How To Use A Pressure Washer The Right Way And How It Works
How To Use An Electric Or Gas Powered Pressure Washer
If you love cleaning, you'll surely enjoy using a pressure washer. This ideal equipment for home use is capable of scrubbing away dirt from almost anything around your home. From getting rid of grimes on your walkway to removing stains on the sides of your house, an electric or gas pressure washer can do wonders for your home.
Follow these tips below, and in no time you’ll become an expert power washer!
How Does A Pressure Washer Work?
In order to learn how to use a pressure washer easily, you should be aware of the washing machine history and how washing systems work. The process of the power machine has four basic elements no matter what method or type you use. These elements are the following:
Pressure
Rate of water flow
Heat
Cleaning solution
There will be a change in the characteristics of cleaning when one of these elements is taken out. So basically, this means that to get the best power washing results, you need to use higher pressure, add more cleaning solution, and use more water. Hence, to produce the ideal cleaning characteristic for the particular task, you have to make a few adjustments combining these elements.
A pressure washer breaks the bond between the surface you're cleaning and the dirt. Pressure washers are not as complicated as you may think. They're essentially water pumps run by electric motors. The basic principle of how it works can be summarized as:
The cleaning solution runs in from a container or bottle through a hose.
The cold water, on the other hand, runs in from your tap or faucet into a different hose while being filtered at the same time.
The washer is powered by gas or electricity.
A pressure washer powered by a motor or engine utilizes an impeller or water pump which brings in the water and cleaning solution and mixes them together. Majority pressure washers also have the capability to heat water for up to 125 to 155°F.
The hot and soapy water is then squirted out by the pump through the high-pressure, supported exit hose. These attachments normally have narrow nozzles which help in increasing the water jet's pressure even more. The jet's high-pressure not only provides a more effective cleaning than a hosepipe with low-pressure, but you're also saving around 80% of water, making it more economical for people with a metered water.
Different Types Of Pressure Washers
Pressure or power washers come in two types:
Electric pressure washer. This type can deliver a psi of about 1,300 to 1,400 and needs around 1-1/2 gpm. It's best for light cleaning jobs such as washing garage floors, outdoor grills, and cars. It's also less expensive than gas-powered, as well as lighter, more portable, and quieter. Most models come with a built-in tank if you want to use detergent when cleaning.
Gas-powered pressure washer. Majority of power washers you can rent or purchase are powered by gas. It can provide you with greater water pressure than the electric type. Some models can even deliver 3,000 psi or more. It's great for tackling bigger tasks such as getting rid of aging stains from your wood deck, preparing your home's sidings for painting or deep-cleaning concrete surfaces.
Preparation
Before you turn on a pressure washer, make sure you know how to use it to prevent injuring your property and yourself. Here are some things you need to prepare before pressure washing:
Wear protective footwear with a rubberized sole and safety goggles. You can also shield your limbs from flying dirt and debris by wearing shirts with long sleeves and long pants.
Cover or move any breakable objects and plants out of the way to protect them.
Get your pressure washer ready by filling it up with gas or correctly plugging it in a power outlet.
Connect your garden hose to the power washer's water inlet. You can avoid any damage to its pump by turning your water supply first.
If you want additional cleaning power, fill its tank or a bucket with cleaning solution.
Choose and attach a suitable nozzle for the cleaning job.
Operation
The spray tip should be positioned at least two feet from the surface to clean. Move it closer gradually but not less than 12 damages to avoid damaging the surface.
The nozzle should be held at an angle of 45 degrees. This will ensure that loosened debris will be directed away from you. Start spraying water by pulling the pressure washer trigger.
Spray the surface by moving it in a side-to-side motion. Do not spray in an area for too long.
When using a detergent or cleaning solution, start low then move upwards. Let it soak for about three minutes and then rinse. Rinse by spraying from top downward.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer's manual when flushing your equipment after using a cleaning solution or detergent.
Things To Remember Before Using A Pressure Washing To Clean Your Home
To buy or to rent?. You can rent one at your local equipment cleaning company which can cost between $50 to $250 per day depending on your location. Keep in mind that most machines you can rent are gas-powered. If you will use a pressure washer at least once or twice a year, you may want to consider investing in one, you can get one from a pressure washer store.
Cleaning solutions. When dirt builds up, water will not be enough to get rid of it. Use a detergent for this and make sure that it is compatible with your pressure washer and read the instructions carefully.
Getting your home ready. Ensure that all windows are locked shut, and do not spray on them directly when working to prevent water seeping inside your house.
Test the equipment first. Using a number 40 nozzle, which is the least powerful, stand three feet away from your home and spray on a small area. Afterward, check to see that the surface is not damaged.
Washing direction. Work your way from the top to the bottom in sections when using just water. Spray should always be moving. Also, make sure to clean the whole house, the last thing you want is to end up with patchy places from spot-cleaning.
Do not forget to wipe your windows. Your windows will get wet even if you'll avoid hitting them directly. Prevent spots by wiping them down before the water dries by using a towel that's lint-free.
Pressure Washer Parts
The pressure washer's insides consist of the following parts:
Gas or electric motor engine. Bigger pressure washers utilize compact gas engines while smaller models are powered by your home's electric supply. Gas-powered models are ideal if you don't have a power supply outside or it's inconvenient and too dangerous trailing a long cable around.
Water pump. A pressure washer's heart is its water pump. It works quite like a ground-pump operated by hand, but rather than your hands, it is run by a gas engine or electric motor at high-speed. They are designed specifically to handle water flow of as much as one to two gallons per minute.
Water inlet. This hose attaches your pressure washer to where your water supply will come. A filter is usually attached to it to prevent debris and dirt from entering your cleaning tool and clogging it up.
High-pressure hose. This tube is attached to the cleaning attachment you're using. Compared to a regular hose, it is strengthened with wire mesh and at least a couple of highly thick plastic to withstand high-pressure water flow.
Cleaning attachments. You can use a simple trigger gun, a wand spray that spins or a rotating brush, depending on the surface you're cleaning.