What maintenance tips are there for surface cleaners?
A surface cleaner is a powerful tool that can make cleaning tasks quick and efficient. However, to ensure that your surface cleaner continues to perform at its best for many years, proper maintenance is essential. Here are some tips on how to properly maintenance your surface cleaner for long-term use.
After - Use Cleaning
Rinse Thoroughly: Immediately after use, rinse the surface cleaner with clean water. This helps to remove any dirt, debris, detergent residue, or chemicals that may have accumulated during the cleaning process. Make sure to run water through the nozzles and the housing to prevent clogs. For example, if you were cleaning a driveway with a detergent - based solution, leaving the residue in the surface cleaner could lead to build - up and affect its performance in future uses.
Clean the Nozzles: The high - pressure nozzles are a critical part of the surface cleaner. Use a small brush or a pin to carefully clean the nozzles and remove any small particles that might be blocking them. Blocked nozzles can cause uneven spraying or reduced pressure. For instance, if a nozzle is partially blocked, the water stream might come out at an angle instead of a straight, powerful jet, leading to inefficient cleaning.
Regular Inspection
Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect the surface cleaner regularly for signs of damage such as cracks in the housing, worn - out seals, or damaged wheels (if it has wheels). Cracks in the housing can lead to leaks, and worn seals can reduce the pressure and efficiency of the cleaner. For example, a damaged O - ring seal around the connection to the pressure washer hose can cause water to leak, resulting in a loss of pressure and a less effective clean.
Examine the Brushes (if applicable): Some surface cleaners have brushes to help scrub the surface. Check the condition of these brushes and replace them if they are worn out. Worn - down brushes won't be able to effectively loosen dirt and grime.
Lubrication
Lubricate Moving Parts: If your surface cleaner has moving parts such as the swivel joint (which allows the hose to rotate freely) or the wheels, apply a suitable lubricant regularly. This helps to reduce friction and ensures smooth operation. A silicone - based lubricant is often a good choice as it is water - resistant and can withstand the wet conditions of the pressure washer.
Check and Lubricate the Trigger Mechanism: The trigger that controls the water flow should also be lubricated from time to time. This helps to prevent it from getting stuck or operating stiffly. A light - duty grease can be used for this purpose.
Storage Conditions
Dry Storage: Always store the surface cleaner in a dry place. Moisture can cause rust and damage to the internal components. If possible, store it in a shed or a garage where it is protected from the elements.
Hang or Store Upright: Storing the surface cleaner upright or hanging it on a wall can prevent flat spots from developing on the wheels (if it has wheels) and also helps to drain any remaining water from the unit, reducing the risk of corrosion.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your surface cleaner is stored properly for long-term use. This will help prolong its lifespan and ensure that it performs optimally when you are ready to use it again. For more information on surface cleaner maintenance and care, check out our other blog posts or contact JANZ about our range of pressure washing equipment and accessories.
