When pressure washing, the general rule of thumb is you should use a pressure washer with a GPM and PSI that's appropriate for the job. If you get one that's too weak, it won't be able to blast away dirt and grime. And if you get one that's too powerful, you could end up causing damage to its hoses and other important parts.
Some people prefer using a gas-powered model because they're more powerful, but if noise is an issue or you prefer a smaller, more portable machine, an electric unit will work.
Households typically use power washers to clean decks, patios, driveways, siding, etc. If you're thinking of purchasing a pressure washer, you may be wondering what size you need.
The best size pressure washer for home use is one that fits your needs. A smaller electric model will do the trick if you want to clean your patio or driveway. But if you have a large home or want to clean heavy debris, like caked mud on the side of your house, you may need a larger gas-powered pressure washer.
Best PSI for Pressure Washing Projects
Pressure washing uses a series of pumps and hoses to apply high-pressure water to a surface to clean it. Pressure washers typically use either gasoline or electric motors to power the pump. The higher the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), the more powerful the pressure washer will be.
Many people choose to buy or rent their own power washers instead of hiring a professional.
If you do so, you need to know the best PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure washer for your task to avoid damaging your surfaces and ensure you have a total sparkling clean.
Here are some specific tips on what PSI level is best for different types of cleaning:
Soft Wash (50 PSI): This low setting is used mainly for washing roofs. The low PSI levels ensure that no damage will happen to shingles as they are being cleaned.
Cleaning Decks and Fences (1000-2000 PSI): You should use the lowest possible PSI level that will clean off the dirt and residue on your wood deck or fence. Using too high of a level can lead to wood splintering or peeling. Pressure washing is useful for cleaning decks and fences because it removes debris from between boards and boards.
When Do You Use Over 3000 PSI When Pressure Cleaning?
The most common reasons for needing more than 2500 psi are removing old paint from bricks on homes, cleaning graffiti off walls and removing algae from flat concrete surfaces.
Each of these needs requires more than just 2500 psi because each surface has been damaged by something that has caused its texture to change. In order to remove these damaged areas (paint, graffiti or algae) you must break the bond with the surface that it has formed. This means you need more pressure to remove it from its current state.
3000 PSI is good for deep cleaning stubborn stains and dirt. When you are dealing with a surface that has very tough stains or dirt that has been there for ages, then 3000 PSI is still a good option. This will ensure that all the dirt is removed.
However, remember that some surfaces like painted walls cannot withstand high pressures. It's always best to test on a small area first before applying more pressure across the surface. Using 3000 PSI will definitely get rid of all traces of dirt, but it may also cause damage to the surface. Learn more about the best sizes and pressure power from Giraffetools collections.