Pressure washers are one of the best ways to get rid of dirt and grime. This technique is being used all across the world. The best part is that it does not require much time and effort. It might come as a challenge in the beginning, but after a little practice, you will be able to clean almost anything in just one go.
If you have not used a pressure washer before, make sure that you give it a test try. If you are not handling it properly, you might end up causing permanent damage.
Pressure washers come with a lot of accessories; the real challenge is to know the right time to use the right accessory. Here is everything you need to know about using a pressure washer.
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How pressure washers work?
In order to use any machine efficiently, the most basic thing to know is how they are built and how they work. Basically, gas pressure washers are simple machines that use motors in order to power the pump, which pressurizes the water.
A simple hose is used for providing water to the machine. You can even use your garden hose for this purpose. Later, you will have to use a spray gun or nozzles to direct the water to the target.
Basically, the water is thrown at the target with such a high pressure that it is able to remove any kind of dirt and debris. Even if there are any tough stains, it will be able to clean them within no time.
Types of pressure washers
There are basically two types of pressure washers available, i.e., electric and gas pressure washers. Both are excellent at doing their jobs. Before making any decision, be sure about what you are going to clean. Gas pressure washers are more ideal for commercial types of cleaning, and they offer more PSI as compared to electric one’s.
Electric pressure washers are the best when you are looking forward to doing the cleaning around the house. They offer an average of 1,300 to 1,400 PSI as compared to that Gas pressure washers average around 2,000 to 2,800 PSI.
Gas pressure washers are not ideal for cleaning around the house, and the pressure is so high that it has fragile damage targets. You have to be very careful with it. It is best for paint removal, mildew stain removal, and farm equipment cleaning.
Safety measures
If you have never used a pressure washer before, you have to be very careful. You have to give it test tries before you go off and use it somewhere. First of all, make sure that the target is strong enough to sustain the water pressure.
For example, if you use high water pressure on your car, it will not only rip off the paint. But it might as well leave a dent on it. It can even cause holes in bricks. So, it is important that you do a patch test before starting. The best way to start off is to learn about the ideal pressure for certain tasks.
Before using a product like this, the best option is to read the manual thoroughly. While most of us skip this part, some very important instructions are left unlearnt. Sometimes, the machine has to offer more functionalities than you know, but you will never know about them since you skipped the manual.
Never skip wearing the protective gear. I have heard so many people quote “what can happen its only water”, well! You can get electrocuted. Water and deadly combinations, and you need to keep yourself safe at all costs. Plus, high water pressure can cause injury.
Wear proper clothes and shoes before starting. Safety goggles, work gloves, enclosed shoes, ear protection, and pants are a must.
Another important thing to mention here is that you need to stay away from high-pressure nozzles. The zero-degree nozzle and 15-degree nozzles offer high water pressure. It is recommended to stay away from them, at least in the beginning.
Start off with the easier one, like 40 or 60- degree nozzles. They offer more spray width with less pressure. It is the safest option; you won’t be causing any damage to the target.
How to choose the right spray nozzle?
The single variable pressure spray nozzle is the easiest to work with. The best part is that you do not need to take it off and replace it, every time you need to change the water pressure. You can just rotate and adjust it from 0 to 60 degrees.
Most pressure washers come with multiple nozzles ranging from 0 to 60 degrees. Each one of them is color-coded differently so that you can easily recognize it. The lowest degree nozzle means the highest pressure and less spray range. It is best when you are targeting tough stains on concrete or walls.
It is not suitable for fragile targets; it can cause permanent damage. As the degree range keeps on increasing, the pressure becomes lower, and the spray range increases.
The highest degree nozzle is 40. It offers the widest range with minimum pressure. It is ideal for cleaning windows, flowers, etc. Other than that soap nozzle is available, whose sole purpose is to spray soap for a better cleaning experience.