The factor that matters the most while determining the effectiveness of a surface cleaner is the pound per square inch (PSI) that is actually the pressure of the surface cleaner. Whether you want to use a surface cleaner for home cleaning or carrying out professional cleaning tasks you must have an ample understanding of which PSI is best for the surface cleaner is crucial.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for the PSI needed for surface cleaners to help you select the best equipment suited for your needs.
Read till the end to know all about what is needed PSI for surface cleaners.
Why Understanding PSI For Surface Cleaner Is Important?
Understanding and determining the correct PSI for a surface cleaner is important to achieve best cleaning results and prolonging the life of equipment. PSI not only ensures efficient cleaning but it also helps remove grime, stains and dirt from places that are neglected. Moreover, it decreases the chances of danger to the surface or the equipment.
With emerging technology several options of service cleaners are there in the market. All of them require that the user must understand the PSI requirements to get the best value for their money. So, if you stay knowledgeable with PSI settings you make your device safe no matter if you have got a commercial surface cleaner or just for home use.
Factors Influencing PSI in Surface Cleaners
The selection of PSI in surface cleaner is based on several factors that are essential to consider to understand the working of the device and achieve optimal cleaning results. Here are the key factors that affect the PSI in pressure washer surface cleaners.
Type of Surface
Surface cleaner pressure is greatly affected by the durability and damage vulnerability. Mostly hard surfaces like metal and concrete can withstand higher pressures. However, delicate surfaces such as wood, formica and plastics require low levels of pressure because they can be broken down under high pressure. Therefore, the surface pressure is crucial to avoid surface etching and harm to the surface being exposed to the surface cleaners.
Level of Cleaning
The levels of dust, debris and stains of the surface determine how much pressure is required for cleaning. The places where light cleaning requires surface cleaner to be used have low PSI. However, for heavy duty cleaning tasks such as in automobiles industry and professional services a surface cleaner of higher PSI level could suffice the needs.
Size and Type of Nozzle
The output of a surface cleaner is affected by the nozzles side and type because they control the flow and pressure. Smaller size nozzles can create high pressure because flow is restricted at their tips and pressure is exerted on the liquid. However, large nozzle openings create low pressure. So, nozzles should be selected based on the PSI level it delivers for efficient cleaning.
Distance and Angle
The distance between the surface to be cleaned and the nozzle of surface cleaner has a great impact on the PSI required. Another factor that comes in action with distance is the angle that nozzle opening makes with the surface to be targeted.
Increasing the distance from the surface decreases the pressure because a lot of energy is dispersed and lost. Moreover, the angle of application also impacts the efficiency of cleaning. If you maintain an optimal distance and suitable angle then the desired PSI can be easily determined and utilised to clean the surface easily.
User Experience
Another factor that might seem negligible but has a lot of importance is the user experience that can affect the PSI selection for the surface cleaner is the experience and expertise of the user. If the users have the correct knowledge and understanding of function and working of equipment then they can adjust the PSI settings to achieve best results without causing any harm to the device.
PSI Ranges for Cleaning Tasks
PSI ranges are different for different tasks and it depends on the nature of the surface being cleaned and the type of debris present there. Some general guidelines for cleaning actions regarding PSI ranges include:
Low-Pressure Cleaning
Cleaning processes that involve low pressure cleaning have a PSI range between 500 and 1,200. It is perfect for delicate surfaces that require gentle cleaning such as car exteriors, painted surfaces and wooden decks because this range can efficiently remove dirt, dust and debris without damaging the surface.
Medium-Pressure Cleaning
Cleaning tasks involving medium pressure have PSI value between 1,200 and 2,000. This is generally suited to surfaces with little soil like brick walls, patio furniture, vinyl siding and concrete driveways. This range is enough to remove moderate dust, debris and stubborn stains. Though this range is a bit higher, if the user of pressure washer surface cleaner is an experienced person no harm can be inflicted to the surface under target.
High-Pressure Cleaning
Cleaning operations that involve high pressure applications have a PSI value of 2,000 to 3,000. This pressure is used for heavy duty cleaning tasks such as tough stains, heavy grime, thick grease, dirt and heavy dust in concrete surfaces, industrial floors, large outdoor areas and graffiti removal. Though this pressure is to be exerted on harsh surfaces, it should be used under high pressure settings and safety testing to avoid any damage.
Safety Considerations Related To PSI in Surface Cleaners
Here are some safety consideration tips related to PSI in surface cleaners.
· Wear PPE including protective clothing, safety goggles and gloves to avoid injuries.
· Don’t use high pressure on delicate material without testing.
· Maintain good grip to avoid recoil at higher PSI.
· Check electrical connections and make sure outlets are waterproof to avoid short circuits.
· Don’t spray openly towards the vegetation.
Final Words
PSI plays an important role in efficiency of cleaning in pressure washer surface cleaners. Pressure should be selected according to the area of application and distance from the surface while keeping safety measures in mind. If you want to buy the best pressure washer surface cleaner for commercial or household use, visit Eveage today.
