Pressure Washing Purchasing Guide

If you’ve discovered this blog, you’re seriously considering making your cleaning jobs faster, easier, and more efficient. The following pressure washing purchasing guide will lay out the specs, versatility, and applications of the pressure washer, giving you the information you need to make your purchase decision. The following guide breaks down 5 important factors to consider when you’re looking for pressure washers in Atlanta.

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APPLICATION

The versatility of the pressure washer makes it the most useful and effective cleaning tool for your business, shop, or in your home. With little more than water and soap you can clean an extremely wide range of surfaces with ease, saving you time, sweat, and money along the way! Some of the most common applications are as follows:

Residential

Cut down on the elbow grease required to clean homes, driveways, roofs, and wood decking.

Commercial

Clean buildings and make them look more inviting to clients and customers. Give stained windows and parking lots new life by washing away the dirt and grime that accumulates over time.

Construction

Prevent heavy equipment from breaking down or malfunctioning by clearing away dirt and grime buildup. Pressure washing equipment will give it a full range of motion, and make it easier to detect any issues by allowing all surfaces to be properly inspected.

Manufacturing

Extend the life of capital investments through proper cleaning and maintenance.

Transportation

Prevent rust and keep fleets on the road longer by removing salt, chemicals, and road film both under the hood and around the trailer.

Agriculture

Sanitize barns/sheds to keep livestock healthy, and make the equipment last longer by regularly removing dirt and buildup.

Food Processing

Easily remove grease and grime from floors, workspaces, and equipment, ensuring a quality product, and meeting regulatory sanitation requirements.

Power

The amount of washing power a pressure washer generates is determined by pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressurized water produced, multiplied by the number of gallons per minute (GPM) consumed and expelled. The amount of washing power you’ll need depends on the type of surface you plan on cleaning, the type of soil you are removing, the length of time needed to use the washer and if you are using any chemicals to aid in the cleaning process. Here is how to determine the best pressure washer to fit your needs.

Gas vs Electric

Gas-powered pressure washers are the most versatile variety of pressure washers since they are not tied down to a power source they are well suited for mobile commercial and industrial applications.

Electric washers are typically less expensive and require less maintenance, they are best suited for stationary industrial applications, like a permanent wash bay area. Electric can be better for the homeowner where it is easier to move from plug to plug and the power requirement for a smaller unit is more cost effective than gas.

Showroom Sale rack for Pressure Wash

Pump Type

The type of pressure washer pump you choose can affect the cleaning power and water flow of your pressure washer.

Belt drive pumps are ideal for cleaning more than 20+ hours per week in a commercial or industrial setting. This system spins at a lower RPM which extends the life of the pump, due to less wear and tear.

Direct drive pumps are ideal when cleaning for less than 20 hours per week in a residential or commercial setting. This system is lighter and generally more compact which makes it easier to transport.

Gallons Per Minute (GPM)

The more water that is flowing from the machine will increase the amount of cleaning that can be done due to volume of water alone. GPM is usually proportional to the PSI for each model of machine, as one is higher so is the other one. For instance a 1400 PSI model may have a 1.5-3 GPM volume where a 4000 PSI may have a 4-8 GPM of volume. GMP is also a factor in what accessories can be used with the machine. Equipment like surface cleaners need higher GPM as the water volume is what turns the spinning cleaning bar. The bigger the surface cleaner the more GPM is needed.

Skid or Portable

Skid mounts are used mainly for larger, heavier machines and for stationary set ups either at a location or mounted on a mobile unit like a trailer or vehicle and can be cold or hot water. Portable units come with wheels built into a case or are mounted on to a platform with wheels so it can easily be moved from one cleaning area to another. These can be used anywhere, from residential, commercial and industrial locations and are mostly cold water only units.

Pounds per square inch (PSI)

PSI is the measurement of the force of water a pressure washer produces. PSI is a key factor in determining how effective a pressure washer will be at cleaning. A higher PSI rating means the water stream will be more powerful, which can help remove tough stains and dirt. However, a PSI that is too high can damage surfaces, so it's crucial to select the right rating for your job.

