How to choose a pressure washer
Other articles that may be useful for those who want to buy a pressure washer can be found in the relevant section of the site.
What is a pressure washer and why is it needed?
A pressure washer is a specialized device that generates a high-pressure water jet. In comparison to household pumps and pumping stations, this washers are capable of developing significantly higher pressures. The pressure levels of these washers range from "weak" at approximately 100 bar to the most powerful ones exceeding 175 bar.
Structurally, any pressure washer consists of several main parts:
- the pump of a pressure washer is powered by an electric motor or a gasoline engine;
- a plunger pump increases the pressure of the water that enters it through the supply pipe;
- the pump is connected to the gun through a flexible reinforced hose that is designed to withstand high pressure;
- a gun with a "spear" and a spray nozzle is a tool with which the user can control the water jet, changing its direction, strength and shape.
Although high-pressure cleaners are commonly advertised and promoted as an effective car wash technique, their range of applications extends far beyond that. The availability of numerous nozzle options for various tasks, even if not always included in the standard kit, indicates the versatility of pressure washers. In practice, these washers are widely used for cleaning concrete paths, wooden terraces, paving stones, floor tiles, fences, garden equipment and tools, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, garden furniture, and more.
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| With the help of a pressure washer, you can wash anything from dirt: even football boots and a lawn tractor. |
What should be considered when choosing a pressure washer?
To ensure satisfaction with the chosen pressure washer model for your garage or private house, it is important to ask yourself a series of questions and answer them honestly. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid potential disappointment in the future.
- Range of tasks. What do you intend to clean using a pressure washer? Are you looking for a basic model to rinse off road dust from your car after a trip or to clean a wooden veranda at a garage or summer cottage? Or do you require a powerful machine capable of tackling stubborn dirt on concrete paths and removing cement mortar from a cement mixer?
- Frequency of use. How often do you plan to use the pressure washer? Is it for seasonal cleaning of a mansion with a garden plot a couple of times a year, for regular weekend use like washing the car and maintaining cleanliness around the house, or do you require it for daily use to fulfill professional needs?
- Workload. What is the scale of the tasks you will be facing? Are you dealing with small areas of around ten square meters with minimal dirt, or do you have larger surfaces that are heavily soiled and require more effort to clean?
By gaining a clear understanding of how often you will be using the pressure washer, you can narrow down your options to those that meet your specific requirements. This will help you avoid purchasing a model with unnecessary features and ensure that you buy the best pressure washer within your low-cost constraints.
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| For tasks such as “bathing” a car, a particularly powerful washer is not needed. |
The most important features of a pressure washer
The key characteristics of the washer are its performance (usually it is more or less proportional to the power of the motor) and water pressure. These parameters are determine whether the device will be effective in performing a particular job.
Pressure washers with a maximum pressure of up to 125 bar are compact devices suitable for domestic use. They are effective for tasks such as washing cars, cleaning paths, porches, and verandas. While they may not have enough power to remove dirt from narrow spaces, they are gentle enough to not damage the car's paintwork. These low-pressure washers are also ideal for cleaning plastic items like vinyl siding, garden furniture, or trash cans). Additionally, they can be used for dusting solar panels and rooftop collectors.
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| Solar panels are also washed using oressure washers, but the water pressure is reduced to a safe value. |
Pressure washer models with a pressure range of 125 — 150 bar are considered the most versatile. They are suitable for tasks like washing cars and removing stubborn stains from concrete surfaces. Models with a pressure exceeding 175 bar are typically designed for professional use, catering to various industries where tools and workplaces require thorough cleaning. These high-power "professional" washers are essential for efficiently cleaning concrete floors in production shops and auto repair shops, as well as for cleaning truck bodies and chassis, farms, slaughterhouses, and removing tough dirt from agricultural and construction equipment.
When selecting a pressure washer for car and household use, it is crucial to consider that high working pressure is not always good. A water jet with a pressure of 150 bar can potentially damage the paint and varnish, if brought too close to the car's surface. Furthermore, a stream of water with a pressure of 170 bar is so powerful that it can even bend the sheet metal on the hood or body panels. It is essential to strike a balance and choose a pressure washer with an appropriate pressure level to avoid any potential damage.
