Pressure washers are a highly efficient way of cleaning exteriors, clearing away stubborn dirt in a fraction of the time (and effort!) hand cleaning would take.
These washers utilise a jet of clean water under high pressure to lift the dirt, clean stains and remove ingrained grime. They can blast through large areas quickly and easily as the force of the water replaces the need for any forceful scrubbing. Most cold pressure washers also tend to incorporate a detergent to deal with stains and grime ensuring the area is hygenically cleaned.
There are many types of pressure washers available to purchase, but the range of choice can often be bewildering. It’s important that when carrying out pressure cleaning tasks you have planned how you tackle it in advance and that you are using the right equipment for the right surface. For example, some brickwork, rendering or wood can be damaged by using high-pressure cold-water cleaners. These types of surfaces require a different approach, perhaps a combination of low-pressure hot water or steam cleaning along with a chemical treatment.
Cold Pressure Washers
For a thorough clean over a large area, a cold pressure washer will likely be all you need. Cold pressure washers can be very compact and simple to operate and they will more than likely be cheaper and easier to maintain than a hot pressure washer system.
Pressure washing can be a messy job, but if you work quickly and efficiently you can get a good result. Move the pressure washer’s wand in an even, up-and-down motion and try not to let the spray linger in any one place. You may need to make a couple of passes over the same spot to clean really dirty surfaces and use overlapping strokes to avoid visible lines and stripes.
Hot Pressure Washers
For the most effective results and for tackling greasy or oily stains, a hot pressure washer is recommended. They work in much the same way as a cold pressure washer but with the added benefit of heat, softening and loosening dirt from the surface with greater ease.
The effectiveness of the heated water also means that the area requires a lot less pressure and detergent, preventing damage to certain surfaces. Due to the increased technology and complexity of a hot pressure washer, the unit will be bulkier than a cold pressure washer and is also likely to be more expensive too.
Hot or Cold?
In short, the choice between a hot or cold pressure washer depends on what type of surface you wish to clean. For general dirt and grime or cleaning a large area, a cold pressure washer will more than likely fit the bill. However, to clean more stubborn stains and spillages like oil and grease – or for the ultimate, sterile clean, a hot pressure washer is the way to go.
Alternatively, for a professional clean especially in hard-to-reach areas, then Smart Cleaning Services can take the worry away. Our fully trained and insured team use the best range of pressure cleaning equipment to produce outstanding results. Call us today and we will be happy to carry out a free test patch at your premises or property to show you the results we can achieve.
Get in touch using our online enquiry form or call 07552 169 521 or 0151 903 3182.