You can clean and restore all kinds of exterior surfaces with pressure washing. Cleaning large areas of hard surfaces outdoors is made easier with a pressure washer. If you have a deck, siding, a car, or a concrete area such as a patio, walkway, or driveway, you can use a pressure washer to wash it away. They are a great alternative to the time-consuming old “brush and soapy water” method. Additionally, pressure washing can get rid of some difficult soils, such as grease, gum, wax, and tar. The following guide discusses the basics of buying a pressure washer, the types of jobs that a pressure washer can do, and how to use a pressure washer on various surfaces.
When should I use a pressure washer?
Cleaning large areas of exterior surfaces caked with dirt, grease, plant residue or other materials is easy with a pressure washer. Never pressure-wash anything living, whether it is a person, an animal or a plant. Avoid damaging your plants when pressure-washing near plant beds by using garbage bags or plastic covers.
Unless it’s a stain that you can’t get rid of, pressure washers are mainly used on larger or dirtier jobs, so it doesn’t make a lot of sense to use them on very small areas. Consider cleaning by hand if getting the machine out and setting it up takes longer than you plan to use it.
How do I choose the right pressure washer?
You can choose between gas or electric pressure washers. A consumer-grade model can cost about $100, while a commercial unit can cost thousands. A pressure washer is measured in pounds per square inch and gallons per minute. The PSI measures the spray force. The GPM indicates how much water is passing through the sprayer.
A pressure washer with specs under 2,000 psi and 2 GPM will save you time and backache when cleaning off your patio, deck or sidewalk. Typically, you can find one at a local home store for between $100 and $300.
For example, if you have tough stains on your deck or driveway, find a pressure washer that can deliver 2,000 to 3,200 psi and 2 to 3.2 GPM. Generally speaking, these medium-duty machines are gas-powered, and they cost between $200 and $600. High-performance pressure washers aren’t necessary for most homeowners.
Are You Better Off Buying or Renting a Pressure Washer?
Pressure washers can blast off years of grime from decks, patios, and walkways in just an afternoon. If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy, think about how many surfaces you’ll be cleaning and how often you’ll need to revisit the task. It might be necessary to use an electric pressure washer to clean mildew from your patio furniture on a regular basis. If you rent a large gas pressure washer, you won’t have to worry about engine maintenance and room for storage, making it an appealing option for long-neglected decks and dirty siding.
Renting a large, powerful pressure washer may be your best option if you have a large cleanup project. Especially if your deck, patio, or driveway haven’t been cleaned in years. Consider purchasing a less expensive gas or electric model to keep on hand for maintenance. Rentalex can help you choose the best pressure washer for your needs by contacting us at (813)971-9990.
