Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Detergents, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer, Hotsy Parts & Accessories

What Do You Need to Start a Pressure Washing Business? The Complete Equipment List

Whether you are a seasoned vet with multiple business ventures or just beginning to dip your toes in the entrepreneurial waters, preparation is critical to the success of your endeavors.

Starting a pressure washing business can be fulfilling and profitable, but you must do your homework, starting with crafting a pressure washing equipment list.

As a top dealer of Hotsy, the industry’s most trusted brand, we have worked with plenty of up and coming pressure washing businesses over the years. Our lasting relationships with entrepreneurs in the field have given us insights into what works; and what doesn’t.

So, what do you need to start a pressure washing business? Startup capital, a large helping of entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to use a pressure washer are all essential. We assume you have these things already, as you won’t get far without them.

Specifically, what equipment do you need to start a pressure washing business? Our pressure washing business equipment list will cover everything from the different types of pressure washers to what soaps to use for pressure washers, attachments, licensing, and more.

Remember – you can source all the items on your pressure washing business equipment list right here at Hotsy of Houston. If you aren’t sure where to start, visit our showroom or get in touch with our team today!

Why Start a Pressure Washing Business?

One of the most essential items on our list of things needed to start a pressure washing business isn’t equipment at all; it’s motivation!

You may be a career employee who has mastered the craft of using a pressure washer, and you dream of bigger opportunities. Or you may own a cleaning business and want to expand into the industrial space.

Starting a pressure washing business has plenty of upside, from profitability and scaling to the freedom to control your schedule.

Market Potential and Profitability

Supply and demand are at the heart of any economy, and the profitability of pressure washing businesses derives directly from that. The industry provides a consistent market for cleaning services from residential, industrial, and commercial clients.

Homeowners and businesses may require pressure washing to clean sidewalks, driveways, or buildings. Conversely, industrial businesses will need pressure washing for shop floors, factories, vehicle fleets, and more.

For many businesses, it is convenient to outsource these jobs to external companies, providing consistent demand for your services.

Additionally, your overhead costs will be reasonably low compared to other business models. As we’ll explore in our pressure washing equipment list, you can cover the basics for less than $6,000.

Flexibility and Scalability of the Business

The market for pressure washing business offers additional benefits for aspiring entrepreneurs: massive potential for freedom and scalability.

You can set your own schedule as the owner of a pressure washing business. Perhaps you have kids and want to spend time with them during the week, or you have a favorite lunch spot with an awesome happy hour that an average 9-5 would never allow you to attend.

Whatever your reasons, schedule freedom awaits you as a pressure washing business owner. You can also choose to handle each job alone or to grow a massive company with hundreds of employees based on your goals.

If you are brimming with motivation and excitement, that’s an excellent sign that a pressure washing business is the perfect endeavor for you! Let’s explore the critical question of this guide: what do you need to start a pressure washing business?

What Do You Need to Start a Pressure Washing Business? List of Things Needed to Start a Pressure Washing Business

We’ve checked off motivation and know-how off our pressure washer equipment list. From here, it’s time to build a shopping list.

So, what equipment do you need to start a pressure washing business? We have much to cover, from many power washer models to soaps, accessories, and equipment.

Commercial Pressure Washer

What do you need to start a pressure washing business? A great starting point is the best commercial power washers! We wholeheartedly recommend Hotsy because of their storied history of reliable machines spanning over five decades.

You’ll need to choose between electric pressure washers vs gas models. Electric models are quieter and more mobile, making them suitable for residential cleaning or indoor tasks. However, gas models are preferred for extra cleaning power in factories and outdoor settings.

Choosing between hot vs cold water pressure washers is another important consideration. Hot water pressure washers are powerful enough to eradicate tough stains like grease and oil.

On the other hand, cold water pressure washers are lighter on delicate surfaces like patios, fences, and vehicles. Cold water pressure washers are often cheaper, making them an easier start-up option.

Finally, consider the size of your model. Pressure washer sizing includes metrics like PSI and GPM, which denote how powerful your water flow is, and you must strike a balance.

If your water flow is too weak, you won’t be able to eradicate stains promptly, while excess power could cause damage to surfaces, including valuable assets like vehicles. Remember – you can reach out to Hotsy of Houston for a personalized recommendation if you’re in the area, eliminating any guesswork or uncertainty!

