There are some jobs that cannot be completed without a pressure washer, and some other jobs that they just make easier to finish. No matter whether you are a home owner or a professional you will want to purchase a pressure washer for your delicate, detailed cleaning and for any and all high-powered dirt obliteration. Yes, obliteration, power washers are that powerful especially if you get one of the best pressure washers out there.
However be extremely careful when selecting a pressure washer; a model that has too much strength can damage the surface of the item or surface that you are trying to clean. So the best power washer will mean different things to different people and while one model is perfect for one type of surface it might not be the best for another. So selecting the very best model for you can take some time and a little research.
When shopping for the very best in pressure washers, you will need to understand what PSI, GPM and CU mean.
PSI and Pressure Washers
PSI stands for Pounds per Square Inch, and that will tell you the amount of pressure that a model uses on a surface. PSI has been found to be the absolute best gauge of how effective it is at breaking down stains or debris.
GPM and Pressure Washers
GPM stands for Gallons per Minute. GPM is a measure of the quantity of water that the pressure washer sprays at a surface and that tells you how quickly it has removed loosened debris. The higher the GPMs are can result in the ability to clean larger surface areas in a lot less time.
CU and Pressure Washers
Some manufacturers combine these ratings to determine the Cleaning Unit, or CU, which is sometimes written as UCE on a power washer’s package or manual. Manufacturers determine the CU by multiplying the PSI by the GPM; the resulting figure represents the amount of cleaning capability promised by the model you select.
However keep in mind that a higher PSI does not necessarily equal better cleaning, as a lot of homeowners have learned the hard way. If the pressure washer’s PSI is too powerful for the surface being cleaned, it may actually damage the surface itself, resulting in scratches or surface deterioration which no one wants to happen. So how do you figure out what is the best power washer for you?
The very best power washers you can buy for a majority of surfaces and uses is an electric pressure washer. They are less powerful than gas pressure washers, making them the very best choice for residential users. Electric pressure washers can be used safely indoors or outdoors which also makes it a very versatile pressure washer for you.
In conclusion be sure and remember that PSI recommendations are only guidelines. You should always carefully inspect any surface before you start cleaning with a pressure washer. Softer surfaces, like wood, respond best to lower PSI and wide-spray nozzles that disperse pressure over a larger surface area.