Are you planning to buy a pressure washer for your house and are confused which one would suit the best? We have got you covered.
The phenomena behind pressure washing is based on PSI or pounds per square inch which determines how much force the water would be ejected from the nozzle. PSI is also the measure of cleaning power and effectiveness of a pressure washer.
The higher the PSI the more forceful the water stream and the more it is effective in removing dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces.
Pressure washing is an efficient method for maintaining a clean and well-maintained home. However, it is only possible when you choose one that delivers the right amount of pressure. This article will guide you about choosing the right pressure washer for your house.
Understanding Pressure Washers
A pressure washer is a device that uses a motor or engine to pump water at high pressure through a hose and nozzle. The high-pressure water stream dislodges and removes dirt and grime from surfaces to make them clean and refreshed.
Types of pressure washers
Pressure washers come in two main types that are electric and gas-powered pressure washers. Electric pressure washers are more compact, quieter, and easier to maintain and they are suitable for smaller tasks. However, gas-powered pressure washers are more powerful and portable. So, they are ideal for larger and tougher cleaning jobs.
Factors affecting the PSI of pressure washer
PSI or Pounds per Square Inch measures the force of the water stream in pressure washing. It plays an important role in determining the cleaning efficiency of a pressure washer. There are many factors that influence the choice of PSI for best pressure washer surface cleaners for home.
Engine power
A pressure washer with a more powerful engine will generally produce higher PSI. Gas powered pressure washers have powerful engines and produce more PSI.
Pump size and type
The pump is the component of the pressure washer that actually generates the pressure. Larger pumps and pumps designed for high PSI applications will produce higher PSI.
Nozzle type and size
The nozzle is the part of the pressure washer that controls the shape and spray pattern of the water stream. Nozzles with smaller openings will produce higher PSI.
Water flow rate
The water flow rate is the amount of water that passes through the pressure washer per minute. A higher flow rate will allow the pressure washer to generate higher PSI.
Water temperature
Warmer water expands more than colder water, so it can produce higher PSI.
Hose length and diameter
A longer or narrower hose will create more resistance to the flow of water, which can reduce PSI.
Which PSI pressure washer is best for your house?
Before we determine which pressure washer is suitable for your house, you must know the fiffirence between soft washing and high-pressure washing.
Soft washing is suitable for delicate surfaces and the pressure typically ranges from 500-1000 PSI. High-pressure washing is used for tougher jobs and ranges from 2000-3000 PSI or more.
For light cleaning jobs, especially those where surface damage is a concern you should use low PSI (1200 to 1500). Low PSI is also safe for cleaning delicate surfaces like siding materials (vinyl and wood), windows, and decorative features. It provides enough pressure to remove surface dirt without damage.
Medium PSI (1500 to 2400) is a good choice for routine house cleaning. It strikes a balance between cleaning power and surface safety, and it’s effective for removing dirt and mild stains from surfaces like driveways, decks, and concrete pathways.
High PSI (2400 – 3000) values are especially reserved for heavy-duty cleaning tasks like stripping old paint, removing stubborn grime or deep cleaning heavily soiled surfaces. This extent of pressure easily pulls all the grime and dirt from the surface. However, caution must be exercised to prevent damage to surfaces due to such high pressure.
Here are some specific examples of PSI requirements for common household cleaning tasks:
● Vinyl siding: 1200-1500 PSI
● Painted wood siding: 1500-2000 PSI
● Concrete driveway: 2000-2500 PSI
● Wood deck: 1500-2000 PSI
● Fence: 1500-2000 PSI
● Patio: 1500-2000 PSI
● Stripping old paint: 2500-3000 PSI
● Removing stubborn grime: 2500-3000 PSI
Tips for choosing the best PSI pressure washer
Here are some surface cleaner tips that you should consider while buying a pressure washer with the right PSI.
● Consider the GPM or gallons per minute rating of the pressure washer. The GPM rating is a measure of how much water the pressure washer can deliver per minute. A higher GPM rating will allow you to clean your surfaces faster.
● Choose a pressure washer with a variety of nozzle attachments. So, you can adjust the pressure and spray pattern of the water to suit the specific cleaning task at hand.
● Make sure the pressure washer has a long enough hose to reach all of the areas you need to clean.
● Look for a pressure washer with safety features, such as a trigger lock and a pressure relief valve for your protection.