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| Washers with a very high working pressure are not used in everyday life, but for professional needs. |
Apart from operating pressure, the performance of a pressure washer is also a crucial factor to consider. The ability of the pump to deliver an adequate water flow is essential for effective cleaning. Pressure washer models with a water flow rate of up to 350 l / h are considered low-performance washers, typically compact and suitable for household use. Despite their lower output, these washers are sufficient for tasks like washing cars, taking care of bicycles and lawn mowers, and cleaning gardening tools and wheelbarrows. Washers with a water flow rate in the range of 400 to 500 l/h are considered more universal, and they are commonly available in the market. High-performance washers, pumping over 550 l/h , are designed for professional use and can clean up to 35 — 40 square meters of surfaces per hour. For household needs, such high performance may be excessive, making them primarily intended for professional application.
Aluminium, brass or plastic pump — which is better?
The pump is a crucial component of a pressure washer as it increases the water pressure to effectively remove dirt. Washers usually use a plunger pump with three pistons. Various materials are used in the construction of the pump. The body and head of the pump can be made of plastic, aluminum, or brass, while the pistons are usually made of metal. Some manufacturers may opt for stainless steel pistons or apply a ceramic coating to enhance wear resistance and heat dissipation. Pumps with metal bodies or heads are believed to have better durability and heat tolerance. Therefore, brass or aluminum alloy pump is an indication of a reliable washer that is built to last. Brass and aluminum pumps are also used in professional washers and high-pressure devices designed for hot water use.
It is incorrect to assume that pumps with plastic case are found only in low-cost Chinese-made pressure washers. This is a misconception. For example, renowned brands like Karcher incorporate pump units with plastic housings in their line of household high-pressure washers and these pumps are known for their reliability and long lifespan. Therefore, it can be confidently stated that the material of the pump case is not the determining factor; rather, it is the design of the pump and the manufacturer's ability to ensure proper quality control that contribute to its performance and durability.
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| Despite plastic pumps, Karcher household pressure washers are considered reliable and durable. |
Network, battery-powered and petrol-powered pressure washers
The vast majority of high-pressure washers are powered by a normal 230 V household power supply. Therefore, users have no problems connecting the device. It is enough just to buy an extension lead of the required length — and the washer can be plugged into an outlet.
If you need complete autonomy and the ability to work without being tied to an outlet, a battery-powered pressure washer is the better choice. However, it's important to note that battery-powered devices tend to have lower pressure compared to electric network devices. Typically, their maximum pressure ranges from 20 to 50 bar (although there are models capable of delivering 100 to 150 bar). Nevertheless, even a modest pressure of 20-30 bar is sufficient for removing road dust from a car and for washing bicycles, scooters, lawn mowers or other equipment that may be sensitive to high water flow pressure. Many wireless washers are sold without batteries, allowing you to use compatible batteries from existing power tools, which can be a cost-effective option.
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| Even relatively “weak” battery-powered devices can cope with such tasks as washing a car from dust and light dirt. |
In the high-pressure washer market, there are powerful models that use alternative power sources. In the professional segment, washers with internal combustion engines are available, eliminating the need for an electrical network or batteries. Additionally, there are models designed for professional use that operate on a three-phase electrical network of 400 V. Some of these models may even incorporate a water heating function with a thermostat to control the temperature. This feature enhances the effectiveness of removing stubborn and complex contaminants like engine oil, grease, mold and more.
Nozzles and accessories
One of the most interesting features of high pressure washers is their "flexibility" in terms of the formation of a water jet. Depending on the type of nozzle, the device can make jets of different shapes and strengths.
- The point nozzle forms a thin jet that hits one point with great force. It is well suited for cleaning hard-to-reach places and fighting stubborn dirt.
- The fan nozzle is a versatile attachment for a pressure washer that creates a flat and wide water jet in the shape of a fan. It offers the flexibility to adjust the intensity of the impact on the surface being cleaned. By bringing the nozzle closer to the surface, the full power of the water flow can be used in a smaller area. Moving the nozzle away reduces the intensity while increasing the coverage area. Some fan nozzles also provide additional control options, such as adjusting water pressure by moving the nozzle or using buttons on the gun.