Pressure Washer Detergents

Finding a suitable Hotsy model is crucial, but what do you need to start a pressure washing business besides a machine?

Learning how to use a pressure washer with soap can help you achieve speedy cleaning jobs that leave clients impressed. You can find the best soap for pressure washers at Hotsy, with several blends formulated for specific jobs.

For example, if you specialize in vehicle cleaning, consider Hotsy Power-Shine or Hotsy Transport. These blends are gentle on delicate surfaces while retaining enough cleaning power to deliver a shiny finish.

Conversely, if you plan to take on industrial jobs like shop floors or maritime settings, you’ll want a blend like Hotsy Breakthrough or Hotsy Brown for those embedded oil stains.

Additionally, consider the pressure washing pre treatments you are using as well! Preparing surfaces for cleaning will help your soaps eradicate stains efficiently by loosening any embedded debris.

Pressure Washing Accessories and Attachments

Suitable accessories are another critical addition to your pressure washing equipment list. We recommend investing in multiple spray wands that allow you to cover different angles and surfaces.

Hotsy has accessories suitable for specific jobs. Consider options like the Hotsy Surface Cleaner for shop floors and factories, the Hotsy Foam Cannon for vehicles, or the Hotsy Turbo Nozzle for buildings.

You will also want to invest in the best hoses for pressure washers. These can help ensure a consistent flow of water. We also recommend our guide on pressure washer hose length to help you find the right fit.

Safety Gear and Protective Equipment

Safety is a top priority for you and any potential employees you take on. So, what do you need to start a pressure washing business regarding safety gear?

You must invest in safety goggles, durable gloves, and hearing protection. We also recommend high-visibility vests and steel-toed or similarly durable boots for pressure washing.

Transportation and Mobility Solutions

To expand your business, you must be able to service many locations in your area. Securing reliable transportation is a vital addition to any pressure washing equipment list.

A pressure washing trailer can be securely hitched to most trucks, providing you with the mobility you need. While homemade pressure washer trailer setup is possible, it can be challenging if you have never done it before.

If you want to skip the hassle, stop by Hotsy of Houston! We sell and rent pressure washer trailers in Houston and will assist you with setup to get your business off to a flying start.

Business Licensing and Insurance Requirements

One more vital thing to add to your pressure washing equipment list: your paperwork! So, do I need a license to start a pressure washing business, and how does insurance work?

While specific requirements will vary based on your jurisdiction, it is safe to assume you will need licenses to get started. You will need a contractor’s license and may have extra requirements regarding water runoff or other environmental regulations.

Insurance is also crucial to your business. Liability coverage protects your company against property damage and personal injury claims. Check your paperwork with your local government before taking on your first client!

Budgeting for the Cost of Your Pressure Washing Equipment List

Now that your shopping list is complete, how much startup capital do you need?

You have plenty of options to start your business and can adjust your budget accordingly. For example, consider the debate of buying vs renting a pressure washer. The upfront cost to rent a pressure washer will be lower than buying a machine, and you could use rentals to build up some initial funds.

Specializing in a given industry can also help you narrow your shopping list at the start. If you want to focus exclusively on vehicle cleaning jobs until you build a solid client base, you could save thousands compared to initially investing in multiple power washer models and accessories.

If you buy all of your materials from the get-go, expect to pay around $6000 for a model, multiple attachments and soaps, and your safety gear and insurance. You may also need a reliable work truck, which could add to your costs.

In the long term, consider pressure washer maintenance costs as well! Be sure to leave room for new parts as part of your budget and price your services accordingly.

Cross Off Everything On Your Pressure Washing Business Equipment List at Hotsy of Houston!

As any entrepreneur will tell you, your reputation is crucial to your business’s short- and long-term success. The only way to deliver high-quality cleaning jobs for your client that will attract repeat clients is by using the best equipment possible.

Hotsy has a storied reputation in the industry for over five decades, with commercial pressure washers for every type of job. Whether you are planning to start a general-purpose power washing company or want to specialize in one specific area like maritime or vehicle cleaning, Hotsy has your back.

