Application Advice: Concrete Cleaner

Pressure washers for cleaning concrete should be weatherproof, tough, and efficient, as most of these devices are employed in outdoor settings. This means the machine should be properly equipped, since it has to deal with tough cleaning issues like, grease, dirt, graffiti, chewing gum, and paint, often spread over large surfaces.

Price

Pricing is the first thing most small-business buyers consider. However, low prices often do not translate into high quality. Moreover, quality pressure washers are not that expensive, as many websites sell excellent machines at discounted prices. Most of these are limited period discounts. But, with the right timing, you may just land a bargain for a high quality machine.

Many commercial establishments acquire cold water pressure washers because of their low price, but they are not ideal for demanding applications like degreasing. Even though hot water or steam pressure washers may be a bit more expensive, they pack a great deal more cleaning power.

Portability

If you plan to clean a large area especially in an outdoor environment – for example, sidewalks and exterior walls, you need mobile cleaning equipment. Portable machines can be moved from one location to another while cleaning. Machinery powered by propane or gasoline works well for outdoor use, since you do not have to depend on availability of electricity power outlets.

However, one drawback with gas motors is the noise. The exhaust fumes produced are not much of a problem if the machine is used outdoors, though they should not be used indoors. Additionally, if the area to be covered is very large (say, a few sidewalks), the pressure washer may be mounted on a truck while cleaning. For smaller areas (such as an outdoor dining area), a pressure washer mounted on wheels is sufficient.

Temperature

Pressures washers are available with three temperature options: hot, cold and steam. Some machines even offer all three options; this feature is known as triple function or tri mode. The advantage of this feature is that, you can use cold water for easy-to-remove spots and dust, hot water for caked dirt and stains, and steam for the most challenging grease removal - all with a single machine.

The latest in outdoor cleaning devices is the super high steam pressure washer. These pressure washers generate steam that can be as hot as 330 degrees Fahrenheit. Water is converted to steam for effective dissolving and removing of grease and other substances.

(Caution: Be careful when using steam pressure washers near electric wires and connections. Though it may seem as though there is low water component, the vapor can condense into water that can be risky around electric wires.)

Availability of Water

Do not purchase a high flow machine if there is no adequate water supply for cleaning. While 7 GPM is the highest for many pressure washers and produces powerful results, you can opt for lower flow rate machines (they can be as low as 0.5 GPM) in case your water supply is limited.

Consideration of flow rates is also essential depending upon the surface. More delicate surfaces like vehicle exteriors can be damaged by high flow rates. Additionally, machines with lower flow rates are more water efficient.

Heating Apparatus

Pressure washers contain heating systems made of coils, motors, and fuel. If these components are flawed, you risk damage to the machine and it can be dangerous for the operator as well. Therefore, it is important to buy pressure washers with quality heating systems and stainless steel parts.

Pressure washers sold from reliable vendor have proper warranties and instruction booklets. They can safely and effectively clean concrete surfaces over a large area.