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Power Washer Facts

Cleaning often involves the use of water and cleaning chemicals or soap. For outside cleaning, power washers can help add pressure to the cleaning process to thoroughly clean a surface or other area in the yard.
  1. Types

    • Power washers are typically cold, hot or steam units. Cold power washers use a pump to create a high-powered stream of water for cleaning. A hot power washer heats water and may have less use for soap or pressure. Steam power washers heat the water to boiling and releases steam when air hits the water, creating a vaporizing effect.

    Features

    • For cold and hot power washers, the unit typically has a nozzle that directs the water stream. This nozzle is adjustable so materials washed do not break down or fall apart from the power washer. This adjustment also helps clean wider areas in shorter periods of time.

    Cautions

    • Most power washers do not suggest using chemicals or bleach in the unit. These can break down the rubber hoses, gaskets or sealers used in the unit, creating leaks and reducing the power generated from the power washer.