If you are looking for commercial hot water pressure washers in Houston, the #1 Hotsy dealer in the area is Hotsy of Houston. We sell everything from specialized Hotsy pressure washer detergents to industrial pressure washers in Houston for tough grease stains.

We are also the #1 home for pressure washer repair in Houston and pressure washer parts in Houston, helping you keep your business running for years to come. Our friendly team of Houston residents is knowledgeable and can help you find the perfect models and accessories for your business plans.

Quick Tips on Getting Your Business Up and Running After Sourcing Your Equipment

You’ve got everything you need to get started, so how do you find your first few clients? Here are a few quick tips to get started.

Initial Setup and Trial Runs

Test your equipment: Practice with mock jobs on surfaces you plan to specialize in to get comfortable.

Handle Paperwork: Buy insurance, ensure your licensing paperwork is settled, and set up an LLC or sole proprietorship with the help of an accountant.

Building a Clientele and Networking

Start with friends and family: Once you’re ready to take on work, reach out to family and friends who may be able to refer clients.

Consult with local businesses: Create marketing materials like fliers and offer initial discounts to get your foot in the door.

Networking groups: Join a local chamber of commerce and attend networking events, seeking your target clients.

Social Media: Creating social media pages for your company and displaying images of sample work can display your ability.

Maintaining and Growing Your Business

Customer service is King: Your customer base is the lifeblood of your business. Do an excellent job and ensure your clients are satisfied.

Referrals & reviews: As part of delivering excellent work, ask your clients for referrals and reviews to grow your base.

Consider future expansion: Once you have steady work, consider branching into new fields or adding employees.

Wrapping Up Our Pressure Washing Equipment List For Businesses

Overall, starting a pressure washing business is an exciting and lucrative endeavor. With the help of quality equipment and a strong plan, you can create a lasting enterprise with endless growth potential.

Now that you have our pressure washing equipment list by your side, it’s time to start shopping! You can find the best hot and cold water pressure washers in Houston right here at Hotsy of Houston. Our team of Houston natives have decades of combined experience in the field and can help guide you in the right direction.

We also provide commercial pressure washer rental in Houston if you need to tackle a specific type of stain for a new client or want to save some startup capital for future growth. Our friendly team is standing by, ready to help you grow your budding business to reach your goals.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Detergents, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

How Much Does Commercial Pressure Washing Cost? Prices and Rates Breakdown

Does your business consistently encounter stubborn stains, like grime on your sidewalks or rust from industrial machinery?

If so, commercial-grade pressure washing is the only reliable way to get those surfaces sparkling clean.

At first glance, outsourcing cleaning may seem like the only option, but how much does commercial pressure washing cost, and is the juice worth the squeeze?

This guide explores the average cost for commercial pressure washing services. You’ll learn how commercial pressure washing rates vary based on factors like square footage or location, helping you decide if hiring a contractor is right for your business.

Of course, outsourced commercial pressure washing prices are always on the rise. In the long run, investing in a machine is the best way to save money and avoid costly price increases.

You can find the best commercial pressure washers in Houston at Hotsy of Houston! Our team of experienced and friendly Houston natives will help you determine the best choice between buying, renting, or outsourcing for your commercial pressure washing needs.

Why Commercial Pressure Washing is a Great Investment

A high-quality pressure washer is a total game-changer for your business. The average cost for commercial pressure washing is nothing compared to the payoff from enhanced curb appeal, safety benefits, and regulatory compliance.

Enhancing Property Appearance

As a business owner or manager, you’re already juggling thousands of priorities like marketing, payroll, R&D, and so on. At first, you might think the last thing you need to be worrying about is how the exterior of your building looks.

The reality tells a different story, however. The appearance of your property, both interior and exterior, is crucial to your business’s success. Customers, vendors, and investors will form their first impression of your company based on its curb appeal.

So, what do you want your business to say to the people essential to its success? If your properties are dingy, grimy, and neglected, customers believe they will be treated the same way, and that’s all the negative incentive they need to get back in their cars and drive away.

Instead, consider commercial pressure washer prices in terms of the potential new sales you get. A business that takes pride in its appearance and cultivates a welcoming environment will send a powerful message.

