To choose the best pressure washer it is a worthwhile exercise thinking about what you will be cleaning, how dirty it will be and how often you plan to use it.

For this post, Britclean will share some expert advice to help you find the right one with the power and features for your specific cleaning jobs.

Here we will focus on light, medium and heavy-duty washers and explain where they can be used.

What is a Light Duty Jet Washer?

Cleaning small areas of lightly soiled paving, bicycles, small cars and garden furniture is the best use for light-duty jet washers. These tend to have low powered motors between 1200W and 1600W, with low water pressure and low flow rates. They are split into small hand-carried units and petite trolley-style models with low handles and small wheels with hose lengths between three to five metres.

The Uses of Medium Duty Pressure Washers

Medium duty washers are commonly used for cleaning domestic garden paved areas and decking, cars plus 4x4s. Some of the more well-known models including Nilfisk and mid-powered Karcher (both supplied by Britclean) tend to be quick and easy to use with good cleaning ability. You can expect a medium-powered motor of 1600W to 2000W with mid-range water pressure and medium flow rates. Your hose will be between five or six metres and could also have hose reels.

Explaining Heavy-Duty Jet Washers

Heavy-duty washers are used for cleaning extensive areas of paving, grimy 4-wheel drive vehicles, commercial vehicles and caravans. While they are more expensive than low and medium-duty versions, they come equipped with high-powered motors, the high water pressure of between 130 to 150 bar with high flow rates allowing them to clean quickly and efficiently. It is important to understand how to use this type of washer properly to avoid damage your surfaces. Accessories can also include telescopic handles, multiple lances plus other robust cleaning extras.

Get in Touch with Any Questions

If you have any questions about Britclean’s range of pressure washers, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We offer the leading brands of washers including Nilfisk, Karcher, Ehrle plus our own manufactured in-house ready for purchase or hire.

There are a number of accessories available to help you realise the full potential of your power washers from Britclean.

Sometimes buying accessories in bulk when you purchase a power washer is more cost-effective and it is better to understand how they can help first. This is where we can help, with this handy guide to all of the accessories a pressure washer can use.

Explaining Accessories for Power Washers

Here is a brief breakdown of the accessories that can be used with a power washer –

Lances – Most washers come with a basic lance that is suitable for most tasks, but others are available for specific tasks such as different surfaces.

Detergents – Detergent can be used to shift tough muck or grime. A number of detergents have a specific formula that suits the surface you are cleaning. These will help to penetrate the dirt plus they can also protect and maintain your outdoor living spaces.

Patio Cleaners – Patio cleaners are great for cleaning patios and decking as the rotating nozzles cover a larger surface than a lance alone. They also provide a faster clean than a lance and as the cleaner hovers over the surface you will benefit from a much more even clean.

Foam Nozzles – Foam nozzles are a simple way to apply detergent. The detergent is applied to the surface as a thick foam which clings to surfaces and allows more time for the formulae to work. This can be quite useful for cleaning vertical surfaces like cars.

Brushes – Brushes that attach to the power washer guns are essential for tackling stubborn dirt on sensitive surfaces like woodwork and vehicles.

Extending Hose – If you are working away from the water supply tap you may need a heavy-duty professional hose which adds length to your water supply hose. They will need to be hooked up to your tap and pressure washer with connectors.

Got any Questions? Get in Touch Now

If you have any questions about power washer accessories, contact Britclean now. We are Staffordshire and Cheshire’s leading supplier of jet washers for domestic and commercial customers.

Adding a patio or decking to your garden creates a fantastic outdoor space for entertaining and dining. Using pressure washers to clean your decking or patio will prevent the build-up of dirt and algae.

Read our latest blog for a simple guide on cleaning decking and patio slabs using a pressure washer.

Jet washers help you to skip the hard work of using a manual scrubbing brush, as their powerful pump and narrow nozzle blast water in a forceful spray. This will remove dirt and grime from paving slabs fast plus it is more efficient than your regular garden hose.

6 Steps to Pressure Washing Your Patio

1.  Clear your patio, removing all furniture, ornaments and pots.
2. Use a broom to brush away any loose debris such as leaves and dirt.
3. Connect your hose and make sure that water is running freely before you start cleaning. Allow water to flow through the washer to remove any airlocks. If you are using a hose reel it needs to be fully unwound and free of kinks to ensure constant water flow. You will need two universal connectors and a tap adaptor for your garden tap to connect your hose.
4. Connect your jet washer to the mains electricity supply then turn it on to pressurise the system.
5. Before you begin cleaning your patio, apply some detergent to the surface to help dissolve dirt and make the patio easier to clean. A number of detergents have special properties that help reduce the build-up of dirt in the future plus it will protect your surfaces from weather damage. You can purchase specific detergents for stone, wood and vehicles, with each specially designed to suit that particular task.
6. Dirt and organisms such as lichens can be difficult to remove using a standard lance or patio cleaner. Most power washers come with a rotary pencil jet nozzle which provides up to 80% more power. Switching this lance will ensure even the most stubborn dirt can be removed. Please note that the increased power of these lances means they should only be used on hard surfaces like stone or brickwork whereas sensitive surfaces such as wood or vehicle paintwork could be damaged when cleaned with this type of lance.

