressure washers have 2000 psi and 2 to 4 gpm. It is best for medium to heavy-duty tasks like cleaning siding, washing concrete sidewalks, or removing graffiti or paint.
Types of Pressure Washers
Coldwater pressure washers are ideal for removing mud, grit, and sand since they are less expensive and more compact than hot water pressure washers, which are more powerful. For dirt removal, they rely entirely on the power of the water. Cleaning oily or greasy surfaces isn’t a good idea when using them with detergents.
Using hot-water pressure washers to remove oil and grease is the best way to tackle larger or more complex cleaning tasks, as hot water is more effective. Pressure washers that utilize hot water clean more quickly and use less detergent than told water. The downside is that they’re more expensive, have a lower psi, and are more cumbersome to transport.
Final Thoughts
A pressure washer is not cheap at all, so you need to be cautious when buying. Make sure you choose the one that can help you do the job efficiently. It would be a waste of money if you buy a pressure washer with low psi, and the task calls for higher psi. Make sure to choose a brand with a good reputation. Keep in mind the above factors, so you will not end up buying the wrong pressure washer and regret it. If you want to share your thoughts or ideas about the topic, feel free to comment below.