Pressure washers are an invaluable cleaning tool which will make you wonder how you ever did without them.

Comprising of a pump, a high-pressure hose and a cleaning lance with a trigger switch, a pressure washer allows water to pass through the machine and be put under pressure by the pump. It is then expelled from the hose and out from the nozzle at the end of the lance. Although quite straightforward to use, it is important to choose the right jet washer for your specific requirements.

For example, do you need a hot or cold water pressure washer? Coldwater versions are sufficient for most situations whereas hot water washers will remove stubborn residue quite easily.

With greater cleaning power, hot water jet washers have the facility to produce steam which is useful for cleaning stubborn deposits plus killing bacteria.

Pressure Washing Terminology Explained

You may not be familiar with all of the terminology used by pressure cleaning manufacturers, which is why our experts at Britclean have put together this glossary.

Operating Pressure and Water Flow

The pressure the pump applies to the water when it leaves the nozzle plus the volume of water per minute or hour the machine can deliver.

The cleaning power of a pressure washer is dependent on the operating pressure, which is measured in bar or MPa.

Water Flow can be expressed in litres or gallons per minute or per hour. The pressure is not a sole indication of effective cleaning as water volume is also a crucial part. For example, high pressure used with low water volume produces powerful but narrow water jet that is ideal for cleaning small areas of ingrained dirt but is not as effective on larger areas with plenty of debris that needs removing. For these cases, a pressure washer with a large water volume will clean more efficiently.

It is quite common to view a washer with a high-pressure rating as being the better option, whereas a jet washer should be chosen based on what it is needed to clean and not just the pressure rating.

Max Temp Inlet (°C)

The maximum temperature of the water going into your machine.
Hot water gives extra power to clean stubborn dirt such as grease and grime, plus some cold washers can be used with hot water but this will be supplied by a separate heater. The maximum inlet temperature tells you the level of hot water the machine can take.

For hot water pressure washers, the design inlet temperature should not be exceeded as this can damage the internal machinery.

Motor Size

The size of the motor that drives the pump which produces the water pressure.
The motor size is typically expressed in Kw for an electric washer and HP for an engine-driven version. The motor of the jet washer needs to be the correct size to match the pump to ensure the best performance. For more economic machines the pump may be smaller than the ideal size, which means it needs to work harder to create the desired flow and pressure and have a lower life span.

For industrial pressure washers, it is normal to use slower revving motors with a larger pump which means it can be used for longer periods without fear of overheating.

Detergent Tank Capacity (ltr/gal)

An integral detergent tank will feed the cleaning solution directly on to the cleaning surface. Sometimes even water under pressure does not provide sufficient cleaning power whereas some machines have a facility to add detergent for increased cleaning power for stubborn residue plus a larger tank needs refilling less often.

Machine Dimensions (cm)

The physical size of the jet washer, which can sometimes be larger than you might think. Storage and portability need to be taken into consideration plus manoeuvrability, depending on where the washer is being used.

Weight (Kg)

The physical weight of the machine. If you need to transport your washer this is a very significant consideration. Also, do not forget that hot water versions are heavier.

Fuel Tank/Fuel Consumption (Hot Water Versions)

This is the capacity and consumption of fuel to feed the burner.
The majority of hot water pressure washers have a boiler that is normally heated by a burner using kerosene. The capacity and consumption of the fuel tank show how long the washer can run before it needs refilling. For diesel-powered machines, the fuel tank will usually power the pump and the burner.

Hot water jet washers are also available with electrically heated boilers that offer limited temperatures. These machines are used when the use of kerosene is not possible.

Want to Know More? Get in Touch Now

If you want to know more about specific areas of our range of pressure washers, please contact us today.

Britclean is the leading supplier of jet washers, including renowned manufacturers such as Karcher and Nilfisk.

Cleaning can be a hassle but achieving sparkling vehicles and a clean forecourt with a top-quality pressure washer will add value to your business.

It may feel like a secondary part of any job but there is no getting around the fact that a perfect result is crucial.

Here at Britclean, we are one of the largest suppliers of commercial and industrial cleaning equipment, making us well placed to give you the best advice and keep your cleaning costs down.

