The use of a pressure washer entails a lot of care because of the fact that it uses a highly pressurized mechanism to be able to propel water forcefully for stain removal and surface renewal. There are different types of surface area present and there are different ways in cleaning each of them. It is helpful to know the techniques and general considerations when pressure washing different types of area.

First of all, a pressure washer uses a wide range of accessories to be able to produce the right type of pressure depending on the surface area to be cleaned. For example, when you are cleaning a wooden floor, it is pertinent to use a flat fan tip to provide the right pressure for such a delicate surface.

Wooden surface areas are much easily damaged when you apply a high pressure within close proximity. If your power washer is has a 2,000 psi value or more, then be careful not to point the nozzle too close to the surface because too much pressure may ruin the wooden floor and make it fuzzy looking after pressure washing. Another thing to remember is to clean the whole length of the wooden board evenly so that “stop” and “start” marks are prevented.

All you have to do is to point the power washing tip from a safe distance working your way near the surface area you wish to be cleaned. The trick with wooden floors is patience and a little coordination. Instead of doing the usual “back and forth” motion of spraying, you have to gradually move the cleaning tip across the whole length of the board before moving on to the next area. For masonry surfaces, it is better if you spray the surface using a circular motion so you can prevent patches of un-cleaned surface from showing after power washing.

Power washing accessories are also helpful if you want complete coverage and absolutely wonderful results after power washing. Accessories such as nozzles or tips have different uses based on the degrees and spray angles they are able to convey on your pressure washer. Basically, a 0 degree angle is the smallest and will deliver the greatest power when it comes to removing dirt.  For easily removable substances or debris, a wider angle is used for more ease and safety when cleaning.

For safety purposes when using nozzles or tips, check that the accessory is tightly attached to the power washer so that it will not get damaged or damage others when you turn on the pressure washer. A loosely attached tip or nozzle is one of the common causes of injuries and accessory damage.

Using environmentally friendly cleaning detergents are also highly recommended as you can help save your environment while maintaining the beauty of your home. Make sure that the chemicals you choose are appropriate for the surface you are going to clean. Remember that wooden floors have different requirements, so read the label of the detergent first before application.

Lastly, when planning to clean structures such as roof tops with shingles, postage boxes, windows, vents, or flower boxes, it is important to secure them first prior to power washing . Aside from that, carefully apply pressure to the object as they are easily broken by the high pressure applied by the washer.

Aside from knowing the basic types of washer, a lot of important points should be considered when you are about to purchase a pressure washer for your home. For a worthwhile purchase, take note of the pressure washer buying tips mentioned below.

First of all, you must know that pressure washers may come with an electric supply or a gas-powered engine. Either of the two type of power supply will provide the same benefits to dirty walls or pathways however, their specifications may be different.

Electricity supplied pressure washing equipment is generally more convenient as it is lightweight and mostly sold with a cheaper price compared to gas-powered pressure washers. Electric pressure washing is recommended for cleaning cars and other surfaces with a small area. With electric pressure washers, no annoying sounds are heard and smoke from fumes are avoided while cleaning as compared to gas pressure washers.

If you choose to buy electric, take note of the amperage (amps) capability of the electric motor. As a general rule, the higher the value of amperage (amps), the higher the power and water pressure produced by the product.

Gas powered washers on the other hand are bulkier and more expensive. However, the range of activities and the efficiency of the pressure washing activity are better than its electric counterpart. Gas powered pressure washers are actually recommended for use outdoors and if the area you are going to clean is large or heavily stained. Gas powered washers last longer and remove dirt faster than electrically powered ones.

Gas powered washers have a different rating and are quantified depending on the horse power the engine. A higher horse power would mean a higher power rating for gas powered engines. Also, there are two types of gas powered engines: the Side valve (L-head) type and the Overhead Valve (OHV) type.

Never purchase side valve types even when the price is cheaper compared to overhead types. Side valve types are easily damaged and they are not very efficient in cleaning at all. Overhead valves are more updated, durable, produce less noise, and last longer than the traditional side valve types.

