Monthly Archives: March 2021

Long shot of a home pool

How to Pressure Wash Concrete Pool Decks

As lockdown restrictions start to ease across the country, it is time to get your outdoor pools ready for some swimming in the sunshine. But did you know that using pressure washers is the best way to clean this area?

For this blog, we will focus on providing some advice on the best pressure washing cleaning methods.

Using Pressure Washers on Outdoor Swimming Pool Areas

Even if you have the free time you probably don’t want to spend all day cleaning your pool ready for use.

Pool decks are constructed differently from driveways, as the cement used is much finer grade cement. We would advise not using an extension hose on a pool deck as this will scar your cement and won’t clean it as well as you hoped.

The weight of your pressure washer is important as the larger units will suit someone who is using it more regularly. For the average homeowner, a smaller pressure washing unit is much easier to store, especially if you don’t plan to use it every week.

Whenever you start using a pressure washer, you should establish a consistent up and down rhythm that is nice and smooth. Maintaining this rhythm ensures that no spot is missed as you will overlap different parts as you go on.

The time it takes to clean your pool decks will ultimately depend on the size of your pool area.

Your Choice of Pressure Washer from Britclean

Britclean offers the finest brand of pressure washing machines, including Karcher, Nilfisk and Ehrle units.

If you have any questions about any of our products, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

We also offer a number of pressure washing accessories such as extension hoses, detergents and industrial vacuums. Our network of dealers across the country allows us to supply machines to customers in any location.

pressure washers - mossy paving

Special Offer for Industrial Pressure Washers from Britclean

For customers looking for industrial pressure washers, Britclean is offering a free 10-metre extension hose with every purchase throughout the month.

Our high-pressure hoses come in many lengths, diameters, pressure ratings and even colours.
We understand how important it is to get the correct hose for your pressure washing machine and its purpose.

Here at Britclean, we keep plenty of common hoses and adapters in stock which allows us to get you back up and running quickly and most importantly all of our hoses are of the finest quality and built to last as long as possible.

What are the benefits of our extension hoses?

Here are some of the benefits of using our extension hoses with your new pressure washer –

  • Extends the operating radius allowing greater flexibility
  • Rubber hose with steel insert
  • Extremely durable and high-quality

Why Work With Britclean?

Britclean is the leading provider of industrial pressure washers from renowned brands such as Nilfisk, Ehlre and Karcher plus our own Britclean range.

We have over 30 years of experience plus our team of experts offer on-site repairs and demonstrations. Spares and accessories are also available for most makes of pressure washing machines. Britclean accepts part-exchange machines and we are fully insured, ISO 9002 and Safe Contractor Accredited with reconditioned machines are also available.

Our main office is located in Biddulph, Stoke on Trent, with our trained technicians covering Staffordshire and the surrounding counties. Britclean also works with a network of dealers, allowing us to supply machines throughout the country.

Get in Touch With Any Questions

If you have any questions about Britclean’s range of industrial pressure washers, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

We also offer a number of detergents, industrial vacuum and floor care products plus accessories such as the aforementioned extension hoses. Pressure washing machines are available for hire and purchase.

Pressure washing a car

What’s the Best PSI for Pressure Washing My Car?

One of the best ways to keep the appearance of your car looking shiny and new is using pressure washers on a regular basis.

Whether you are a car enthusiast who washes their car every week or just want to get it done quickly, using a pressure washer is the best method.

For our latest blog, Britclean will talk you through the cleaning process in five simple steps.

5 Steps for Using Pressure Washers on Your Car

1. Choose an Appropriate Pressure Washer and Nozzle – When washing your car, it is important to use a pressure washer with the appropriate power and water flow. The higher the PSI (Pounds per square inch) the more force the water will have as it leaves the tip of the washer. The higher the GPM (Gallons per minute), the more water the machine will release.

2. Park Your Car in a Good Spot for Washing – It is crucial to park your car in an open space, away from other cars or objects that you do not want to get wet or damaged by water. When using an electric pressure washer, ensure you have access to an outlet to power your washer too.

3. Rinse Your Car – Before applying any cleaner to your car, make sure to rinse and spray off any mud or other debris stuck to the surface. Britclean would recommend starting 4-5 feet away from your car and move closer once you have tested the jet washer. Ensure all of your windows are closed and the car doors and the boot are closed so you don’t get any water inside.

4. Applying Detergent – Most pressure washers have special compartments for cleaning detergents, just make sure the detergent you are using is suitable for the machine.