- Mud nozzle, as the name implies, is designed to deal with dirt in its most difficult manifestations. It is a rotary nozzle that forms constantly rotating jets. Powerful streams of water twisted into a spiral earned the nickname "mud mill" due to its ability to effectively break up large clods of clay and layers of caked mud.
High-pressure washers usually come with multiple nozzles for various applications. The kit may include interchangeable nozzles that require manual installation and removal to change the jet shape, or 3-in-1 universal nozzles. The latter seem to be the most practical as they allow easy switching between different modes of operation by simply turning the nozzle tip.
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| At the tip of the universal attachment, there are several different nozzles that change by turning the tip. |
But the matter is not limited to jets. Other nozzles are also available for high-pressure washers, designed to wash different surfaces and combat various types of pollution.
- A foam nozzle is needed for anyone who wants to buy a car washer. It allows you to use not only car shampoo, but also more effective types of chemicals for car, like active foam (like in a real car wash).
- Washing brushes(flat, like mops, narrow or rotatable) increase the efficiency of the washer. With their help, you can gently and carefully (but at the same time quickly enough) peel off the rims, hubcaps and tires of the car from dirt and bitumen.
- Patio nozzles are designed for washing large flat surfaces: concrete paths, wooden terraces and verandas, ceramic tile floors, brick walls and fences, etc. They typically feature a unique design resembling an inverted bowl, inside which there is a brush and a movable mechanism with nozzles for pressurized water supply.
- Sewer cleaning hose is used to remove blockages in drains, gutters, sewer pipes and other confined spaces. It consists of a long, thin, and flexible hose with a nozzle attached to the end. The nozzle creates a strong jet of water that effectively washes away dirt and debris, even stubborn deposits, to clear the pipes and restore proper flow.
Additional accessories for pressure washers can be purchased separately from catalog that offer a wide range of options. These accessories include sprayers, jet tubes, various types of brushes, foamers and more. Karcher is known for having the largest range of accessories, but other manufacturers like Bosch, Makita and Stiga also offer extensive catalogs with car wash accessories to suit different preferences.
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| Special nozzles-brushes for preddure washers provide a convenient and effective way to clean the car's exterior thoroughly, even without the need for expensive car cleaning chemicals. |
Other details and nuances
Considerations for choosing a pressure washer also include factors that affect convenience and usability. One important aspect is the length of the hose. A short hose, up to 4 m, may be sufficient for washing smaller items like bikes or lawn mowers. However, when washing a car, a longer hose is preferable to avoid constantly repositioning the device. It is recommended to opt for models with hoses that are at least 8 — 10 m long, allowing for more freedom of movement around the vehicle during the washing process. Some devices have drums and wheels, facilitating easy transportation of the equipment, which typically weighs around 20 — 30 kg.
Another important consideration is the water supply method of the pressure washer. Most devices are designed to be connected to a pressurized water supply, through a reduction gear. However, there are models available that can draw water from reservoirs and containers such as buckets, barrels, or pools. These types of pressure washers are particularly suitable for situations where there is no access to running water, but alternative water sources like ponds or rainwater barrels are available. Some models, especially those powered by batteries, even come with their own water tank that needs to be filled prior to use.
You should also pay attention to devices that have a built-in chemical tank. Detergent can be poured into a dedicated tank in the pressure washer, and during operation, it is mixed with the water flow in the nozzle. This creates a soapy water mixture that can be useful for washing dirty floors or cleaning greasy surfaces such as barbecues and grills after a picnic. Although it doesn't produce as thick foam as a foam nozzle, it still provides effective cleaning.
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| Without a special foam nozzle, it can be difficult to get a good thick foam. |
What can you buy instead of Karcher?
There is an opinion that the best high-pressure washers are Karcher products. Apart from this well-established market leader, there are now several worthy competitors in the cleaning segment. European manufacturers like Bosch, Nilfisk, Husqvarna, Stiga, Stihl, Idrobase, Japaneese brand Makita and American DeWalt deserve attention. In the mid-price range, there are also many manufacturers from China, such as Daewoo, Hyundai, NAC, Einhell, etc. The competition in the market has led to a wider range of options available at reasonable prices for consumers looking to purchase a high-pressure washer or other cleaning equipment for their household needs.
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