Top 10 Uses for Pressure Washers
Like many of you, I’ve used a lot of hand tools, power tools, and power equipment over the years. Table saws, routers, sanders, tile cutters, chainsaws, generators, nail guns, jack hammers, lawn mowers, pressure washers and more. Each tool has it’s own special function and appeal. Of course, running the jack hammer to take out my front concrete sidewalk was the big he-man moment of all time for me. Wow! I’m sure the kids were incredibly impressed with their old man, and you can’t even imagine what my wife thought. Ratta tat tat! But of all the above, nothing is as fun or satisfying to run as a pressure washer. Power washers do jobs that just can’t be done with any amount of scrubbing or elbow grease. Hot or cold water under pressure is just about one of the most powerful forces out there for cleaning, blasting or washing. The last time I used this tool it was to clean out 30 years of embedded dirt from the light colored brick on the front of my house. Worked like a charm, and gave me more bragging rights with the kids. When it comes to pressure washers, please realize that they are extremely powerful and can be destructive and even dangerous if not used properly. Like any power tool, use caution and follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Having said that, pressure washers can be used on many things; pretty much anything you need to clean or blast. Pressure washers come in various strengths and features, but today I just wanted to run down the top 10 uses for your pressure washer. Washing a Car, truck or RV – With the right wand and attachments, washing your vehicle will be something to look forward to rather than dread. Washing a Boat – You know that mystery discoloration on your boat. Sort of like hard water stains on a glass. Well, never fear, pressure washers to the rescue! And barnacles and other nasties are no problem. Your boat will thank you. Cleaning a Sidewalk – Sidewalk cleaning is easy with this tool. Just remember, pressure washers can be extremely powerful and will actually destroy the concrete if you aren’t careful. And remember, there is no more important safety rule than to wear these – safety glasses. (Any other Norm Abrams fans out there?) Cleaning Wood Decking – Here’s the thing on wood. Don’t linger too long or too close or you’ll ruin whatever you are working on. Cleaning a Fence – Iron, chain link, wood, plastic, or whatever. It doesn’t matter what your fence is made out of, a pressure washer will get into all the nooks and crannies no problemo. Cleaning Patio Furniture – Mold or dirt is no problem to remove from patio furniture. If you want to remove paint for repainting, there are pressure washers that will tackle the job. Watch for small bits flying and dream about how great your new furniture will look when you’re done. Hey, if you don’t like the color you can just hit it again! Washing Out a Gutter – No more yucky squishy goop to handle by hand. Just blast it out. Period. Cleaning a Driveway – Cleaning a driveway is really only done right with pressure washers. The right chemical cleaner with that right pressure washer and that oily dirty surface will become a thing of the past. Cleaning Siding – My personal favorite. It doesn’t matter what the siding is because when you get done it will look like brand new. Again, just don’t linger or get to close because you can harm the surface. Cleaning or Washing _____ – This is the best one because you get to fill in the blank. Just get creative and stay safe. Pressure washers are powerful, effective, fun, and your kids will be so proud of you!
Top Uses for a Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are used in commercial, industrial, residential, and other settings to clean a variety of objects, structures, and surfaces easier. There is of course a huge difference between the amount of pressure, area of coverage, and distance that water can be projected from in industrial or commercial models of pressure washer, versus those made to be used at home.
Industrial and commercial pressure washers are used in factories to clean large machines, loading docks and concrete flooring, and used to clean many large structures, commercial buildings, parking lots, and a number of other things that are hard and even impracticable to clean with the average water hose.
High powered industrial pressure washers can loosen and remove ingrained grease, oil, metal fragments and debris from large porous surfaces areas, better and quicker than you could with water hoses and scrub brushes. Many city street departments use pressure washers to easily remove graffiti from bridges, building walls, sidewalks, and signs in their communities.
Residential pressure washers are available in small, medium, and large sizes, numerous colors, and vary in the features they offer. Pressure washers are either powered by electric or gas fed motors. Electric models are lighter in weight and often cost less, but they are also less powerful and often don’t clean as well as the gas powered models can.
On the other hand, gas powered pressure washers are heavier than electric powered units, making it more of a chore to move them around to continue cleaning with and they do release a regulated amount of pollution into the environment. If lightweight, compact, eco-friendly models are more appealing to you, consider electric powered pressure washers. If the job is a big one, a gas powered pressure washer is usually the better choice.
There are many practical uses for a pressure washer around your home, which is why they have become such a popular item to own. A pressure washer can provide you with up to 50 times more pressure to clean with than your garden hose. The size, included features, and powering source that is the right choice in pressure washer for you depends on what you will using it to clean the most. It also matters if you only intend to use your pressure washer to keep dirt rinsed off outdoor fixtures, surfaces, and things like bikes and furniture, or you need a pressure washer capable of cleaning away stubborn grime and mildew.
Small pressure washers work just fine for cleaning items like small pieces of outdoor tables, chairs, and loungers, or bikes, bird baths,, windows, and garden decorations. But a larger pressure washer is needed for washing cars, trucks, RV’s, fountains, driveways, sidewalks, and the siding on your home. Trying to use a small pressure washer for bigger cleaning jobs strains the capacity of the pressure washers motor, and is more likely to damage your pressure washer.
Alternatively, you don’t want to use a large pressure washer for small jobs because the added pressure provided by larger pressure washers can strip the paint off, cause cracking and other damage to small items.
For removing stubborn grime, mildew, and rust from fixtures and structures, you will want to choose a pressure washer model that includes a detergent tank for convenience. This makes it easier to apply detergent to the dirty area to aid in softening imbedded dirt and grime for removal. You will also want to choose a pressure washer with adjustable nozzle settings and even attachments like scrubber wands that can be added to the nozzle for even more power to scrub away stubborn stains.
Pressure washers can be dangerous and care should be taken to protect yourself and other people and pets in the area whenever you are operating a pressure washer. You should always follow the manufactures guidelines for the safe use of your pressure washer. You should also remember that the surface you are standing on can become slippery when it gets wet, so you need to wear proper shoes to prevent slipping and falling.
Goggles are also recommended to prevent debris from flying into and injuring your eyes. Look over the area before using your pressure washer and remove debris and other things that could become dangerous projectiles when pressurized water is applied to the area.
Small electric pressure washers and small gas powered pressure washers can be found at affordable prices. The internet is a good tool to use to compare a variety of pressure washer models before you decide which one to buy. Online you will find many useful reviews of pressure washers to help make your decision easier and you are not likely to find as much information like this in your local stores.
