You will see dirt and grime accumulating on the exterior surfaces of your home as time goes by. For example, you will notice discoloration in your driveway. In such situations, you will come across the need to bring back the good looks. This is where a pressure cleaner can help you. Not all pressure cleaners can provide a service to meet your expectations. That’s why you should be careful with power washer selection. Follow these 7 steps to choose the right pressure washer for your cleaning projects.
Table of Contents
Consider the Surfaces You Need to Clean
Pressure cleaning can help you with many home exterior cleaning tasks. It is important to understand what specific surfaces you want to clean out of them. Think about what types of surfaces you will be pressure cleaning around your home. Concrete, wood decks, and siding all have different cleaning needs. Choose a washer with enough pressure for the jobs. But you should be careful not to use too much pressure so that it can damage certain surfaces. This is where you should take a look at the pressure washer specifications.
Determine the Size of the Area
Calculate the square footage of the surfaces that will need cleaning. A larger home or outdoor living space requires a more powerful pressure washer than a small patio or sidewalk. Make sure to select a washer adequate for the size of your cleaning area. While using this cleaning equipment for the home, you should be able to complete the job effectively.
Choose the Right Power Level
Look at the pressure rating measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch. Electric pressure washers range from 1300 to 1800 PSI, while gas models offer 2000 to 4000 PSI for heavy-duty cleaning. Choose a PSI appropriate for your cleaning tasks. Then, you will be able to get the ideal water pressure for home cleaning. Otherwise, you will have to struggle with a lack of water pressure to complete your cleaning tasks at home. As a result, pressure washing will be ineffective.
Consider the Water Flow Rate
The water flow rate, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), indicates the washer’s cleaning capabilities. Look for 2 to 4 GPM for residential use. Higher flow rates improve cleaning performance. However, pressure cleaners with a high water flow rate can be expensive.
Moreover, you will spend a lot of water unnecessarily when such a flow rate is not needed for your job. That’s why you should be careful of the environmental impact of pressure cleaning as well. You need to understand your requirements and get a pressure cleaner with an appropriate flow rate.
Select Nozzle Tips for Tasks
A pressure washer comes with quick-connect nozzle tips for variable spray patterns. Choose tips like a 15° or 25° fan spray for broad cleaning and a 0° pencil jet for thick grime removal. Investing in a variety of tips offers flexibility. It is also better to take a look at the nozzle and spray patterns. Then you will be able to complete your job according to the expectations.
Evaluate Added Features
Look for features like onboard detergent tanks, longer hoses, and wheeled bases for maneuverability around your property. Make sure the washer fits your energy source – electric or gas-powered. You should take a look at the added safety features of pressure washers. This is where you need to be careful of pressure washing safety tips. Then, you will know what safety features you would need.
Know the Extras You’ll Need
Factor in other supplies like detergents and cleaners for different surfaces. You may need extension cords for an electric washer. Include funds for accessories like surface cleaners for decks or walkways. Quality safety gear is a must. With the right accessories, a pressure washer would become one of the most important tools you have.
Final words
Planning and study are necessary when selecting the best pressure washer. For the cleaning demands of your particular house, choose a power and performance level that is enough. Invest in high-quality accessories for ease and safety. Make a smart purchase of a washer to complete all of your home renovation tasks quickly.
Years after their first purchase, pressure washers need to continue to be valuable. You can manage exterior cleaning chores and maintain the finest possible appearance for your house with careful selection.
If you don’t have time to use a pressure cleaner, you can seek the help of a pressure cleaning service. They provide hassle-free cleaning solutions for the home. Anyone looking for such a pressure cleaning service in Parramatta can check out Affordable Cleaning and Gardening.