Six Steps to a Comprehensive Clean

1. Remove Grime Before Washing

Getting rid of as much dirt as possible is critical before hands are placed on your vehicle. Any particles that are dragged along the vehicle’s surface will damage your paintwork. Using a pressure washer is ideal whilst making sure you stay a minimum distance of 30cm away from the vehicle. A best practice is to point the water hose towards the floor which stabilises the force of the flow before contact is made. Don’t forget to pre-spray with a detergent liquid or foam before starting your pressure washer but also make sure the paintwork is not flaky or rusty.

2. Choose Correct Attachment

Choosing the right attachment for your pressure washer will help agitate dirt, with a soft, long bristled brush the best attachment for bodywork. Alternatively, a rotary brush will help to get to awkward areas such as front grills, bumpers and wheels.

A detergent nozzle allows you to spray your vehicle using a mixture of water and mild pressure washer detergent, which is great for dealing with grime and oily stains.

Using a wand extension will help you reach over the roof of high vehicles and gain access to areas often missed using a sponge. We would also recommend not using an unrestricted nozzle on your pressure washer as this can lead to irreversible damage to rubber seals and paintwork.

3. Avoid Electrical and Mechanical Components

Never point your pressure washer into the engine block or any other working components such as the vehicle aerial. A well-maintained engine block encourages mechanics to take extra care when servicing, but this area does not require cleaning with a pressure washer.

4. Pressure Washing Wheels

Alloy wheels and hubcaps are the largest accumulators of grit, dust and oil from road surfaces. Start with your bodywork using your main nozzle to remove loose debris and immediate dirt before using the detergent nozzle to break down oil residue. Use the rotary brush to agitate difficult stains to reach awkward corners and rinse thoroughly with plain water to remove excess detergent. Don’t aim your pressure washer to tyres though as this will lead to tread or tyre wall damage.

5. Hot or Cold Pressure Washing?

A lot of the time cold water delivered at pressure will remove most dirt, except oil or grease which require hot water. Using hot water pressure washing has been proven from independent testing to be more cost-effective and reduce the amount of labour, water, fuel and service elements by up to a quarter.

6. Ease of Use – When deciding which pressure washer will work best to clean your vehicles, pay attention to the machine’s centre of gravity. This will affect how easy the unit is to pull, especially on uneven surfaces. Manoeuvrability is extremely important, especially within a busy, time pressure facility.

Talk to the Pressure Washer Experts

If you have any questions about Britclean’s range of pressure washers and industrial vacuums, please contact us today.

We provide cleaning equipment from manufacturers such as Nilfisk and Karcher for customers across Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Cheshire.

Pressure washers from Britclean are designed to make your cleaning tasks easier and save you time and effort.

Having said this, some people do not understand the value of pressure washing, which creates a number of myths. For our latest blog, we are going to focus on four of the most common myths surrounding pressure washers.

Four Common Myths About Pressure Washing Explained

1. Pressure Washers Can Only Be Used on Dirt, Grime, Mould or Stains

A lot of people believe that pressure washing is the best solution for incredibly dirt properties, but this is not always true. While pressure washing involves removing stains from surfaces, not all forms of dirt are visible to the eye. Do not wait until a property has become unsightly before getting your pressure washer out. Regular cleaning and prevention of stains are much better for your surfaces than waiting for them to accumulate over time. This makes using pressure washers a great preventative measure and not the all-or-nothing solution you may think it is.

2. Pressure Washers are Safe Because They Are Water-Based

Pressure washers do depend on water but they also require plenty of pressure. While the water sweeps away deep stains, mould and dirt it can be damaging to different surfaces if not handled properly due to the pressure. For example, valuable furniture and finishings could be at risk, so asks experts such as Britclean before using a pressure washer on them.

3. One Pressure Setting Works For All

Some surfaces can be susceptible to damage which means you will need to use a lower level of pressure. This means you may need to use a different pressure setting for different parts of your property. Low-pressure settings, for example, are better for washing away potential mould from sidings.

4. Anyone Can Pressure Wash Surfaces

Pressure washing may seem quite straight-forward, but it does require skill and knowledge. While some people buy a pressure washer hoping for a quick fix for their cleaning tasks, the truth is mishandling them can be quite dangerous. This could lead to damage to your surfaces, rooms or property, so do your research before considering buying a pressure washer for the first time.

Got any Questions? Get in Touch Now

If you have any questions about pressure washing and which model will best suit your requirements, please contact us today.

Britclean is the leading provider of pressure washer manufacturers such as Nilfisk, Kranzle and Karcher.