How to Choose a Pressure Washer

Choose from tons of high-quality industrial and commercial pressure washers and softwash machines to suit your company’s needs. Or buy a more residential-grade machine and just keep your house and driveway clean.

We’re constantly getting in new products and don’t always have time to put them on the site right away. Most of the contract cleaning equipment we sell isn’t on the site. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, give us a call at 414-236-5460. We’re always happy to help you make more money for your business.

Pressure Washer Buying Guide

1.      Hot Water Pressure Washer v Cold Water Pressure Washer

Application

There’s a good chance you’ll want a hot water pressure washer if you’re doing regular contract cleaning work. Hot water cuts cleaning times and is able to remove grease and oils that even cold water with detergents can’t quite get rid of. Think about a hamburger; the fat doesn’t start dripping off—even if you put soap on it, which we don’t recommend—until the burger is on the grill.

Cold water pressure washers work fine for removing dirt and spraying chemicals. You can use pretty much any commercial-grade pressure washer for dirt. For really stubborn dirt or paint, equipment like rotating brushes and turbo nozzles help to make the job go quicker.

Just washing your car once a week and your house/roof twice a year? Cold water is fine. Cleaning grease/oil stains out of entire parking garages? Hot water is an absolute necessity.

2.      Direct Drive Pressure Washer v Belt Drive Pressure Washer

Frequency

A direct drive pressure washer is probably best for your needs if you’re using it to do housework or if you’re a general-purpose maintenance man who dabbles in a little bit of everything. Direct drive machines are usually cheaper than belt driven models because they have fewer moving parts, cost less to manufacture, and don’t last as long when subjected to the same rigorous uses.

The added engineering and parts on a belt drive pressure washer are able to stand up to frequent use over longer periods of time. This type uses belts and cranks to reduce stress on the motor; let the shaft spin at a lower RPM, reducing heat and creating less vibrations

Residential and light maintenance work usually doesn’t need more than a direct drive pressure washer. For those of you cleaning and spraying all week for your bread and butter, the better bang for your buck is a belt drive pressure washer.

3.      Electric Pressure Washer v Gas Pressure Washer

Environment

Commercial- and industrial-grade electric pressure washers are great in certain situations. They’re great for indoor cleaning, where the fumes and noise of a gas pressure washer would overwhelm you. But they’re only great when there’s an outlet nearby and if you don’t need the raw power that comes with combustion engines.

Gas pressure washers are great for power and portability. They also require a bit more maintenance throughout the service life.

For outdoor jobs like cleaning parking garages and lots, a hot water belt drive gas pressure washer is probably your best and most cost-effective bet. Use a cold water electric pressure washer if it’s just car washing and gutter cleaning.