Health and Safety Benefits

When did you last examine what’s been building up around your business? Substances like mold, mildew, oil, and grease can pose massive risks to your employees and customers in the short and long term.

Mold and mildew are a one-way ticket to respiratory issues for your employees, while slipper stains like oil and grease are lawsuits just waiting to happen.

After all, how much does commercial pressure washing cost when considering it against legal fees and decreased production from your employees?

Compliance with Regulations

As a business owner or manager, the number of regulations and standards you must balance can sometimes be overwhelming. Essential to these rules is maintaining a clean and well-maintained property.

There are often regulations on several different standards, like the cleanliness and appearance of your buildings, health and safety guidelines, and environmental rules. Failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to significant fines or even the revocation of operating licenses in some industries.

Trust us, you don’t want the headache. The average cost for commercial pressure washing is nothing compared to costly fines and rulings that will crater your business entirely.

So, how much does commercial pressure washing cost, anyway? We’ll need to consider several factors, so let’s do so in the next section.

Factors Influencing Commercial Pressure Washing Rates

Commercial pressure washing prices are hardly a monolith. Plenty of factors will affect the ultimate sticker price.

Things like which pressure washer types are needed for your job, how far away your location is, and your total surface area can all add to the commercial pressure washing rates you will owe.

Square Footage

One of the biggest influences of commercial pressure washing prices is the size of the area that needs to be cleaned. Most companies charge by square foot, so pressure washing industrial buildings inside and out will be significantly more expensive than pressure washing construction equipment or pressure washing farm equipment.

Well, how much does commercial pressure washing cost per square foot?

Companies often start at around $.10 per square foot, but for a great job, expect to pay closer to $.50. That means that commercial pressure washing rates for a 5,000-square-foot building or parking lot could cost you $2,500!

Complexity and Accessibility

The size of your property is far from the only multiplier on the cost of your outsourcing. You’ll also need to consider time-based costs.

Take a multi-story office building or warehouse, for example. The tall walls, hard-to-reach nooks, and densely packed machinery require specialized equipment and extra labor to handle promptly.

The complexity of a job can also require multiple pressure washer models to achieve a speedy result. For example, choosing between an electric vs gas pressure washer depends typically on whether you need indoor or outdoor cleaning, but what if you have an extra-large property that needs both? Expect average commercial pressure washing prices.

Similarly, the size of the pressure washer also matters. Two factors, pressure washer PSI (pounds per square inch) and pressure washer GPM (gallons per minute), will determine your cleaning power and speed, respectively.

If you have stubborn grease stains in one part of your commercial property but delicate vehicles that also need cleaning, the company you hire will need multiple machines for the job, adding to your costs.

Material Considerations

Each surface requires a different approach. Pressure washing concrete, for example, requires a more powerful stream than wood or brick.

This can also include water temperature, as the outsourcing company will have to understand the hot vs cold water pressure washer debate to ensure the job is done correctly.

Failure to understand the surfaces can lead to damage or ineffective cleaning, not to mention upcharges that raise commercial pressure washing prices.

Surface Condition

When you hire an external cleaning company, you expect them to take care of those things for you, right?

The dirtier and more neglected your surfaces are, the more work will take to get them pristine again. This means higher labor costs, upcharges for pressure washing pre-treatment, etc.

For example, let’s say you are hiring a company for pressure washing parking lots because you haven’t maintained yours in a while. Expect extra charges to deal with oil and grease, additional brushes and attachments to scrub down debris, and miscellaneous ‘fees’ that can be downright predatory.

The same is true for specific use cases, like pressure washing graffiti, which requires specialized machines and detergents that many companies don’t even have on hand.

Frequency of Service

How often you need cleaning will affect the commercial pressure washing prices you expect to pay. If your business encounters frequent stains, you may spend hundreds of dollars each month, quickly becoming a massive hole in your budget.

Geographic Location

Finally, commercial pressure washing rates will be modified by how far your properties are from the contractor.

Companies tend to charge higher rates based on distance traveled and where you are relative to nearby metropolitan areas.

You’ll often find that if your business is located too far from a city center, like for oil rig pressure washing, you’ll pay far extra in travel costs, but if you are in the city, you’re still getting a price bump typical to urban locations.

So, How Much Does Commercial Pressure Washing Cost on Average?

