If you’re a person who prides themselves on taking care of their home and yard, then a power washer is in your arsenal of tools. Whether you’re cleaning you’re the deck, exterior of your car, or the home’s siding, the simple satisfaction of having completed those tasks by yourself is worth it. Yet if you’ve watched in envy as a neighbor wields the washer cleaning everything in sight, it’s time to buy one. Before you buy the most expensive washer with all the bells and whistles, take the time to consider what you might need. Yes, you will need an application of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream to protect your hands from blisters while washing, but what else is needed?
Type
Pressure washers operate by using a pump to increase the PSI (pressure per square inch) of water through a hose. They can be powered either using electricity or gas.
Gas-powered pressure washers tend to produce a wider range and greater level of PSI. This means they can wash things faster with greater intensity. These washers are cordless which means they can be used in a variety of settings where an electrical outlet isn’t available. Nonetheless, a major drawback of a gas pressure washer is that it requires regular maintenance. They’re also very loud which means they can’t safely be used in tight or covered spaces.
Unlike their gas counterparts, electric pressure washers do not produce harmful emissions. They don’t require the regular maintenance that gas ones do. Yet, electric washers simply don’t produce the same amount of power. They aren’t nearly as effective in cleaning large or particularly dirty areas.
Determine why and how you’re going to use a power washer. Then choose between a gas or an electric washer.
Size
Light, medium, heavy or industrial are the choices for different sizes of pressure washers. Keep in mind the larger the washer the more powerful the engine.
Light-duty pressures washers are effective for cleaning occasional outdoor household items such as a small patio or deck.
A medium size pressure washer is usually the most common choice because it can effectively clean a home’s siding, driveway, and fencing. This is in addition to smaller jobs around the house.
If you intend to clean larger areas of cement or want to clean the second of your home then choose a heavy-duty pressure washer.
An industrial pressure-washer is best for large commercial jobs or if you’re a professional doing performing full-time cleaning on a variety of surfaces.
As always remember to apply a thin layer of Workman’s Friend barrier skin cream to your hands before starting any washing. Our non-greasy formula will ensure your hands won’t slip when holding the hose regardless of the engine size of the pressure washer.
Nozzle
Luckily power washer nozzles are universally color coded. A red tip nozzle is the narrowest angle at zero degrees. This means it is a tip that can do some of the most thorough cleaning or the most damage depending on how you look at it.
The yellow tip directs water at a 15 degree angle. This is ideal when you need to wash concrete around the house.
A green tip is a 25-degree spray angle that works well for all-purpose household pressure washing such as washing the car or deck.
The 40-degree white nozzle tip is suitable for cleaning windows and siding.
The final nozzle option is the black which is the gentlest setting for a power washer. At 65-degrees it won’t remove dirt and is best used to simply wet a large surface.
There are also many different types of attachments for a washer including a surface cleaner, pressure washing broom, expandable wand, and a detergent reservoir. These features can be a separate purchase or are included with the larger models.
Of course, before you use any attachment or nozzle apply a layer of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream. Our unique formulation will keep your hands moisturized and protected as you clean away.
Wash Away
After studying and determining the type of washer you need, you finally bought one. After applying a layer of Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream to protect your hands, you’re ready to clean everything in sight. That feeling of do-it-yourself satisfaction will soon be yours.
Workman’s Friend Barrier Skin Cream is light-weight and odorless product. A simple application of our non-greasy, formula means your hands will be moisturized and protected from common irritants.