What size pressure washer surface cleaner should I use?
The size of your pressure washer surface cleaner is dependent on the size of your concrete surface and the amount of time you need to complete a job.It depends on several factors:
1. Area to be Cleaned
Small Areas: For relatively small areas like a small patio or a short section of a sidewalk, a 12 - 14 inches surface cleaner might be sufficient. These are more maneuverable in tight spaces and can still cover the area relatively quickly. For example, if you have a patio that's around 100 square feet, a 14 - inch surface cleaner can clean it effectively in a reasonable amount of time.
Large Areas: When it comes to large areas such as long driveways, large decks, or extensive commercial parking lots, a 24 - inches or even larger surface cleaner is a better choice. A 24 - inch surface cleaner can cover more ground with each pass, significantly reducing the cleaning time. For instance, for a driveway that's 500 square feet, a 24 - inch surface cleaner can clean it much faster than a smaller one.
2. Pressure Washer Specifications
PSI and GPM Compatibility: You need to ensure that the surface cleaner size is compatible with your pressure washer's PSI (pounds per square inch) and GPM (gallons per minute). A larger surface cleaner generally requires a higher PSI and GPM to operate effectively. For example, a 24 - inch surface cleaner might work best with a pressure washer that has a PSI between 3000 - 4000 and a GPM of at least 3.0. Smaller surface cleaners, like 12 - inch ones, can function well with a pressure washer having a PSI of 2000 - 3000 and a GPM of around 1.8 - 2.5.
Power Source of the Pressure Washer: If you have an electric pressure washer, it usually has a lower GPM and PSI compared to a gas - powered one. So, you might need to choose a smaller surface cleaner to match its power output. For example, an electric pressure washer with a PSI of 2000 and GPM of 1.8 would work better with a 12 - 14 inches surface cleaner.
3. Maneuverability and Storage
Maneuverability: Consider how easy it is to move the surface cleaner around. A smaller size might be more suitable if you have a lot of obstacles in the area you're cleaning, such as flower beds or outdoor furniture. A 12 - inch surface cleaner can be easily turned and maneuvered around such objects.
Storage: If you have limited storage space, a smaller surface cleaner will take up less room in your garage or storage shed. A 14 - inch surface cleaner generally has a more compact footprint compared to a larger 24 - inch model.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many factors that go into determining what size pressure washer surface cleaner is right for your application. In general, a 14-inch surface cleaner is a good starting point for residential use, while a 24-inch cleaner is more suitable for commercial applications or larger residential properties. Always check the compatibility of the surface cleaner with your specific pressure washer model to ensure optimal performance.