We’ve discussed all the factors that can affect price, so how much does commercial pressure washing cost?

Companies will charge you between $.10 to $.50 per square foot, but the average is closer to $.40 for a high-quality job. For a low-scale job like a simple sidewalk, this may only run you $100. Conversely, extensive buildings can easily climb into the thousands of dollars.

Are You Better Off Renting or Buying Your Own Equipment Instead?

Thousands of dollars for a one-off clean is daunting. Is there a better way?

The answer is yes!

Once you know what to look for while shopping, creating a pressure washer equipment list to buy everything outright is far cheaper than just a few professional cleanings. You also have the option to rent, which is a low-risk way to harness the power of pressure washing. You’ll often find the cost to rent a pressure washer under $100 significantly cheaper than outsourcing.

Drawbacks to Outsourcing Pressure Washing Beyond Cost

The drawbacks of outsourcing are more than just the price tag. You’re exposing yourself to many risks that can seriously impact your business.

For example, when you outsource, you rely on a contractor and are at the mercy of their schedule. Employees spill grease, and it’s already embedded into your floors, but your contractor can’t get to you for a week for restaurant pressure washing? You’ll have to grin and bear it until they’re ready.

Then there’s quality control. Sure, the pressure washing crew might do a decent job, but how can you be sure they’re giving your property the attention it deserves? It could expose you to costly health and safety risks if they miss the mark.

Benefits of Renting or Buying Your Own Equipment

When you buy or rent, you have total control of the process. Learning and teaching staff how to use a pressure washer is simple, letting you maximize quality control.

Additionally, you’ll be able to learn how to maintain a pressure washer with your equipment or have access to rentals from a company specializing in repair. This ensures your machine has all the cleaning power you need.

Even with pressure washer repair costs from owning, you’re still saving massive amounts of money compared to those sky-high per-square-foot costs outsourcing will run you.

Which Approach is Best for Your Business?

We’ve covered everything you need to know, but how do you decide between outsourcing and doing it yourself? And which of buying vs renting a pressure washer is more suitable for your cleaning?

We recommend buying or renting instead of outsourcing.

Relatively small properties that only need occasional washing are better suited for rentals. Just pick up your equipment for the day, let those sidewalks sparkle again, and then return it with no hassle and little cost.

For larger commercial properties, buying your own is the better long-term investment. You’ll make up the higher cost quickly and gain a valuable asset for your business.

The only thing left to consider is where to rent a pressure washer! Thankfully, the #1 home for commercial cold water pressure washers in Houston is right before you.

Bring Costs Down and Improve Operational Efficiency With Hotsy of Houston!

Whether looking for the best commercial pressure washer or specialized pressure washer detergent, Hotsy of Houston is the place to go! Our expert team of Houston natives is proud to work with the industry’s best pressure washing brand to deliver you the power to take control of your cleaning needs.

Whether you want to know how to use soap with a pressure washer, are curious about homemade pressure washer trailer setup, or want advice on how to rent a pressure washer, our team will be your strategic partner. We’ll analyze your cleaning needs to find you the perfect fit.

In addition to commercial pressure washer rental in Houston, we’re also the #1 home for pressure washer parts in Houston, including soaps and attachments, as well as commercial pressure washer repair in Houston. You’ll have access to our team’s guidance and maintenance tips to ensure your machine is always running at peak condition.

Bringing Our Commercial Pressure Washing Prices Guide to a Close

Overall, the only way to master your commercial cleaning needs is by buying or renting your own machine.

You can find everything from pressure washer trailers in Houston to the best pressure washer attachments at Hotsy of Houston! Our friendly team loves working with businesses to teach the ins and outs of pressure washing, from identifying the best pressure washer detergents to gushing about the differences in pressure washer PSI vs GPM.

If you’re ready to harness the flexibility of buying or renting a pressure washer, check out our selection of commercial hot water pressure washers in Houston! We’ll help you take back control of your cleaning needs, so give us a call or stop by our Pasadena storefront!

by Keval Shah

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Detergents, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Pressure Washing Farm Equipment: The Complete Guide

Agricultural machinery and tools are crucial to the lasting success of any farm’s operations. However, as any farmer knows, these vital pieces of equipment can quickly accumulate debris and stains from various common materials like dirt, grease, manure, and oil.

