One of the best ways to keep a pressure washer in good working order is to know what type of chemicals you should use. Sometimes people will try and use aggressive chemicals that are not suited for the machine, which over time can have a negative effect on the life span of your machine.
Chemicals can damage the seals, o-rings and gaskets in a pressure washer. If you’re planning on using chemicals or detergents in your pressure washer, you must make sure the machine is not going to be damaged by them. If you don’t know what type of chemicals you are using, it is best to contact the manufacturer of the machine and find out whether the different designs are safe to use with your particular pressure washer.
Important Tips When Using Chemicals with Pressure Washers
If you do use chemicals or detergents in your pressure washer make sure you keep the following tips in mind:
- Never use a heated pressure washer when using chemicals—hot water can cause chemical reactions that could damage the machine.
- Make sure the chemicals are suitable for the material you want to clean—for example, some detergents aren’t suitable for painted surfaces.
- Wear protective gear such as goggles and gloves to protect yourself from any dangerous chemicals.
- Never mix two different types of detergent together as this can cause a dangerous reaction which could damage your machine and/or harm you or anyone else nearby.
How to tell Compatible Chemicals with Pressure Washers?
Chemical compatibility and pressure washers can be a touchy subject. In the wrong situation, the wrong chemical can ruin your machine.
So how do you know what chemicals are compatible with your pressure washer?
First, it is not recommended to use chemicals in an electric powered pressure washer because they could damage the wiring or cause a fire. Gas powered pressure washers have their own set of problems as well. If you use an air-cooled engine, the water and chemical mixture might get into the engine’s air filter and clog it up.
If you want to use a chemical cleaner with your pressure washer there are many different options, but they all boil down to two basic types: detergents and cleaners. Detergents are the most common type of cleaning solution and they work by breaking down grease and grime into smaller particles that can be washed away with water. Cleaners are more specific in the way they clean and are usually used for removing oil or grime from a particular surface.
Some of the most common chemicals that people use in their pressure washers include bleach and other bleaching agents, ammonia, vinegar and dishwasher detergent. These chemicals should not be used on wood or wood products because they will damage them. Bleach is a good option if you want to get rid of grease stains on concrete or metal surfaces, but it should not be used on plastic because it can cause discoloration.
When you first purchase your pressure washer, you will be given an owner’s manual that has all of the essential information about your machine. This is a great place to start if you have any questions about what you are doing.
Additionally, you may have to evaluate the surface you are cleaning, on whether it’s prone to any chemical effects. Visit Giraffetools collections today for a distinctive manual on chemical compatibility when you buy a pressure washer.
