What do a car detailing service, commercial trucking operation, and construction business all have in common? They have serious cleaning needs! And these are just three types of businesses that will require the use of a pressure washer – the #1 way to clean tough messes fast.
Commercial pressure washers are an essential piece of equipment for many businesses. They can be used to clean everything from sidewalks and driveways to cars and trucks. In this guide, we will teach you how to use a pressure washer like a pro! We’ll start by helping you choose the right machine for your needs, then walk you through how to use it safely and effectively. Towards the end of this article, we’ll explain where you can find the top commercial pressure washers on the market. Let’s not waste any more time!
Does My Business Really Need A Pressure Washer?
We know what you’re thinking – learning how to use a pressure washer is a lot of work. Do I really need one of these units? Or, can I get by with a standard garden hose and a high-pressure nozzle? You might be surprised how many businesses can benefit from using a pressure washer. Here are just some of the industries that commonly use pressure washers:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Food and beverage
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Retail
Really, any business that needs to clean large areas or deal with tough stains will find a pressure washer to be an invaluable tool. If you’re still not sure if your business needs a pressure washer, consider how often you find yourself cleaning the following:
- Sidewalks
- Parking lots
- Driveways
- Machinery
- Trucks or cars
- Warehouse floors
If you are constantly cleaning any of the above, then a pressure washer is a wise investment. Not only will it save you time, but it will also do a better job than any other cleaning method – even power washing by hand! The benefits of a pressure washer include more effective, efficient cleaning that contributes to substantial savings in labor. Sounds like something your business could use, right? Let’s discuss the next topic – why it is so important to learn how to use a pressure washer correctly.
Why Learning How To Use A Pressure Washer Correctly Is So Important
If you’re under the impression that you can just invest in a commercial pressure washer and turn it on and get started cleaning, you are sorely mistaken. Learning the proper use of a power washer is important for not just businesses, but anyone using one of these units. Here’s why:
Pressure washers are powerful machines. If not used correctly, they can cause serious damage to property – and even people! Using a pressure washer correctly will prolong its lifespan. Improper use will lead to costly repairs down the road.
You’ll get the best cleaning results if you know how to operate your machine properly.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the importance of learning how to use a pressure washer, let’s move on to our next topic – how to choose the right machine for your business needs. After all, there are many different types and models of commercial pressure washers on the market today! How do you know which one is best for your business? Keep reading to find out…
How To Choose The Right Pressure Washer For Your Business
Not all pressure washers are created equal! When choosing a machine for your business, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The type of surface you’ll be cleaning most often
- The frequency of use
- The severity of the dirt and grime you’ll be dealing with
- Your budget
Once you’ve considered all of the above, you’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the best machine for your needs. If you’re still not sure which one to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out to the pros at Hotsy for advice. We can help you find the perfect match for your business! Or, for a few recommendations, take a look at our review of the best commercial pressure washers currently on the market.
Now that we’ve covered how to choose the right pressure washer, it’s time to move on to the next topic – how to use a pressure washer correctly and safely. After all, these are powerful machines – and if not used properly, they can cause serious damage. So, let’s get started!
How To Use A Pressure Washer Correctly & Safely
Now that you know how to choose the right pressure washer for your business, it’s time to learn how to use it correctly and safely. Here are some tips to get you started:
Begin By Reading The Owner’s Manual
Read the owner’s manual before using the machine. This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t do this! The owner’s manual will provide important information on how to operate the machine safely and effectively. All machines vary at least a bit, so it is important to consult your specific unit’s recommendations.
Don’t Forget The PPE
Of course, the next step is getting all your PPE together. As we discussed in our complete guide to staying safe with pressure washers, this is not a step you can skip. This includes protection for your eyes, ears, and even hands – especially when pressure washing with hot water.
If you have a highly caustic soap in your machine, then you may even want to wear full-body protection on your arms and legs as well. Of course, your footwear should provide good traction and protection as well. You can learn more in our article discussing pressure washer safety.
Preparing Your Pressure Washer For Use
Once you’ve got your gear on, you can get your pressure washer ready for cleaning. Start by hooking it up to a water source. There will be a connection for a standard garden hose fitting to connect to the pump and another connection for the pump to a high-pressure hose. This is where the spray will actually come from, as you can probably tell.