Managing your farm’s cleaning tasks is vitally important, which is why pressure washing farm equipment has become a reliable part of the agricultural industry. With a suitable farm pressure washer, you can streamline cleaning and sanitization processes and ensure your equipment operates efficiently.

This guide will explore everything you need to know about farm pressure washers, so let’s get right into it.

Common Use Cases for a Farm Pressure Washer

If you have no experience using a farm pressure washer, the number of use cases you will find may surprise you.

Farm pressure washers can be used to clean heavy machinery like tractors, plows, and spreaders in a fraction of the time as manual methods. You can also use pressure washers with sanitizing detergents to ensure your animal housing areas are fully hygienic or perform necessary upkeep on your storage buildings.

Cleaning Tractors and Harvesters

Given the average cost of agricultural machinery, it is paramount to the long-term success of your farm that you keep your equipment in peak condition.

Tractors, harvesters, and plows can accumulate dirt, grime, and biological residue from your crops and animals throughout a workday.

Thanks to a power washer’s high-powered water stream, you can blast away these stains quickly, even hitting hard-to-reach internal components. Regularly cleaning your equipment ensures that your machinery avoids wear and tear from the buildup of these stains, maintaining optimal performance and extending its lifespan.

Sanitizing Animal Housing and Milking Parlors

Maintaining a sanitary and hygienic environment around your livestock is essential to the quality of your products. The unparalleled cleaning ability of pressure washers allows you to eradicate bacteria and other contaminants from animal housing areas, promoting a clean environment.

The flexibility of pressure washers is partly thanks to the variety of specialty detergents on the market. You can use a vehicle or machinery-specific detergent for your agricultural machinery and then swap to a food-safe blend for animal housings with minimal effort!

Maintaining Outbuildings and Storage Facilities

The buildings and facilities on your farm play a vital role in your operations. However, without a proper cleaning method, these buildings can often go ignored, leading to debris buildup on their surfaces.

Thankfully, pressure washing is a tried-and-true method for cleaning buildings. The powerful water streams of a pressure washer can efficiently remove mold, dirt, and mud from walls and floors, ensuring that all of your buildings are clean.

This is especially important for your food storage facilities, as an unclean environment can lower the quality of your products and harm your farm’s reputation.

Benefits of Pressure Washing Over Traditional Cleaning Methods

Farm pressure washers are an excellent cleaning tool, but how do they stack up to traditional methods?

Frankly, there is no contest between the two. Pressure washing is an extremely efficient and optimized way to clean all aspects of a farm, from your machinery to animal housing. Unlike traditional cleaning methods, which require extensive manual labor and harsh chemicals, pressure washing is safe and can be completed in a fraction of the time.

Plus, pressure washing is the most consistent way to access hard-to-reach areas, like tight crevices or within internal components of your agricultural machinery.

So, with this method as a clear winner over harmful chemicals or tiring manual labor, what do you need to start pressure washing?

What Do I Need for Pressure Washing Farm Equipment?

From deciding between multiple types of power washers to choosing what kind of soap for a pressure washer you need for various tasks on your farm, there is much to consider when shopping.

Let’s break it all down to help you find the best farm pressure washers and accessories.

Selecting the Right Pressure Washer

What is the best commercial pressure washer for the agriculture industry?

Multiple factors must be considered when shopping. Whether you buy or rent a pressure washer, you must choose the right engine type, water temperature, and water flow attributes to maximize your cleaning efficiency.

First, should you choose an electric or gas pressure washer?

In the agricultural industry, the two engine types are tightly matched. Gas models are more mobile and generally have more power at similar sizes. However, electric power washers are safer indoors and more eco-friendly.

We recommend that gas models are better if you primarily work with outdoor crops where ventilation is not a concern. Gas washers are better suited for clearing tough stains like mud, oil, and grease from heavy machinery like tractors and plows.

However, if you are also planning to clean animal housing and storage facilities, you must either clear the area of animals and crops before cleaning, guarantee proper ventilation, or invest in a separate electric model.

Once you have decided on an engine type, our next concern is water temperature. The choice of a hot water pressure washer vs a cold model is relatively simple. Hot water is better suited for handling tougher stains like grease and oil.

