Tag Archives: Britclean

pressure washing wooden decking

How to clean wood with a pressure washer

Pressure washers are a great way to inject some life into your wood deck or fencing – plus it is a project which can easily be completed in a weekend!

For this blog, Britclean will tell you everything you need to clean wood using a power washer.

Everything you need to clean wood with pressure washers

Here are all the tools you will need to clean wood using a power washer –

  • A gas-powered or electrically powered washer, but don’t forget that the job will take longer with electric ones.
  • A green-tipped nozzle for a 25-degree spray
  • Wood sealer

If this is the first time you have used a pressure washer, we would highly recommend you do a spot test before beginning your project. Most fences and decking is constructed from relative softwoods, such as pine or cedar. It is quite easy to strip off more of the surface than intended.

Our tips to achieve the best results

  • Move the power washer’s wand in an even, up-and-down motion
  • For an even cleaning experience, try not to let the spray linger in any one place. Once you get the hang of it, you may need to make a couple of passes over the same spot. This is a much better option than getting too aggressive and damaging the wood.
  • Don’t stop the spray in the middle of the board, just wait until you are at the top or bottom
  • Do not start spraying in the middle of the board
  • Use overlapping strokes to avoid visible lines

Once you have finished pressure washing, it is time to seal the wood to protect it from the elements. Just make sure the wood has dried for at least a day first.

Need more information? Contact us now

If you need more information about pressure washers from Britclean, please get in touch with us now. We offer power washers for purchase and hire, including leading brands such as Karcher and Nilfisk.

Don’t take our word for it, read some of our Customer Testimonials.

Pressure washing away dirt on a wooden panel

What is the best size for pressure washers?

No matter what type of pressure washer you choose from our selection here at Britclean, you will need to make an informed decision about the size of the engine.

Like any other engine-powered machine, the size of the engine determines the total power of the unit. Smaller engines will not be able to produce the water pressure or the gallon-per-minute output of larger engines.

For this blog, we will talk you through the four different engines for pressure washers.

What are the different engines for pressure washers?

Light-duty power washers – Light-duty washers produce water levels below 2000 PSI, making them the best choice when cleaning the occasional outdoor household item, a small deck or a patio.

Medium-duty power washers – Planning to clean your home’s siding, driveway or fencing – you may want to consider using a medium-duty cleaner. This type of pressure washer produces water pressure levels of between 2000 and 2800 PSI.

Heavy-duty power washers – If you are planning to clean large areas of concrete or needing to reach a second story, using a heavy-duty washer may be your best bet. They reach pressure levels of between 2900 and 3300 PSI.

Professional power washers – If you are planning to do plenty of pressure washing on tasks such as preparing your home’s exterior for a repainting job – consider buying or hiring a professional-grade washer. The extra-heavy-duty engine is designed specifically to handle big jobs that could take hours to complete. These power washers produce water pressure levels of 3300 PSI and higher.

No matter which pressure washer you choose, don’t forget to take the GPM measurement into account.

Hire or purchase a pressure washer from Britclean now

Thanks for taking the time to read our latest blog, if you have any questions about our range of power washers, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help.

Close-up of a pressure washer in use

Giving your home’s exterior a fresh look with pressure washers

As the seasons change we often get the urge to change up the look and feel of our homes. Rejuvenating your property can come in different forms, including using pressure washers from Britclean.

With spending so much time at home over the past 12 months or so, many of us are starting to reassess our homes and how we can improve them.

For this blog, Britclean will share some tips to get your creative juices flowing and add some class to your home without going over budget.

Decorative Window Film

Installing a decorative window film is an easy alternative to etched or stained glass. This can enhance the look of your windows and provide extra privacy too.

Although it is beautiful, etched and stained glass can be very expensive whereas a window film can give you a similar look and privacy at a fraction of the price.

You will also have more freedom to change up the patterns and colours easier plus they can be a temporary or permanent solution for your glass.

Pressure washers for your home

Pressure washing the exterior of your property will help add sparkle and restore natural beauty. Just like anything else that is constantly exposed to the elements, your home will get dirty and sometimes it goes unnoticed over a space of time.

A thorough pressure wash can yield surprising results, especially if it’s been a while since it was last cleaned.

Pressure washing is also a great preventative measure against mould and rot. When dirt or mud stays on the surface of your property for a considerable amount of time, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. This can lead to structural damage, with pressure washing loosening and removing debris and bacteria which helps to safeguard your home.