The next thing to decide is the type of water supply appropriate for the type of surface areas present in your home residence. The water supply can either be hot or cold. A hot water supply would be perfect if you own any large industry or farm area. Hot pressure washing is generally more efficient in removing difficult types of stains and dirt accumulation in large or big areas.

Pressure washing with cold water is generally indicated for home owners who want to maintain their driveways, walkways, patios, cars, or rooftops. Cold water supply washers are cheaper, more mobile and more light weight than those with hot water supply.

Finally when choosing a brand, it is best to conduct research and choose reliable brand manufacturers/suppliers. This goes when choosing an engine and pump brand for your washer. A reliable engine brand will give you more coverage and advice when it comes to defects encountered during pressure washing.

Prior to buying a pressure washer for you, it is important that you determine how it is going to be used so that you can buy the right type of washer for your home or business property.

A building or home located in crowded city areas are heavily exposed to environmental dust, dirt, or chemicals. The daily activities of people going from one place to another with their vehicles also contribute to the circulation of dirty air that contains dust materials capable of sticking into most of building walls, roofs, and other exposed areas.

A dusty, dirty, or grimy area in any part of a building or home is never a good site to behold. Business may not progress when the outer physical appearance of the business area is not maintained well. A very grimy or dusty home could also be deleterious to the health of its owners which makes it necessary for all of us to regularly clean our home environment.

Home cleaning or business building maintenance may prove to be very time consuming, tedious, and demanding. This is especially true when you own a large house or business property. The entire surface area of your walls, walkways, or roofs may be very hard to clean at one single time, especially if you opt to do manual cleaning.

It is good to note that nowadays, new innovative gadgets are being developed to help people facilitate easy home or business building maintenance. This is where pressure washing comes into full grandeur. Pressure washing or cleaning makes use of equipment that allows water to be placed in a high pressure and used to remove stains or dirt present in any surface area.

Pressure washing advantages are numerous as compared to manual cleaning of patio, walkways, or doorways. With pressure washing, heavy dirt accumulation can be dislodged more efficiently from the surface area because of the high pressure applied to it. The cleaning and maintenance process is then done quickly and efficiently. The extra time you gain with pressure washing (as compared to manual cleaning) can be used for other important activities; hence it is more beneficial to do pressure cleaning at all times.

If you do not have a pressure washer yet, the decision to purchase or to rent may be weighed depending on your circumstances. If your home property does not require frequent cleaning because you are living in an urban area or away from busy places, then it may be practical to rent pressure washers only when needed.  On the other hand, purchasing a good pressure washer for your city home is considered a good investment.

When purchasing a pressure washer, you should consider the type of surfaces you are going to clean. Remember that there are different accessories and pressures required by different types of surface area. Cleaning wooden surfaces requires a lower pressure than cement surfaces. When cleaning the roof, it is helpful to remember that clay roofs can withstand a higher pressure as compared to those with shingles.

There are 3 major types of pressure washer. For those who want a pressure washer that can easily be moved from one place to another, the small cold water type is perfect for you. The hot water pressure washer on the other hand is a heavier type because has a heating element attached. The steam type is also a heavy pressure washer with a capacity to reach a temperature of 300 degrees Fahrenheit. The steam type is the best type of pressure washer as it is highly effective for surface areas with heavy dirt or grease accumulation.

Pressure washing is very useful in any household, business, industrial, and farming applications because of its advantages. However, pressure washing is not devoid of disadvantages as well. The disadvantage is minimal because it is mainly concerned with the maintenance and replacement of parts and accessories that may be damaged or non-functional after frequent use.

Branded power washers are usually very reliable and have a long life time as compared to those without brands. It is therefore highly recommended to purchase branded power washers so you are able to enjoy the warranty afforded by branded equipment, aside from its outstanding durability.

Aside from purchasing branded power washers, it is also necessary that you take proper care of your equipment. Read the user’s manual prior to using the equipment and make sure that you keep it in a safe place away from frequent environmental exposure.

Before starting to use your power washer, it is pertinent that you check for the oil and fuel level of your pressure washer engine to avoid causing damage. Make sure that the oil or fuel you use is appropriate for the type of engine that you have, never use ordinary engine oil or you will risk disastrous damage to the engine itself. Also check that the oil/fuel is changed on schedule according to manual instructions.

