Machine Mart Buyer's Guide To Power Washers

Pressure washers have been available for some years now, but recently prices have dropped and they are now affordable for both the domestic user and commercial user. There are literally thousands of things you can keep clean with a pressure washer, their use can become almost addictive, you clean one part of your property and the rest starts to look dirty too!

Specification considerations

Water Flow Rate: LPM = Litres per minute. This is the flow rate of the water leaving the washer. The higher this figure is, the faster you will be able to clean a given area. This is probably the most important selection criteria.
Output Pressure: PSI = Pounds per square inch. This indicates the cleaning power of the machine. The higher the PSI the better the cleaning power. The actual water pressure as it hits the ground is governed more by your selection and adjustment of lance and nozzle. But starting with a higher output machine will mean there's more cleaning pressure available.
BAR = Another way of measuring pressure 1bar = 14.7 psi(approx)
Power: W or Kw = Watts or kilowatts (1kilowatt = 1000 watts) - This is used to indicate the power of electrical washers. Generally if you require a high PSI you will need more watts to provide it.
HP = Horsepower. This indicates the power of non-electrical washers. Generally if you require a high PSI you will need more horsepower to provide it.

Domestic use

Thousands of DIY users have found pressure washers indispensable for cleaning, among other things - patios, decking, walls, fences, cars, bikes, boats, conservatory roofs - the list is only limited by your imagination!

There are a variety of attachments which can make specific jobs easier, such as a patio cleaner, which concentrates the cleaning power, but also reducing splashing and can be used on walls too, soft car washing brushes and detergent are also available. Or, with the correct attachment, you can keep your drains clear, potentially saving you hundreds of pounds. Machine Mart sells many machines suitable for domestic users, some of which come with a full kit of accessories.

Commercial use

Obviously a pressure washer may be used in many of the same applications in commercial use as in domestic and more too, including washing heavy plant and de-greasing. However use tends to be more intensive and prolonged, therefore machines intended for business use should have a more heavy duty motor and pump. The hot-wash machines offer even more cleaning power. For situations where there is no mains electricity Machine Mart also sells petrol and diesel powered machines, which offer massive pressures and therefore cleaning power.

Pressure washer health and safety

Keep away from the water jet: High pressure jets can force the fluid through the skin and this can be dangerous. No-one should stand in front of the cleaning jet. Also, the spray from your cleaner could drift into other work areas, or over other people, and this could be dangerous too.
Wear suitable clothing: You should always wear suitable eye protection while the machine is working, and you may need special clothing such as wellington boots and waterproofs to protect you.
Slips and trips: Provide non-slip floor surfaces. Repair holes and clear up spillages immediately. DO keep work areas tidy and clean, and avoid trailing leads and hoses.
Contact with cleaning chemicals: Be aware of correct handling and storage instructions for any chemicals or detergents you are using. Read the COSHH sheet for the product, if available.
Electrical Safety: Is the mains electrical system in good condition? Has it been inspected?
Are all plugs, extension leads and portable electric hand-held tools in good condition and regularly inspected?
Is there a circuit breaker in the system for use with pressure washers?
DON'T use pressure washers without an RCD or earth monitoring device.
DO test the RCD daily.
Read the Health and Safety Executive guide to safe use of a power washer


Jet 6000 Power Washer - 1900psi	King 140 Hot Washer - 1600psi

Tiger Petrol Power Washer - 1500psi	K2900M Deluxe Washer Package

With thanks to Machine Mart