1400-2000 PSI

Best for infrequent residential applications for homeowners such as washing cars, decking, patios, driveways, and outdoor furniture.

2400-3000 PSI

Semi-frequent residential or commercial use on, cars, decking, patios, driveways, and outdoor furniture.

2500-4000 PSI

Can be used more frequently. This size of pressure washer can be used for all residential, commercial, and industrial cleaning needs.

Image of wall during washing with a degreaser

Temperature

Pressure washing at a higher temperature generally produces a better result, as long as the surface can take the heat, especially if the surface you are cleaning is greasy or oily. Soaps work better with warmer water and can cut the amount of soap needed up to half.

Pressure washing with a cold-water temperature is less expensive since you aren’t heating the water, but may not clean surfaces as well without using chemicals and additional physical force, like with brushing.

Essential Pressure Washer Accessories

Choosing appropriate accessories for the jobs you will perform with a pressure washer is very important. Depending on the type of surfaces you clean, there is usually an accessory that will make the job easier.

Interior Walls, Floors, Ceilings

Maintaining cleanliness within indoor environments requires specialized tools. Surface cleaners, brooms, and brushes are essential for effectively cleaning interior walls, floors, and ceilings. These accessories ensure that even the toughest dirt and grime are removed without damaging delicate surfaces.

Accessories

Exterior Walls, Driveways, Walkways

Outdoor surfaces endure a lot of wear and tear, making thorough cleaning a necessity. Surface cleaners and hand pumps are vital for tackling exterior walls, driveways, and walkways. These tools help in removing stubborn dirt and stains efficiently, restoring the pristine look of outdoor areas.

Hoods, Ducts, Vents, Filters, Exhausts

Cleaning kitchen hoods, ducts, vents, filters, and exhausts is crucial for maintaining proper airflow and hygiene. Duct cleaners, scrapers, and spinners are indispensable for reaching into tight spaces and ensuring thorough cleaning, which helps in preventing grease buildup and potential fire hazards.

Roofs

Roofs require gentle yet effective cleaning methods to avoid damage. Soft wash pumps, extension poles, and foamers are ideal for this job, allowing you to clean high and hard-to-reach areas safely while applying the necessary cleaning solutions evenly.

Cars/Trucks

Vehicles need regular cleaning to maintain their appearance and functionality. Extension poles, brushes, and undercarriage cleaners are perfect for this task, providing the reach and flexibility needed to clean every part of cars and trucks, including the often-neglected undercarriage.

CHEMICALS

Using chemical detergents while pressure washing can make surfaces cleaner and take less time to complete. There are appropriate types of chemical detergent that will clean the type of soil that is present, that will avoid damaging the surface you are working on, and help you get the job done faster.

Formula

Cleaning with a concentrated formula requires mixing the solution with water (diluting) before use. Concentrates are a cost-effective choice since they are cheaper to ship and are mainly sold for commercial and industrial uses.

Ready-to-use formulas can be added directly to a detergent tank without dilution and are more common for consumer and homeowner use.

Image of house exterior before and after cleaning

Application

Cleaning transportation vehicles such as tractor trailers, commercial fleets, airplanes, rail cars, and construction equipment requires specialized, heavy-duty, industrial-strength chemicals, including:

Industrial degreasers are commonly used when you need to effectively remove greases, oils, or dirt from industrial workspaces and equipment. Proper formulation and proper concentration is very important for these applications to ensure all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

For residential exterior maintenance jobs like washing a house, shed, or deck, opt for a professional house or deck wash. There are also stronger products for larger commercial jobs, like restoring the exterior of a historic brick building.

Georgia Chemical offers chemical detergents and soaps to help you tackle any job. From all-purpose cleaners or for specific stain removal, like for rust, we can help you find the chemical that meets your pressure washing needs.

Temperature

Georgia Chemical’s detergents are compatible with pressure washing and industrial cleaning equipment. Most of the chemical detergents we carry are effective and may be used with both hot and cold water pressure washers. Note that when you are using higher temperatures of water you will be able to use less soap than if washing with colder water.

Georgia Chemical is here to answer any questions and to help you find the right pressure washer and washing products for your business. Contact us today for more information or to get a quote.