In this blog post, I’m going to show you how to use an electric pressure washer. It covers choosing the right pressure washer, understanding key components, and preparing the area for cleaning. The post also guides you through setting up the washer, selecting the correct nozzle, and turning on the water supply. Finally, it explains how to start washing effectively, use detergent, and properly rinse and clean up after use to ensure your equipment is well-maintained and ready for next time.
Choose the Right Pressure Washer: Understand the differences between electric and gas pressure washers, and choose based on the task’s demands. Electric models are quieter and lighter for lighter tasks, while gas models are more powerful for heavy-duty cleaning.
Understand the Components: Familiarize yourself with the key parts of a pressure washer, including the water inlet, motor/pump, high-pressure hose, trigger gun, and nozzles, to ensure proper setup and use.
Prepare the Area: Before starting, clear obstacles, wear safety gear, and ensure pets and children are away. Also, check your garden hose by running water through it to remove any debris.
Set Up the Pressure Washer: Properly connect the high-pressure hose to the spray wand and washer, and attach your garden hose to the washer’s intake valve to get ready for cleaning.
Select Nozzle: Choose the appropriate nozzle based on the cleaning task. Lower angles provide higher pressure for tough stains, while higher angles are gentler for larger areas.
Turn On Water Supply: Ensure the garden hose is properly connected and free of kinks, then turn on the water supply and clear any air from the system by holding the spray gun trigger.
Start the Pressure Washer: Begin with slow, overlapping strokes, starting from the highest point of the surface. Consider using a Surface Cleaner attachment for large areas to avoid streaks.
Begin Washing: If using detergent, ensure it’s pressure washer-approved. After washing, rinse out any leftover detergent to prevent clogging and ensure the machine is ready for next use.
Rinse and Cleanup: After finishing, turn off the pressure washer, release any remaining water pressure, and properly store the hoses, nozzles, and the machine in a dry, cool place to maintain its condition.
Choose the Right Pressure Washer
Electric vs. Gas: Electric pressure washers are quieter and lighter, suitable for light-duty tasks. Gas models are more powerful, ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
PSI & GPM: PSI (pounds per square inch) determines the force of the water. GPM (gallons per minute) measures the water flow. Higher PSI and GPM mean more cleaning power.
Understand the Components
Water Inlet: Connects the pressure washer to the water supply.
Motor/Pump: Powers the machine to increase water pressure.
High-Pressure Hose: Delivers the pressurized water.
Trigger Gun: Controls the water flow and pressure.
Nozzles: Adjustable tips that modify the spray pattern and intensity.
Prepare the Area
Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes; avoid going barefoot.
Choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty as you’ll likely get wet and have dirt flying around.
Pick a sunny, calm day to avoid wind or rain interfering with your work.
Clear the area of any obstacles like plants, chairs, and tables. Sweep away rocks and dirt.
Keep pets and kids out of the area to avoid accidents.
Run water through your garden hose for 30 seconds to clear out any debris, especially after storage.
Set Up the Pressure Washer
Attach one end of the high-pressure hose to the spray wand/trigger gun.
Connect the other end of the high-pressure hose to the outlet at the back of the pressure washer.
Finally, connect your garden hose to the intake valve located at the front of the pressure washer.
Select Nozzle
0-Degree (Red): Creates a focused, high-pressure spray for tough stains and hard-to-reach spots.
15-Degree (Yellow): Provides a narrow, powerful spray for heavy-duty cleaning.
25-Degree (Green): Offers a versatile, medium-pressure spray suitable for general cleaning.
40-Degree (White): Delivers a wide, gentle spray for delicate surfaces.
65-Degree Soap Nozzle (Black): Designed for applying detergent.
Remember, lower angle nozzles have higher pressure but cover a smaller area, while higher angles cover more area with less pressure. Always attach the nozzle before turning on the water.
Turn On Water Supply
Connect the garden hose to the pressure washer and ensure it’s free of kinks or holes.
Turn on the water supply, then hold the trigger on the spray gun to clear out any air.
Start The Pressure Washer
For large pavement areas, consider using a Surface Cleaner attachment for faster, streak-free cleaning.
Begin at the highest point and work your way down to avoid dirty water running onto cleaned areas.
Start spraying from 1-2 feet away, moving closer if necessary. Use slow, overlapping strokes and avoid holding the spray in one spot to prevent damage.
Begin Washing
Many pressure washers have a detergent feature. Only use detergents designed for pressure washers; don’t use regular household soaps.
Use a low-pressure nozzle specifically made for applying detergent.
After washing, rinse out any leftover detergent by filling the container with water and spraying until it’s clear. You may need to repeat this process to fully clean the container.
Rinse And Cleanup
For gas models, shut off the engine; for electric models, unplug the unit.
Squeeze the trigger to release any leftover water pressure in the system.
Detach the high-pressure hose and water supply, then coil the hoses neatly. Store the nozzles and the pressure washer in a cool, dry place.