Before you actually turn your unit on – whether it is electric or gas – ensure that all fluid levels are topped off and your machine doesn’t have any leaks or problems that could prevent you from cleaning safely and effectively.
While you’re preparing your pressure washer for us, you should take a few minutes to prepare the area around where you’re cleaning if necessary. That means moving any vehicles out of range, taping off the area from people entering your cleaning zone, and covering up glass windows if necessary.
But, this step also entails general cleanup. Remove any debris, sweep up loose dirt and leaves, and do a quick cleaning to ensure that the pressure washer isn’t fighting an uphill battle. At that point, you can fire up the machine and get to work.
Actually Using Your Pressure Washer
Now, in terms of actually using the pressure washer, it’s pretty simple. Once you’ve read through your manual, put on all your essential gear, and prepared the unit for cleaning, it’s time to actually get to work.
Start with the nozzle tip about 18″ away from the surface you’re cleaning. This will give you time to get a feel for how the machine works before you start cleaning. While cleaning, keep the nozzle moving. This will also prevent damage to the surface you’re cleaning – while helping evenly distribute the cleaner or detergent you’re using. If you find that 18″ isn’t quite enough, you can move the nozzle closer to add more pressure – but avoid getting closer than 6″ from the surface. If you find that this isn’t enough, you can add a higher-powered nozzle.
Work your way from top to bottom when power washing surfaces like walls or siding. This will prevent streaks and ensure that all dirt and grime are removed. It’s also important to avoid staying in one spot too long – this can damage the surface you’re attempting to clean.
Be careful of obstacles like flower beds, trees, cars, etc. Pressure washers are powerful machines – and can cause serious damage if not used properly!
Learn How To Use A Pressure Washer For Different Types Of Jobs
Using a pressure washer isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach across different jobs. Your recommendations for pressure washing house siding will vary from washing a car with a pressure washer. So, before you break ground on any specific job, make sure you know what recommendations are for that type of job. This is important not just to achieve an effective, efficient clean, but also to prevent damage to certain surfaces – such as a vehicle’s paint.
Advanced Pressure Washing Techniques For Faster, More Effective Cleaning
In the section above we just barely scratched the surface of how to use a pressure washer. Now, we want to share some advanced pressure washing techniques for faster, more effective cleaning. This advice will have you working like a power washing pro in no time!
Add Soap When Pressure Washing
One of the best pieces of advice we can offer is to learn how to use soap with a pressure washer. A quality pressure washer soap will help you cut through even the thickest, most caked-on dirt and grime you come across. Even a powerful hot water pressure washer alone may not be enough for certain messes – you need to use a proper detergent.
As we covered in our complete guide linked above, there are different types of soaps for different types of messes – read through to learn which type is best for your unique situation. Then, head over to Hotsy and get the best detergents available! Unlike most detergents, ours prolong the life of your machine rather than compromising it.
Use The Right Nozzle & Hose For The Job
Just as there are different types of pressure washing soap for different jobs, so too are there different nozzles for different jobs. You also have to factor in the type of hose you use – because as you’ll discover in our blog, pressure washer hoses aren’t universal.
Fortunately, we have a plethora of resources to help you mix and match nozzles and hoses with ease. Take a look at our article discussing which pressure washer nozzle to use for soap if you want to get the most bang for your buck with your cleaning.
For more advanced pressure washing techniques, take a look at our complete guide.
Final Thoughts On How To Use A Pressure Washer
Well, there you have it – how to use a pressure washer. You now know everything you need to get started cleaning with no prior experience.
Remember – the hardest part about using a pressure washer isn’t actually using it. It is choosing the right type of machine for the job and preparing the proper soaps, nozzles, and hoses. Clear the area, put on your PPE, and follow the pressure washing techniques we recommended above. You’ll find that over time, pressure washing gets easier and easier as you gain more experience.
But to truly unlock the most efficient, effective cleaning capabilities? You need the best pressure washers for the job. And for that, look no further than Hotsy’s online pressure washer store. We have come to be known as the #1 choice for all things pressure washing – from pressure washer trailers to pressure washer rentals, gas and electric units, hot and cold water units, soaps, and spare parts. To see our full catalog and take your cleaning game to the next level, head over to the site!
