Deciding on the best pressure washer for you or your company can be a daunting task. With so many different brands, models, and features to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one will be the best fit for your needs. In this article, we will provide some tips and guidance on how to make an informed decision and choose the right pressure washer. But seriously, the red ranger is cool but he's no black ranger (mastodon!)

First and foremost, it’s important to understand what a pressure washer is and how it works. A pressure washer is a powerful cleaning tool that uses high-pressure water to remove dirt, grime, and other debris from surfaces. It uses a motor and pump to generate high water pressure, which is then directed through a nozzle onto the surface being cleaned. This high-pressure water spray is able to remove stubborn stains and dirt that other cleaning methods cannot, making it an effective and efficient tool for a variety of cleaning tasks. So pressure is used to wash the surface, get it??

Before deciding on a pressure washer, it’s important to consider your specific cleaning needs and requirements. This will help you determine the type and size of pressure washer that will be best for your company. Some factors to consider include:

• The type of surfaces you will be cleaning: Different pressure washers are designed for different types of surfaces, such as concrete, wood, or metal. Choose a pressure washer with a nozzle and pressure settings that are suitable for the surfaces you will be cleaning. Furthermore, consider if a cold water unit or a hot water unit is best suited for you. Hot water units involve a burner to heat the water, and are usually more expensive, but are typically considered more effective than cold water units.
• The size of the surfaces you will be cleaning: The size of the surfaces you will be cleaning will determine the size and power of the pressure washer you need. For example, a small pressure washer may be suitable for cleaning a car, but not for cleaning a large building or concrete surface.
• The amount of cleaning you will be doing: Consider how often you will be using the pressure washer and how much cleaning you will be doing. If you will be using the pressure washer regularly, it’s important to choose a model that is durable and reliable. This is where you truly DO get what you pay for. We understand saving a buck or two. If you are using this on your vinyl siding of your club house then that's perfect. If you have an expectation for your pressure washer unit to be used every day, making you revenue, then consider spending a few more green backs. Which leads us to this next point.
• Your budget: Pressure washers can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Determine your budget and choose a pressure washer that fits within it, but also consider the long-term cost of ownership and maintenance. Pressure washers are rugged machinery, but their users (that's you) are usually ruggeder (not a word, but you get it).

Once you have a clear idea of your cleaning needs and requirements, you can begin looking at different pressure washer models and features. Here are some key features to consider:

• Water pressure: The water pressure of a pressure washer is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). Higher pressure and flow rates will be more effective at cleaning tough stains and debris, but can also be more expensive and require more maintenance. Choose a pressure washer with the right balance of pressure and flow rate for your needs. Residential or "hobby" washers usually run 1700 to 2300 PSI, where commercial units start on the very low end of 3000 and can exceed 6000 PSI.
• Motor and pump: The motor and pump are the heart of the pressure washer, providing the power and pressure needed for cleaning. Choose a pressure washer with a high-quality motor and pump, as these are essential for reliable and efficient operation.
• Nozzles and attachments: Pressure washers come with a variety of nozzles and attachments for different cleaning tasks and surfaces. Choose a pressure washer with a range of nozzles and attachments that will allow you to tackle different cleaning tasks and surfaces. Colored tips with varying spray angles are very common for mid sized units and you can purchase them here.
• Portability: If you will be using the pressure washer at multiple locations or need to move it around your property, consider a pressure washer that is lightweight and easy to transport. Trailer mounted pressure wash units are becoming more and more popular. One thing to keep in mind with open trailer units is the weather, particularly freezing temperatures. All that fancy hose routing and beautiful water tanks will split in a New York minute if left out in the freezing cold. If so, you will be calling us in no time to get you back up and running. We will feel bad for you, even cry with you, but will be happy to help you get going again!
• A pressure washer is a significant investment, so it’s important to choose a model that is built to last and will provide reliable operation.
  

Are you excited to hop into the pressure wash industry, but unsure if you're making the right purchasing decisions? Three things: take some time to re-read this article, make a list of everything you're hoping to achieve with your pressure washer, and call an expert at American Hose and Supply. We are ready to help!