Using Pressure Washers in the Garden - Tips and Tricks
December 14, 2020
When it comes to power washers, there are basically two kinds: cold water and hot water. Hot water washers use pressure to create heat via large amounts of water traveling through the machine. Cold water machines use an electric motor that creates pressure in a small amount of water that is then released through small nozzles on the surface or tip of the machine.
Power washers have plenty of uses in and around a home or business premises. If you are planning to use a pressure washer in your garden, things can get complicated pretty fast. Unless, you make sure you know what you are doing and keep in mind certain things to avoid and be careful about.
By being more mindful, not only will you be able to keep your garden clean and orderly, keeping the following tips in mind will allow you to best utilize your power washer and ensure that it is running properly.
Get to know the machines you are using
If the garden area you intend to clean is large, an electric machine will likely not do a very good job. An electric power washer can be used to clean boats or cars pretty well, but not for bigger spaces. However, if the area is on the small or compact side, then you can probably get things done with an electric washer without spending too much time.
Take note as well that pressure washer models are not created equal. There will be differences, sometimes minor but can also be major, depending on the model, brand and manufacturer. Electric machines generally operate at 2,400 cleaning units. Meanwhile, gas powered pressure washers can cover up to 6,000 cleaning units. And if you look at professional-grade machines, they can operate at as much as 16,000 cleaning units.
To put it simply, the higher the cleaning units a machine can operate at, the better it is at doing its job. If you cannot get a professional pressure washer for your large garden, then go for a gas-powered one. Go electric if the area is not large.
To get the most out of your money, consider how often you need to use a pressure washer to clean your garden area. If you really do not have to do it often, then renting a pressure washer from a reliable provider can help you save money. Take a good look at these gas and professional pressure washers and see which one fits your needs.
We here at PSI Systems now offer professional-grade machines for residential use. Not only can you use our pressure washers for cleaning your garden area, you can also use them to clean decks, fences, driveways, garage floors, cement sidewalks, and even outdoor furniture and barbecue grills. Send us a message to know more.
Safety first
Pressure washers can be a very useful tool for cleaning large outdoor areas like driveways and patios, however, there are some basic safety tips that you will need to remember when using one. Pressure washers work by using very strong water pressure to clean areas that would normally take a long time to clean manually. However, if you do not use it correctly, it can be very dangerous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there have been over 3,800 injuries related to pressure washer use in the last 10 years.
Pressure washers can deliver water at two different pressures: low pressure (LP) and high pressure (HP). LP is usually between 1000-2000 PSI. This level of pressure is safe for most household cleaning projects. HP can range from 2500-6000 PSI and should only be used for large projects like cleaning driveways and garage floors.
The most important thing to remember when using these machines is to always wear protective gear.
Some pressure washers are fitted with a hose that has a nozzle that can produce a powerful jet at the end. When pressure washers are used in the wrong way they can cause serious injury or damage to people, property and animals.
Pressure washers are awesome tools to have around the house. They clean off dirt, grime, and paint from surfaces with ease. They can even clean large areas if used correctly and safely. Using a pressure washer incorrectly can be very dangerous so always keep safety in mind.
Make sure to protect the plants before you start
I am planning to use a pressure washer to clean my garden, from the ground upward. I don’t want to damage my plants. What can I do?
This is a very common question that comes up whenever people use a pressure hose.
If you are planning to use a pressure washer in your garden, make sure that you know how to protect the plants from being damaged. The pressure from the water can damage the stems and leaves of the plants and prevent them from growing.
Pressure washers use a high volume of water under high pressure to remove grime, paint and other materials from surfaces. You will need to pressure wash your garden structures like your home’s siding or concrete. When using a pressure washer, however, make sure that you do not aim it directly on any plants close by as this may damage the plant’s stems and leaves. You will have to position yourself at an angle so that the water flows away from your plants or put a barrier between the water source and the plants.
To make sure that your garden’s plants remain unharmed due to pressure washing, try covering them with a protective material such as a tarp or some other material that can shield them with the water.
Do not forget to up smaller plants so as not to get them uprooted and remove all loose soil so it doesn’t become airborne once the pressure washer goes into its work.
Conclusion
By keeping these important reminders in mind, cleaning your garden area using a pressure washer will go smoothly.
Once again, if you need a pressure washer for home, garden, or commercial use - PSI Systems is your reliable partner. Contact us and let’s discuss which machine is the perfect choice for the cleaning job you have in mind.