Revive your driveway and sidewalks

Concrete around your home can also get dirty and discoloured over time. Comprehensive cleaning of your walkways and driveway can completely transfer the front of your home. You could be surprised just how bright and sparkling your driveway looks after a proper clean.

Cleaning hard surfaces around your home prevent the proliferation of mould and mildew, just like your home’s exterior.

Know the worth of your home

These cost-effective ideas will give your home the fresh new look you desire.

If you need some help with hiring or purchasing pressure washers, contact Britclean and find the perfect machine for you.

pressure washers - mossy paving

The need-to-know facts about pressure washers

Pressure washers use spraying water under high pressure to remove loose paint, mould, algae, grime, dust, mud, chewing gum and dirt from surfaces and objects such as buildings, fences, masonry, some vehicles and concrete or asphalt surfaces like driveways and patios.

The terms power washing and pressure washing are interchanged quite a bit, but they are two different processes. Both use water under high pressure to clean surfaces, but power washing involves a heating element that heats water and pressure washing doesn’t.

As with all cleaning processes, heated water cleans better. Some areas need to be power or pressure washed with added chemicals such as baking soda, vinegar, citric acid or commercial power washing soaps, detergents, sanitisers or disinfectants.

Finding out more about pressure washers

Steam cleaning your house, deck or driveway or other household features can be appealing but this is not the best choice for brick, concrete or masonry. Using a pressure washer is the best heavy-duty option for large areas such as extra-long driveways. The machine can also be employed where you have extreme dirt, grease, moss, weed buildup and slick surfaces due to mould.

Not all cleaning solutions are the same, so it is important to understand the differences between different ones. Remember cleaners remove dirt, sanitisers kill most bacteria and disinfectants kill all organisms within 30 minutes, according to industry statistics.

Every surface you are cleaning is different, so could require different techniques, nozzle sizes, pressure and even different chemicals. Ensuring you get the right cleaner for what you want to clean is crucial. Some surfaces require a power wash and water whereas others will just need hot water, soap and a pressure wash.

Contact us for more information

If you have any questions about Britclean’s range of pressure washers, please do not hesitate to get in touch now. We offer leading brands such as Nilfisk, Karcher plus our own brand of manufactured pressure washing machines and industrial vacuums with all models available for hire or purchase.

Karcher Pressure Washers Staffordshire

The Dangers of DIY Pressure Washing

Pressure washers have become very popular hire options among homeowners looking for fast and efficient cleans.

Pressure washing your siding, deck and driveway is very effective if done correctly.

Unfortunately, some people are unaware of the different equipment needed for different surfaces and without sufficient training, you can damage your property.

Common mistakes using pressure washers

The most common mistake DIY pressure washing is applying too much pressure plus it is easy to underestimate the power of a jet of water. For many first-timers, they could end up carving strips out of wood decking or etching lines into the home’s siding.

Some people will only load their washer with water, without the proper ratio of cleaning solution mixed in. This means your cleaning effectiveness will be vastly reduced and lead to applying too much pressure to compensate for the lost power.

Water-only mixtures can also spread mould spores around. The extra pressure and mould-related damages can lead to costly repairs.

There is an art to giving your home a thorough clean, with some general guidelines for pressure washing the best solution.

  • Always start with a wider fan pattern and make sure you keep the nozzle moving.
  • Hold it at the distance that is recommended in your use manual.
  • Avoid blasting directly into corners, beneath the lip of a window, or into dryer and attic vents.
  • Pressure wash first if you plan to also do the windows.
  • Ensure electric pressure washers are properly connected and grounded at all times.
  • Beware of shock hazards around the house and ensure you are wearing rubber-soled shoes for increased protection.

Hire or purchase a pressure washer from Britclean

If you have decided to hire a pressure washer, do your research beforehand to ensure you get the best equipment for your requirements. Experts from Britclean are available to answer any questions you may have, so feel free to contact us now.

Industrial grade vacuums

When is the right time to use an industrial vacuum?

Industrial vacuums are designed and manufactured to meet specific requirements of users and tasks that are typically too heavy to handle.

The main difference between an industrial vacuum and regular retail models is their efficiency and sturdiness. They are characterised by their high performance and are able to work continuously for long periods of time.

What are industrial vacuums designed to do?

An industrial vacuum is designed to guarantee excellent performance and work at the highest production level for long periods of time. This eliminates costly machine stops and reduces costs and losses due to its long shelf life.
Using a feature called absolute filters they have a filtering efficiency of 99.99%, even with thin powders. You will also get maximum safety in potentially explosive environments.

