How to Choose the Best Pressure Washer for Your Business

Pressure washers (a.k.a. power washers) are an excellent investment for small business owners who want to boost the curb appeal of their brick-and-mortar storefronts or facilities. Pressure washers power through dirt and grime to effectively clean your business’s concrete, siding, industrial equipment, and brick surfaces. However, choosing the right pressure washer for your business can be overwhelming. This guide tells you everything you need to know about the types of pressure washers so that you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

A pressure washer is an excellent tool for tough cleaning jobs. Using powerful jets of water roughly 75 times more pressurized than a standard hose, these portable machines can blast away all sorts of grime.

Here is an overview of how pressure washers work.

1. A container of cleaning solution flows through one hose into the machine.
2. Water comes in through the water inlet, a separate hose that connects to the main water supply. A filter on the inlet stops grit and debris from entering and potentially clogging the washer.
3. An electric or gas engine provides power to the water pump.
4. The engine pulls soap and water together into the water pump, where they circulate at high speed.
5. Finally, the water pump pushes out a mix of cleaning solution and water through the exit hose, a reinforced wire mesh tube affixed to a narrow nozzle that connects a trigger gun or specialty attachment, like a wand or scrub brush.

There are three types of engines that power pressure washers: gas, electric, and diesel.  Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each type.

Gas Pressure Washers	Electric Pressure Washers	Diesel Pressure Washers
Powerful enough to tackle heavy-duty jobs such as removing paint and cleaning driveways and sidewalks. Needs to be refueled.	More compact and easier to maneuver than gas/diesel pressure washers.  Powered by electricity and doesn’t require refueling. Less noisy than gas/diesel models and has an on/off switch.	Even more powerful than gas or electric machines.  Capable of cutting through even more dirt and grime due to its higher PSI ratings. Needs to be refueled.

Pressure washer PSI—pounds (or pound-force) per square inch—ratings indicate the water pressure at the time of output. The higher the number, the more powerful the pressure will be on your surfaces. Keep in mind that you can easily damage a surface if your PSI is too high. 

• Light Duty: 0 - 1,999 psi
• Medium Duty: 2,000 - 2,799 psi
• Heavy Duty: 2,800 - 3,299 psi
• Industrial Duty: 3,300 psi and more

Pressure washers can take a beating. Over time, you may need to replace your pressure washer hoses or other washer parts such as nozzles and filters due to wear and tear. 

After a typical job, it’s not uncommon for pressure washers to be covered in the same dirt and grime they’re being used to remove. That’s why it’s important to wipe down your power washer after every use.

Short-Term Storage

• Keep your equipment in a dry place where it’s easily accessible, like a garage or storage facility. 

Longer-Term Storage (30 Days or More)

• Fill the fuel tank of gas models and, if storing in a cold climate area, add a fuel stabilizer so the pump won’t freeze during winter. 
• After adding the fuel stabilizer, run the washer for two minutes so it distributes throughout the fuel system, and then turn it off again. 
• Remove all water and leftover cleaning solutions from the system at the end of every usage season. 
• Flush out the exit hose by placing the tube in a bucket of clean water and letting it run through your trigger gun or other attachments for two minutes.
• As always, follow the recommended storage and preventative maintenance guidelines described in your owner’s manual, and your power washer will be ready the next time duty calls.

Are you ready to purchase a pressure washer for your business? Zoro.com has electric, gas, and diesel models available today. Plus, find everything else you need for your business at everyday low prices at Zoro.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.