Your Complete Guide to Buying a Pressure Washer

Once you have decided to invest in a pressure washer, it can be daunting trying to find the best model for the right price given the large selection available online and in stores. For this reason, it is important to do your research and know the right questions to ask before committing to one of these units. Pressure washers can vary in power, attachment options, compatible accessories, and more. Speaking to a professional about what you plan on using the machine for is a helpful way to guide your decision.

If you are just starting your search, you may be overwhelmed with information online about what you need to know before buying a pressure washer. Our team at Crown Cleaning Systems has simplified things by breaking down all of the most important things to consider when you are in the market for one of these powerful tools. Use the following list of tips as your complete guide to buying a pressure washer.

Tips for Buying a Pressure Washer

  • Determine your specific requirements

Buying a pressure washer is much different than shopping for a mop or a vacuum cleaner. In many cases, pressure washers are purchased for commercial purposes, which means many of the models you will find for sale are targeted towards large industrial spaces making them unnecessary for home use. Even if you own a business, we recommend considering what tasks you plan on using your pressure washer for and whether or not one of these commercial models is worth the investment.

Additionally, if you do not plan on using your pressure washer regularly, you may want to consider alternative options. At Crown Cleaning Systems, we offer a pressure washer rental service where you can benefit from industry-leading machinery without making a large purchase.

  • Have a basic understanding of how it works

Many people who shop for pressure washers do not understand exactly how water is pumped through the system or how the machine is powered. By understanding at least the basics of how a pressure washer works, you will be able to make an informed decision when comparing models. For example, a gas-powered model will produce more noise, however, it works better than electrical models for heavy-duty tasks.

  • Familiarize yourself with top brands

Buying from a trusted brand is a safe way to ensure you are getting a high-quality product. Karcher and Landa are two of the largest pressure washer manufacturers in North America, offering reliable, high-quality machines at fair prices. At Crown Cleaning Systems, we offer a variety of commercial and residential pressure washer models from these great brands.

Another reason to familiarize yourself with the best brands is to ensure the product meets the necessary safety standards and certifications for inexperienced people to operate it. Our selection of pressure washers at Crown Cleaning Systems meets all of these criteria. Buying from a top brand normally helps owners keep pressure washer repair services to a minimum.

  • Purchase suitable accessories

Using the right attachments and accessories on your pressure washer will ensure you get the best clean for the task at hand. For example, if you are looking to apply as much pressure as possible to remove stuck-on paint, you may want to purchase a narrow jet nozzle. If you are cleaning a large area, you may want to buy a hose reel to prevent the hose from becoming tangled. Accessories can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning with a pressure washer.

  • Understand the concept of PSI

PSI is a term that is commonly used to describe the amount of power that a pressure washer provides. The acronym stands for “Pounds per Square Inch” and is used to convey the weight of the amount of water coming out of the machine when it is powered on. A higher PSI does not however necessarily make a better pressure washer. If the surfaces you plan on cleaning require a certain level of protection such as a car, you may want to look for a PSI as low as 1000. However, if you are planning to clean a large, industrial space on a regular basis, you may need something more powerful. Knowing the amount of power you require is a great way to save money on unnecessary features.

Another way of measuring the quantity of water that is released is by identifying the gallons of water which are expelled per minute during use. If the PSI number is not available, the GPM should be.

  • Ask about the water temperature

Before buying a pressure washer, it is important to know the temperature of the water that will be released. The hotter the water, the more effective the cleaning power will be when combined with pressure washing chemicals. However, hot water can be damaging for certain surfaces, and you will need to consider this before opting for one of these systems. One of the benefits of renting a pressure washer as opposed to buying your own is that you can enjoy the advantages of different models for a variety of unique tasks.

  • Check the horsepower

Horsepower is yet another measurement of a pressure washer’s power, however, it is different from GPM and PSI in the sense that it depends on the machine’s motor, not the amount of water that is used. If you have experience shopping for cars based on horsepower, you should have no problem doing the same while shopping for your pressure washer.

Are you looking for a pressure washer repair service, rental options, or units for sale in Ohio? Crown Cleaning Systems has you covered! Contact us today for more details.

The Ins and Outs of Pressure Washing Chemicals

Armed with the right pressure washing chemicals, there is no mess that can withstand one of these powerful machines. Unfortunately, many novice pressure washer owners are unfamiliar with the array of cleaning solutions at their disposal and how to use them properly. Depending on the task at hand, you may require a chemical that protects paint, is safe for food preparation, enhances shine, or offers some other special quality. By educating yourself on the best pressure washing chemicals for every job, you will get results that you are satisfied with every time.

Crown Cleaning Systems is Ohio’s best source for high-performance pressure washing chemicals. Our team is happy to offer expert recommendations for any type of cleaning task and ensure you understand how to safely use your cleaning chemicals. Here we have provided an extensive list of the ins and outs of pressure washing chemicals so that you know what to expect next time you are shopping for a cleaning solution!

How to Get the Most Out of Ohio’s Best Pressure Washing Chemicals

Be mindful of overspray

Understanding the ingredients in a cleaning solution is not only important for ensuring the best clean, but it can also affect the surrounding environment due to overspray. For example, if you are cleaning the exterior of a building with an attached garden, you may want to avoid harsh chemicals that could destroy the plants. In this case, a powerful citrus-based cleaner like EC-410 may be a better option.