The structure of an industrial vacuum cleaner is sturdy, often made of solid steel, and will sometimes be painted with a protective varnish. It has a small engine that does not really add to the complete weight of the machine and guarantees high suction efficiency. In most cases, this type of vacuum cleaner is equipped with rubber wheels, allowing it to easily follow the operator on pretty much any surface.

What questions should I ask when buying or renting a vacuum?

When buying or renting an industrial vacuum cleaner, it is important to evaluate the prerequisites of the job you are looking to do –

  • Do we need to vacuum thin or dangerous powders and work with other tools at the same time?
  • Do we need to vacuum hot residues or ashes?
  • Do we need to use the vacuum cleaner within healthcare environments or cleanrooms?
  • Do we have to intervene in flooded areas and suck up large quantities of liquids?

Want to know more? Contact Britclean today

If you have any questions about industrial vacuums, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Britclean today. Our team of specialists will be more than happy to help.

Industrial grade vacuum being used in a car

Hire before you buy industrial vacuums

Here at Britclean, we offer our customers the choice of hiring or purchasing our range of industrial vacuums as we understand everyone’s needs are different.

For this blog, we will give you some reasons to hire one of our machines before purchasing.

7 Reasons to hire industrial vacuums

Reduce expenses – When it comes to large industrial-grade equipment, it can be an expensive exercise to purchase the machines. When hiring equipment there is a charge up-front but if the results are not what you were looking for they won’t affect your bottom line as much as a full-blown purchase.

Renting a piece of equipment also decreases any long-running maintenance costs that could be incurred. Industrial vacuum machines need regular service, operation and routine checks to ensure their performance remains at the highest level.

Avoid transportation and storage costs – Storing a piece of equipment can be expensive for some companies. Ensuring it is not exposed to sun damage, winds carrying rain or even driving rain damage means you will need a proper storage solution. Adding storage and transportation equipment to your expenses will ensure the machine is in the desired location at the correct time which saves time and makes your operation more efficient.

Ensure equipment performance – For several applications, such as construction, industrial equipment is needed to begin certain processes. Hiring a machine from Britclean will ensure you stay on schedule. Your rented equipment will come in working condition and ready to use.

Maintain new opportunities – Renting industrial equipment allows you to carry on exploring new business opportunities without worrying about shelling out for maintaining, storing and purchasing an industrial vacuum. Once your company hires one of our machines, you will instantly start to see the economic benefits.

Ensure competitive nature – Britclean understands the importance of using industrial equipment and how it gives you a competitive edge over your rivals. Our rented equipment temporarily gives you the same quality product as a competitor who may have purchased a lesser industrial vacuum, which will cost them more in the long run.

Gain flexibility – When renting a piece of industrial equipment, you will use it for many applications such as collecting roof rock or dust from a construction site. Using different nozzles, hoses and other application features will only enhance the machine’s performance.

Gain maintenance hours – Industrial vacuums can require different maintenance such as routine fluid checks, services, schedules, and testing. Without needing to maintain your equipment, you will gain plenty of time to use on other projects. Hiring an industrial vacuum gives you more flexibility.

Get in touch with any questions

If you have any questions about hiring an industrial vacuum cleaner from Britclean, please do not hesitate to contact us today. For anyone requiring a more long term permanent solution we also offer vacuums for purchase.

Industrial grade vacuum being used in a car

The many uses of industrial vacuums

Britclean‘s range of industrial vacuums is used across a wide range of industries.

For this blog, we are going to tell you more about these industries and how using one of our vacuums will benefit this working environment.

Industries that use industrial vacuums

Metal processing

The metalworking industry houses a number of advanced processes with the use of cooling lubricants and metal processing. The cleaning of such workpieces plus machine tools has a significant impact on efficiency but using an industrial vacuum ensuring a thorough clean.

Wood and furniture

The wood and furniture industry produces plenty of sawdust, shavings and swarf that are a constant health risk. Using special vacuuming systems means you can prevent dust and shavings collection and becoming a hazard.

Food processing

To prevent contamination in food processing, clean practices and optimal hygiene are needed. Large quantities of fine and explosive dust are generated in this industry, which is best removed using an industrial vacuum.

Glass and stone

Very fine, sharp-edged and abrasive suction material is produced when working with stone and glass. A specialised vacuuming system will overcome any debris that is generated from the manufacturing process.

