If you’re looking for a way to clean your outdoor surfaces, such as patios, driveways, decks, or cars, you might want to consider using a pressure washing machine. A pressure washing machine is a device that uses a high-pressure water jet to blast away dirt, grime, mould, and other contaminants from various surfaces. But how does a pressure washing machine work and what are the benefits of using one? We’ll explain the basics of pressure washing machines and how they can help you keep your outdoor areas sparkling clean.
What is a pressure washing machine?
A pressure washing machine is a motor-driven device that is commonly attached to your garden hose. It uses a water pump powered by an electric motor or a petrol engine to accelerate the water to high pressure and then squirt it from a hose at speed through a trigger gun. You can fit different attachments to the end of the hose for cleaning different things, such as nozzles, brushes, or rotary cleaners.
The pressure generated by the nozzle is measured in psi (pounds per square inch), which indicates how much force the water jet has. The higher the psi, the more tough dirt and grime you can lift. However, you should also check that the psi isn’t too high for surfaces that require more gentle cleaning, such as wood or paint. Generally, 1000-1700psi is suitable for garden tools, bikes, and cars. Areas like decks, driveways, outdoor furniture and building facades call for 1800-2100 psi, while a machine with more than 2100 psi is best for large surfaces and cleaning for longer periods.
The flow rate of the water is another factor that affects the performance of a pressure washing machine. The flow rate is the amount of water passing through the nozzle per minute and it determines how fast you can clean an area. For small tasks or small objects such as a bicycle or garden furniture, a flow rate of seven litres can be sufficient. For larger areas like driveways, a flow rate of 10 litres will be faster and more effective.
How to use a pressure washing machine?
Using a pressure washing machine is not very complicated, but you should always read the instructions before you start and follow some safety precautions. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- First, sweep or brush all loose debris from the surface you want to clean.
- Connect the pressure washing machine to the mains water supply. The water inlet of the machine should be fitted with a filter to prevent dirt from entering the pump.
- If you’re using soap or another detergent, pour it into the detergent tank or attach it to the hose.
- Plug in the electric cord or fill up the petrol tank and turn on the machine.
- Choose the appropriate nozzle or attachment for the surface you’re cleaning and attach it to the hose.
- Hold the trigger gun at a distance of about 10-30cm from where you’re spraying and move it in a sweeping motion. Don’t point it at people, animals, plants, or electrical outlets.
- Start with a low-pressure setting and test it on an inconspicuous area before you increase the pressure. Adjust the pressure according to the surface you’re cleaning and avoid using too much force on delicate materials.
- Rinse off any soap or detergent with clean water after you finish cleaning.
- Turn off the machine and disconnect it from the water supply and power source.
- Drain any remaining water from the hose and store it in a dry place.
What are the benefits of using a pressure washing machine?
A pressure washing machine can offer many advantages over conventional cleaning methods, such as:
- It can save you time and energy by cleaning large areas quickly and efficiently.
- It can remove stubborn dirt and stains that are hard to remove with water and soap alone.
- It can improve the appearance and value of your outdoor surfaces by restoring their original colour and shine.
- It can prevent mould and algae growth by eliminating moisture and organic matter.
- It can reduce allergens and bacteria by sanitizing your outdoor areas.
- It can protect your surfaces from damage by removing corrosive substances such as salt or acid.
As you can see, a pressure washing machine is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool that can help you keep your outdoor areas in top condition.