Ask a professional about chemical injection

Pressure washing chemicals can be injected in two different ways. Knowing the difference is essential to making sure you get the best clean and avoid damaging the machine. First, upstream injection is where you insert the chemicals in your pressure washer before the pump. The reverse is called downstream injection, where you insert the chemicals after the pump. The injection will depend on how harsh the chemicals are and which process is safer for the pressure washer. When buying your cleaning chemicals, ask a professional which type of injection should be used and whether or not you will need a soap nozzle to complete it.

Consider the environmental impact

In a perfect world, all cleaning solutions would be made naturally and cause minimal damage to the environment, however, this is not always the case. For tough cleaning jobs, sometimes a heavy degreaser or bleach solution is necessary. However, there are a few all-natural, high-performance pressure washer chemicals that have been released in recent years. If you are concerned about the effect that pressure washing may have on the environment, read the list of ingredients before purchasing your cleaning agent and ensure that overspray will not damage the surrounding natural environment.

Understand how weather affects pressure washing

When pressure washing outside, the weather will not always agree with your cleaning plans. If you plan to clean on a windy day, it is important to test the wind direction and find out where your stream of water will go when you power on your machine. This will help you avoid wasting valuable cleaning chemicals, fuel, and water. Additionally, a jet nozzle may help you concentrate the stream of water in a specific area on a windy day. If you are using harsh chemicals like Unique, you may be at risk of harming yourself or damaging the objects around you if you are not careful. If this is the case, you may want to wait for a less windy day to clean outside.

Protect your plants

As mentioned, overspray can seriously harm your plants if you are not careful while using your pressure washer. There are a couple of ways, however, that you can avoid destroying your plants even while using powerful chemicals like Taginator. First, we recommend watering your plants before using a pressure washer so that they do not absorb the first dose of water that comes out of your machine. If you have a light tarp or cover that you can rest on top of your garden without crushing your plants, this may also be of use when using harsh chemicals.

Look for surface protectors for delicate tasks

The reason why there is such a wide range of pressure washing chemicals available is because pressure washers are highly effective tools used to clean many different surfaces. For example, you may wish to remove stuck-on paint or graffiti from a wall, which means you would want an aggressive cleaning solution that dissolves even the toughest residue.  However, if you are cleaning your car, you will want the opposite effect. When cleaning delicate surfaces like this, you will need to look for a cleaning agent that doubles as a surface protector. Some of the best pressure washing chemicals for these purposes are High Image and Rinse & Wax.

Add heat

If you want to make an already powerful pressure washing chemical even stronger, adding hot water to the mix is by far the best way to do this. Heat will both bond with the chemicals and help remove grease.

Be mindful of caustic ingredients

If you are using a heavy-duty chemical solution like Strike, you will want to ensure you have all the information you need to safely use it without harming anyone or anything in the process. For example, if you are cleaning a commercial kitchen, we recommend avoiding these types of products altogether as they could make your food seriously toxic for consumers. Additionally, if you have any small children or pets in the area while cleaning, you may want to have them wait in another part of your home until you are finished using your pressure washer.

Are you looking for the best pressure washing chemicals in Ohio? Contact us today at (216) 341-6000  to learn more about our impressive selection!

Warning Signs to Look for When Your Pressure Washer Needs Repair

Whether you rely on your pressure washer to maintain a presentable place of business or you simply require a pressure washer to clean up around the house, it is important to know the signs to watch out for when high-pressure washer repairs are needed. By tackling small problems when they first arise, pressure washer owners can avoid causing further damage to their machinery.

Do you regularly use a pressure washer? Don’t let a serious problem catch you by surprise. At Crown Cleaning Systems, our team is committed to giving you all the information you need so that you know when to call a technician for a pressure washer repair service.

Indicators That a High-Pressure Washer Repair Service Is Needed

  • Insufficient water pressure

When your pressure washer is clogged, you may notice a reduction in water pressure. Whether there is a slight change in water pressure or barely any remaining pressure at all, this should be taken as a signal that repairs are urgently needed. By calling a professional for help, you will be able to find the root of the problem and clear any blockages within the hose, valve, or anywhere else in the unit.

  • Disruptions in service

Once your pressure washer is powered on, it should run smoothly throughout the entire cleaning process. If your pressure washer appears to start and stop erratically, there could be a problem with your fuel tank or ventilation system. Often this is caused by an inability to release air properly. This can easily be remedied by a professional if it is handled at the first sign of a problem. Otherwise, the system may break down due to prolonged ventilation problems.

  • Leakage

Not only is water leakage frustrating and bad for the environment, but it can also cause serious damage to your high-pressure washer if the leak is not repaired in a timely fashion. A leak can occur in any part of your pressure washer. Check the seal, nozzle, hose and pump for openings or call a technician to assess the damage before it worsens.

  • Unable to turn on the machine

When your pressure washer refuses to start, it is usually a sign of a more technical issue than a leak or other easily detectable problems. This could be caused by a faulty spark plug, coil, or another electrical element. Fixing these types of problems can be dangerous and should therefore be done by a professional.

Contact us today to learn more about our high-pressure washer repair services.