Rubber and plastics

Hazardous fine and coarse particles are generated in the production and processing of rubber and plastics. Transportation and maintenance work will also generate large amounts of debris.

Pharmaceutical

Production processes in the pharmaceutical industry need to be as efficient as possible, which can be achieved by using dust extraction and vacuuming on an industrial scale.

Textiles

Using an industrial vacuum when producing textiles is the best way to prevent leaving behind lint or residue.

Chemicals

The chemicals industry uses a variety of aggressive solid substances and corrosive liquids and while safe suction is tricky, this can be achieved with a specialised vacuum.

Electrical and optics

The electrical and optics industry generate very fine dust during production that can damage components and needs to be vacuumed directly.

Printing

Paper dust, pigment powder, liquid paints and toners are released when producing print media. These substances are highly toxic and require a high-performance vacuum cleaner.

Get in touch for more information

If you have any questions about industrial vacuums from Britclean, please do not hesitate to contact us now. We offer some of the best brands on the market, including Karcher and Nilfisk.

Man in wellies using a pressure washer on a floor

What are Pressure Washer Fittings?

Fittings connect pressure washer parts together and fit between the high-pressure hose and trigger gun or between the pump and pressure hose to ensure they connect properly.

Pressure washers come equipped with fittings, couplers and adapters so you can pretty much hit the ground running once your machine has arrived.

There are some instances where fittings will be needed, which we will explain in the latest blog from Britclean.

You will only start to require fittings when you –

Add attachments such as a surface cleaner, foamer or pressure gauge
Want to use a different high-pressure hose or to extend the length of your current hose
Want to turn screw fittings to quick connect
Looking to avoid hose kinks with swivel fittings

Fittings are relatively cheap, long-lasting and will ultimately make your cleaning experience easier.

The difference between Quick Connect and Swivel Fittings for Pressure Washers

Here we will explain the difference between Quick Connect and Swivel fittings to ensure you get the right one for your pressure washing machine.

Quick Connect Fittings

Quick Connect pressure washer fittings are the simple solution to connect and remove a hose quickly.

The female quick connects hose fittings (sometimes referred to as sockets) have an o-ring to prevent leaks whereas the male side is sometimes called the plug.

Most pressure washing machines will come equipped with quick-connect fittings out-of-the-box.

Swivel Fittings

Swivels prevent the hose from kinking when being used and help to unkink it when you first walk out the hose.

This fitting works by allowing a swivel of the hose without needing to twist the spray gun and extension wand in big circles. You will be able to walk it out and the gun swivel twists out the hose kinks as you walk. This is one fitting that you will not be able to pressure wash without once you’ve used it once.

Get in touch with any questions

If you have any questions about pressure washing fittings, please do not hesitate to contact Britclean now. Our team have over four decades of experience and will be more than happy to help.

pressure washers - mossy paving

Your Guide to Maintaining Pressure Washers

With the sunshine finally arriving many of us are planning maintenance activities that we have put off during winter and spring. As we know here at Britclean, pressure washers are the best cleaning method for exteriors of buildings, pathways plus vehicles to get you ready to mingle outdoors again.

For this blog, we will explain why regular checkups on your pressure washing machine are the best way to maintain their quality performance.

Why Does Routine Maintenance work for Pressure Washers?

Here are the five main reasons why scheduled maintenance for your machine is crucial –

1. Prevent breakdowns
2. Avoid costly repairs
3. Avoid inconveniences
4. Ensure it performs consistently well
5. Ensure it withstands hundreds of hours of use

What Happens If I Don’t Maintain My Machine?

Spending time trying to figure out why your pressure washer won’t start isn’t the best way to start your day. If you have planned a BBQ with family and friends, the last thing you want is a patio coated in moss and mildew. This will likely be the scenario at one point if you don’t maintain your cleaning machine.

Gas pressure washers are not like cars, where you can go months without lifting the hood and checking the fluid levels. They work best when they are attended to regularly.

The best method to ensure your pressure washing machine starts and runs smoothly each time you want to use it is by having a regular maintenance program put together. Britclean is one of the leading suppliers of cleaning machines who offer a maintenance program, whether you are hiring or purchasing one of our products.

Talk to the Experts at Britclean

If you are looking for a new pressure washing machine, get in touch with Britclean today. We have been trading for over 40 years from our base in Stoke on Trent, offering the widest range of jet washing machines, including well-known brands such as Karcher, Nilfisk plus our own brand of manufactured machines.