A few things need to be checked prior to pressure washing. These include, the detergent injection tube and filter, hose, and spray wand assembly. For the detergent tube and hose, make sure that they are free from holes, leaks, damage, abrasions, foreign blockage, or dirt accumulation. The spray wand should also be free from the same problems mentioned above.

Replacement of detergent filter and tube, hose, and spray wand is indicated when there are leaks, cuts, and damage. Make sure that the accessories are tightly fitted to their attachments. For the new hose replacement, it must be able to overcome the maximal pressure exerted by your pressure washing equipment. Cleaning the hose with water flushed into it before connecting it with the pump inlet is also recommended for safety.

After subsequent power washing, it is necessary that you check for the viability of the water inlet screen and in-line screen as well as the O-rings. For water inlet and in line screen, make sure that no dirt has accumulated within by flushing it with water every after use. Keeping the screen and O-rings clean will help avoid dirt and contaminants from blocking your pump.

If you let dirt and contaminants accumulate in your screen, this may cause deterioration and wear destruction. For that reason, damaged screens and O-rings need to be replaced with new ones. Blocked screens and O-rings may cause great damage to the pump itself; therefore it is important to not skip this maintenance step as is commonly done by DIY users.

The detergent injection system should also be flushed with water right after every use. Allow water to run through its length for about two minutes before removing the power of the engine. When you are done flushing the detergent tube, it is now safe to turn off the engine power. Allow the engine to cool itself before you turn off the water supply.  You should then pull the recoil handle of the engine and properly remove the attachments before keeping the power washer in a safe place.

As pressure washing allows you to constantly keep the exterior of your house or building as new and fresh looking as possible, this article offers general tips and advice related to pressure washing.

First of all, the soap and water method using a garden hose is so traditional that it is not advisable, unless you are cleaning your home for exercise. Pressure washing uses the technological innovation brought by the changing world. It is therefore highly recommended to do pressure washing whether you do it on your own or hire professionals to do it for you.

When your home exterior or surface to clean has a small surface area, then it may be recommended to hire professional services or rent a pressure washer. However, when the surface area to be cleaned is significantly large then it is cost-efficient and practical to purchase your own pressure washer.

A pressure washer can either be powered by gas or electricity or can either be supplied by hot water, cold water, or steam. When cleaning cars, indoor areas, or small areas, electric pressure washers supplied by cold water are recommended. For large areas or surfaces with heavy stains, gas powered pressure washers supplied by hot water or steam are generally used.

Take note that gas powered washers are more expensive than electrical powered ones. This is because gas pressure washers have more power and are mostly used for large applications such as in industrial and farming areas. Gas pressure washers are also very noisy and release fumes which make it good only to be used outdoors.

For pressure washing accessories, make sure that you have the right type so you could avoid damaging your own property. The detergent and chemicals used must be in accordance with the manual instructions. The oil used in engine should also be the right one to avoid damaging your pressure washer. Always change engine oil according the schedule instructed by the user’s manual prior to using your pressure washer.

If this is your first time handling pressure washers, make sure that you practice first in a safe area of your house before cleaning the entire place. Use two hands more often to prevent one hand from tiring too often. Practice spraying using a side to side stroke in a steady and continuous motion.

For different types of surface area, different pressures are used. Wooden floors must have a lower pressure applied and the nozzle must be pointed a good distance away from the surface. A circular motion is also required when cleaning concrete and masonry surface types so that all areas are covered and a patchy appearance is prevented after cleaning.

Remember to avoid directly spraying into holes, gaps, or cracks. Avoid directly hitting windows, shingles, or electrical equipment because they are dangerous to you and are also easily damaged by high pressure. When washing walls, start at the bottom and steadily work your way towards the top before moving on to another area of the wall.

For high areas such as a high walls or roof tops, avoid power washing with a ladder. For safety purposes, it is recommended that an extension wand be purchased. There are extension wands that are adjustable and they are really efficient in removing stains from high areas. Using an additional rotating brush along with the right type of pressure washer detergent will help you get the job done easily as well.