5. Rinse off Detergent – Using a 40-degree tip, rinse the detergent off your car. We would recommend holding the washer at a 45-degree angle and rinse downward from the top of the vehicle.

Now you have successfully washed your car using a pressure washer, be sure to follow these steps each time your vehicle needs cleaning.

Get in Touch for More Information

If you have any questions about using a pressure washer on cars or other vehicles, please do not hesitate to contact Britclean today.

Workers pressure washing a floor and a wet floor sign

How Often Should Pressure Washers Be Used on Commercial Properties?

Commercial property managers will understand buildings can get grimy and dirty over time, with pressure washers being the best way to clean them.

Whether it is from standard foot traffic, harsh climate and storms, or even human factors such as graffiti, power washing outdoor areas will ensure the property maintains its value and looks clean and inviting for visitors.

The Difference Between Soft, Pressure and Power Washing

It is important to know the difference between power washing, pressure washing and soft washing before we look at a cleaning schedule.

Soft Washing – Apply a cleaning detergent with a pressure similar to a standard garden hose or showerhead. Areas typically cleaned with soft washing include roofs or any fragile surfaces, as this method does not create much friction and won’t get rid of any caked-on dirt and grime.

Pressure Washing – The biggest difference between pressure and power washing is the type of nozzle used. Pressure washers have just one tip on the nozzle, with water sprayed forcefully at a high pressure which allows the technician to flush out debris easily.

Power Washing – When cleaning the exterior of buildings, power washing is the safest method. Unlike a pressure washer, the power washer nozzle is equipped with multiple tips that allow the technician to choose the most appropriate pressure. Power washers utilise heated water, which is more effective at killing any bacteria present in mould and mildew.

A Schedule for Outdoor Power Washing

Here are some typical guidelines for outdoor power washing –

Seasonally – As the season’s change, it is a useful exercise to schedule outdoor power washing to keep your property looking attractive. Additionally, leaves and dust can accumulate in autumn with pollen building up in spring and summer which can affect those with allergies.

Rooftop Maintenance – Office buildings should have exteriors, entrances, sidewalks, car parks and rubbish areas power washed at least twice a year to prevent the buildup of dirt, grease and seasonal elements we’ve already mentioned.

Post Bad Weather – After heaving rainfall, it is common to call a roofing company to repair any roof damage. You should also consider adding a professional power washing service to complement your post-storm repairs. Plenty of dirt, grime and debris that has built around your building could have been swept onto your roof during the storm.

Talk to the Leading Provider of Pressure Washers

If you would like to know more about Britclean’s range of pressure washers, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help with any questions you may have.

Britclean currently stock Nilfisk, Karcher and Ehrle pressure washers plus our own home brand, meaning we can suit any budget or specification.

A tractor in a crop field

Techniques That Work Best for Pressure Washers in Agriculture

Before beginning the cleaning process with a pressure washer, you will need to ensure a pre-approved washing area has been identified and agreed upon. This means the grease, oil and residue from wash water will be controlled and disposed of in a manner that will limit your liability plus it meets applicable environmental guidelines.

Why Pressure Washers are Vital for Farmers

Once the equipment has been prepped and readied, the first step to cleaning your agricultural equipment is giving it a thorough hot water rinse and mud knockdown.

Using hot water for the pre-rinse will speed up mud and grease emulsification and prepare the surface for the chemical to be most effective. This chemical can then be applied through low pressure, a downstream injector that gives it greater control over the amount used which helps control cost and quality.

While one gunner is applying the chemical, another member of the team needs to be following behind with a specialised vehicle brush, working the chemical in and the greasy residue will be loosened.

When the equipment has been thoroughly pre-soaked and brushed with chemical, both members of the team should start detail rinsing. This is important to rinse quickly to ensure the soap does not dry, spotting the surface, but not too quickly as this could mean missing key buildup areas. If the soap does dry, simply wet the surface using water, brush and detail rinse.

Problem Areas to Avoid

The key to cleaning agricultural equipment is talking to the client upfront and understanding their expectations. While some may be focused on budget others may just want to get chunky mud and greased knocked off as quickly as possible.

Using mild detergent will produce good results. For the area you are working also understand wastewater collection and disposal regulations.

When using hot water, keep the temperature low enough to avoid damaging gaskets, belts, seals, paints plus lettering on equipment.

Make sure to use proper eye and skin covers (PPE) when cleaning machines that have been used to apply chemicals, whether pesticides or herbicides.

Got any Questions? Contact Us Today

If you have any questions about using pressure washers in agriculture settings, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Britclean today.