Finally, what about GPM and PSI for a pressure washer? These two attributes are found all over a pressure washing catalog, but what do they mean?

Pressure washer PSI stands for pounds per square inch, denoting the power of your water stream. Conversely, pressure washer GPM represents gallons per minute, which describes the amount of water coming from your machine.

Larger numbers are not always better. While it can be excellent for your heavy machinery like tractors and harvesters to opt for a model with 3000+ PSI and 4+ GPM, that much power can be damaging to more delicate surfaces.

If you also plan to clean the sides of buildings or even lighter farm vehicles like a pick-up truck, look for a model with adjustable water flow to get down closer to 1500 PSI and 2-3 GPM.

Choosing Detergents and Cleaners

After finding a machine or two for your farm, you should next focus on the type of soap you use. Like your power washer itself, the best detergent for a pressure washer in an agricultural scenario will depend on your intended use cases.

A heavy-duty formula like Hotsy Breakthrough or Hotsy Ripper I is an excellent choice for your machinery and vehicles, as they specialize in oil and grease.

On the other hand, a lighter blend like Hotsy Verde All-Purpose or Hotsy Carbochlor will be more delicate and biodegradable for animal housing or food storage areas.

Accessories and Attachments

The best pressure washer accessories for pressure washing farm equipment are easier to decide than the previous two categories. Investing in various accessories is a good choice, as each can be useful in multiple cases.

We recommend different nozzles, like the Hotsy X-Jet for reaching up to 40’ high for building sidings, the Hotsy Foam Cannon for vehicles, and the Hotsy Surface Cleaner for animal housings.

You also want to invest in the best pressure washer hoses to ensure your water can eradicate tough stains efficiently. Given the average pressure washer hose length, a premium quality hose reel can also be an excellent investment for staying organized while cleaning.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Finally, while pressure washing is a safe cleaning method, you still want to ensure you and your staff remain safe during operations. To lower the risk of accidents, we recommend safety goggles or a face shield, gloves, sturdy clothing, and non-slip boots.

How to Use a Farm Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide

You now know how to shop for your equipment, but how does the cleaning process work?

Let’s look at how to use a pressure washer on a farm, going step-by-step to walk you through the process.

Preparation and Safety

Before you connect a single hose or nozzle, it is crucial to set up your cleaning areas and equipment for success. From navigating pressure washing trailer setup to applying pre treatment for pressure washing, every step will help ensure the cleaning job goes smoothly and efficiently.

Identify all the equipment and areas that need cleaning. Remember that some cleaning tasks will require vastly different detergents and machines, so you may want to approach them at separate times to avoid using the wrong tools for the job.

Clear the areas and equipment of any loose debris or obstacles that could interfere with the process. You should also inspect each piece for any apparent stains or debris so you can place greater focus on them.

The Cleaning Process

You will start the cleaning with your detergent. While you can check out our article on how to use pressure washer soap for specifics, as a general rule, you will apply the detergent to every surface, allowing it to sit for enough time to break down embedded stains.

Once your soap is sufficiently soaked, spray each surface with sweeping and overlapping motions. During this process, you may wish to swap out accessories and adjust your water flow to access hard-to-reach areas.

Rinsing and Drying

Once your surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, it is time to rinse them off. It is crucial to be thorough during this process, as residual detergent can leave water spots.

Inspect each surface after it has been rinsed, checking for the presence of any leftover debris or contaminants. If you see any leftover stains, repeat the process.

Allow every surface to dry. You can air dry them or use gentle fans and absorbent towels to speed up the process.

Post-Cleaning Maintenance

Your farm equipment and buildings are now sparking clean and looking as good as new. This is an excellent opportunity to inspect your surfaces and equipment for wear and tear that may have gone hidden under dirt and debris.

Once that is done, learning how to maintain a pressure washer and storing a pressure washer is simple. You will detach your accessories, flush the detergent tank, and follow other specific instructions based on your engine or water temperature.

Of course, if you have any questions throughout this process, feel free to contact our team for personalized advice!