Hire or Buy Pressure Washers from Britclean

If you are looking to hire or purchase a pressure washer for cleaning your patio, get in touch with Britclean today.

We work with the finest range of pressure washers, including renowned brands such as Karcher, Ehrle and Nilfisk and have been working with customers across Staffordshire and Cheshire for over 40 years.

Cleaning is one of the best ways to increase your home’s curb appeal immediately or improve outdoor living spaces without hitting you too much in the pocket.

You will notice a huge difference after using a pressure washer on your concrete, bricks or paving stones; especially if they are dirty from years of neglect or if they have mould or algae growing on them.

Pressure washing is the best way to clean hardscapes, and the good news is that you can clean concrete, paving stones or bricks with a power washer. This is a convenient piece of equipment that is available to purchase or hire from Britclean.

The basics of power washing are easy to pick up, but there are some safety tips you will need to follow to ensure you do not hurt yourself, someone else or your property.

The Dangers of Incorrecting Using Pressure Washers

Some pressure washer horror stories include stripping paint off of houses, ripping off siding and shingles, damaging wood decks, destroying car paint jobs plus causing serious injuries.

The problem does not lie with pressure washing itself, more with inexperienced folks who may choose the wrong nozzle, use higher pressure than needed or simply not understand how powerful a pressurised stream of water can be.

If used incorrectly, power washers can cause significant damage in the form of pitting, lines or general surface degradation. It is also possible to damage the mortar between bricks and disperse the joint sand between paving stones. With regards to concrete, slabs installed less than 12 months ago are more likely to be damaged than older slabs.

This type of damage is often caused by using the wrong nozzle, using a higher pressure than needed, holding the wand too close to the surface of the hardscape or directing the spray at the same place for too long.

Need More Information? Get in Touch with Britclean

If you would like to know more about Britclean’s range of pressure washers, please contact us today.

Pressure washers from Britclean are the most effective way to deep clean a number of different surfaces. It is important to remember that not every surface should be pressure washed as it could damage the surface.

To help you avoid damaging your property, we have put together a list of surfaces that are safe to be cleaned with a pressure washer.

Four Areas You Can Pressure Wash

1. Decks and Patios – Over an amount of time it is quite common for algae, mould and mildew to build up on deck and patio surfaces. If your decking or patio is located in shady areas where sunlight exposure is limited, this can be quite a common problem. Using a pressure washer will remove this grime and other unsightly stains from the decking, whether it is wood, concrete, stone or made of pavers.

To achieve the best results, use a pressure washer in conjunction with a deck or patio cleaner.

2. Driveways and Sidewalks – Grease stains and oil spills will have a negative effect on your home’s curb appeal. Pressure washing removes these stains and restores the appearances of driveways and pathways. We would recommend using a narrow pencil nozzle for smaller stains whereas a larger rotary nozzle is better suited for larger surface areas. Britclean would recommend pressure washing your driveway before considering sealing your driveway or walkway in the future.

3. Roofing and Siding – Over a period of time asphalt shingle roofing can become damaged by algae and mould growth which can also damage your home’s curb appeal. By carefully power washing your roof will remove mould, mildew, algae and moss to prolong the life of your roof.

Pressure washers can also effective cleaning a number of siding materials, such as fibre cement, vinyl, wood and aluminium.

Power washing your home’s siding is recommended before painting, which can help add value to your property if you are looking to sell in the near future.

4. Concrete and Brick – If your property has brick or concrete exteriors or walkways they can be pressure washed. As these are stronger surfaces they can hold up to the most powerful settings of a pressure washer.

Safety Tips for Pressure Washing

Pressure washers put out a huge amount of water in a short space of time, so the operation of these machines is dangerous if you do not know what you are doing. You could injure yourself plus damage the surface by incorrectly using a pressure washer.

For example, special care is needed when power washing wooden decking as if your PSI is too high it could damage the wood. You will also need to make sure you use the correct nozzle and keep the pressure washer a suitable distance from the surface. Holding the nozzle at the right angle will also prevent damage and ensure you achieve the best level of cleanliness.

Pressure Washers for All Surfaces

Britclean is the professional pressure washing experts for Staffordshire and the surrounding counties. From decks and patios to walkways and siding, our pressure washers can handle it all. Our expert services can help boost your home’s curb appeal and make the most of your outdoor living spaces.

Find out more about our pressure washing services by getting in touch now.

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.