]]> http://www.ryobipressurewasher.com/pressure-washing-tips/feed/ 0 http://www.ryobipressurewasher.com/trailer-mounted-pressure-washers/ http://www.ryobipressurewasher.com/trailer-mounted-pressure-washers/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:43:21 +0000 Ryobi http://www.ryobipressurewasher.com/?p=347 Continue reading →]]> When you require that little bit extra mobility for power pressure cleaning, or if you are looking to expand your business into mobile pressure cleaning, a trailer mounted pressure washer could be the next step for you. Forget the issues of hooking up to mains electricity, forget even worrying about the water for washing – just bring your own!

From construction firms to city agencies and even waste disposal companies, trailer mounted pressure washers can benefit from these self-sufficient systems. With space to store all the water and chemicals you’ll need to remove even the toughest of stains and marks, even in areas without water or electricity.

A trailer mounted pressure washer is generally a pressure washer of your choosing mounted on a custom built trailer, with accessories such as hoses, tool boxes, lights and generators. They really are the complete package for any pressure washing business.

Fully customisations to your need can be made if you go to the right places. Always remember you are the customer, and its YOUR business and YOUR money, and YOU will be the person using the system every day, so you need to be happy with the product, the layout and the design of the trailer and accessories BEFORE you buy.

Benefits of trailer mounted pressure washers:

• Operate independently from mains of water supply
• Trailers built to be durable
• Design your own layout for full customisation
• Choose the pressure washer you wish
• Multi industry suitability
• Low fuel and energy use
• Safe and reliable operation

You can either choose a single or double axis trailer, depending on the size of the pressure washer and accessories. Remember the bigger the trailer you buy, the bigger the vehicle you’ll need to haul it!

These systems sell for over $15,000.00 -  certainly not an investment to make on impulse! So you have seen that trailer mounted pressure washers are large pieces of equipment, and do not come cheaply. Therefore if you are seriously considering making a purchase, you need to know everything about the product.  There are many companies in the US which specialse in creating fully customised trailer mounted pressure washers and related systems, please contact us for more information and our recommendations.

This is the manual for the Model RY80030A. Click the photo to download.

Ryobi Gasoline Pressure Washer 3000psi RY80030A – Operators Manual

This is the manual for the Model RY80030. Click the photo to download.

Ryobi Gasoline Pressure Washer 3000psi RY80030 – Operators Manual

I also put a link to the PDF file for you to download if you that makes things easier.

Click here to download the Ryobi Pressure Washer Manual – Replacement Parts.

Most pressure washer nozzles are colour coded to indicate what pattern (degree) of fan spray they produce. Although colors may vary depending on the manufacturers, described below are what is commonly used as the industry standard.

The red tip is the zero degree nozzles – these pressure washer nozzles produce a pencil point pattern, there is no fan created so this is not the tip to use when cleaning coverage is desired. The red tip does deliver the highest impact as it concentrates the pressure into the smallest area. Avoid damaging wood or other fragile surfaces. This is an ideal tool for cleaning under the deck of a lawnmower, removing caked on mud from equipment, cleaning stains from concrete, masonry, steel and aluminium even removing the grass from cracks in the side walk.

The yellow tip creates a 15 degree fan pattern. These pressure washer nozzles are referred to as chiselling tips. Held at a 45 degree angle you can use it like a scraper to remove peeling paint or mildew. It is also used for other tasks where breaking the bond is harder than average. Of your different pressure washer nozzles, you will find yourself using this one the most often when the task is tough. This is the only situation I know where you’ll find that when the going gets tough the tough gets yellow.

The green tip produces a 25 degree fan pattern. This is a wash tip. These pressure washer nozzles are the ones to use when breaking the bond between the grime and substrate is reasonably easy. These can also be used for sweeping leaves or debris from flat surfaces or curbing. These pressure washer nozzles have the widest variety of applications as the fan degree allows for good impact pressure and cleaning coverage.

The white tip is the 40 degree fan tip. The wider dispersion of the impact pressure limits these pressure washer nozzles to rinsing and delicate washing. These are the tips to use for washing/rinsing glass or washing vehicles. These are great tips for wooden decks and all delicate substrates.