Once you have mastered this process and have a complete shopping list for pressure washing farm equipment, all that is left for you to do is to start shopping! If you are looking for a commercial pressure washer in Houston and Southeast Texas, read our recommendation for where to shop.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Pressure Washing Farm Equipment

Overall, pressure washing farm equipment is the most reliable way to promote operation efficiency and maintain a hygienic environment on a farm.

Whether you are looking for a commercial pressure washer trailer or a commercial hot water pressure washer in Houston, the best place to shop for everything you need for your Southeast Texas farm is Hotsy of Houston!

Our team of Houston natives have decades of combined experience working in the industry, and we are honored to be an authorized Hotsy retailer. We stand by the storied reputation of the Hotsy brand, with over 50 years of helping business owners across several industries streamline their cleaning processes.

As the #1 resource for pressure washer parts in Houston, Hotsy of Houston offers a comprehensive inventory with all the tools you need to tackle any cleaning job. We will work with you as strategic partners for your operations.

From affordable commercial pressure washer rental that includes our personalized recommendations to commercial pressure washer repair and Hotsy warranty servicing to keep your machine in peak condition, you can rest easy knowing we are on your side.

If you enjoyed our in-depth look at farm pressure washers, check out our blog for more! Other articles include what size pressure washer do I need, pressure washer rental costs, commercial building pressure washing, parking lot pressure washing, restaurant pressure washing, and pressure washing graffiti.

Otherwise, whether you are looking for pressure washer detergent or a commercial cold water pressure washer in Houston, Hotsy of Houston has your back. Call us at (832) 968-WASH(9274) or visit our Pasadena Freeway store to learn more about how pressure washing farm equipment can revolutionize your workflow!

by Keval Shah

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Detergents, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Oil Rig Pressure Washing: The Complete Guide

The buildup of debris, stains, and hazardous substances is inevitable in oil rig operations. Ensuring that your operations are not interrupted by flammable sludge, oil stains, or debris that can compromise your sensitive and valuable equipment is critical.

Thankfully, a simple cleaning solution can eradicate these hazardous materials with unparalleled speed, ensuring your operations never get disrupted: oil rig pressure washing.

Pressure washing oil rigs has several benefits, making this cleaning method a favorite for oil companies worldwide.

But how does oil rig pressure washing work, and what equipment do you need?

We will explore all that and more in this guide to pressure washing oil rigs, so let’s jump right in!

Why is Oil Rig Pressure Washing Important?

Whether you are brand new to oil rig operations or already have cleaning protocols in place, you are probably wondering why oil rig pressure washing is so beloved.

Pressure washing is the best method for promoting a safe work environment. A power washer’s efficient cleaning ability allows you to eliminate hazards before they become a larger problem. As a direct result, oil rig pressure washing will boost your operational efficiency and extend the lifespan of your precious equipment.

Ensuring Safety on the Rig

Maintaining a safe work environment on an oil rig can sometimes be challenging. Between oil slicks and stains, sludge buildup, and other chemical contaminants, a rig is a breeding ground for slips, falls, and hazardous materials.

Without a speedy cleaning method, many of these hazards often go ignored. As they build up over time, the risk they pose to your employees will grow until a costly and devastating incident occurs.

However, oil rig pressure washing can help you deal with these issues promptly as part of your regular cleaning routines.

Maintaining Operational Efficiency

Pressure washing oil rigs is also an excellent way to maximize operational efficiency. Regularly cleaning your rig of debris, stains, and contaminants will ensure your equipment operates optimally.

Additionally, clearing walkways and paths on your rig will ensure your employees have full mobility, speeding up their workflow.

Prolonging Equipment Lifespan

Pressure washing oil rigs is not solely about keeping the rig itself clean. Power washing is also essential to keeping your sensitive equipment in peak condition.

Regular pressure washing can remove corrosive substances from your equipment, like oil and sludge, the most common causes of deterioration. By eliminating those substances through power washing, you will extend the operational lifespan of vital components.

Choosing Your Equipment for Pressure Washing Oil Rigs

So, what do you need to start pressure washing oil rigs?

When pressure washing oil rigs, you will often encounter thick, corrosive materials like oil, sludge, and grease, which require a specialized approach.

Whether you are figuring out the best detergent for a pressure washer, learning the difference between pressure washer PSI vs GPM, or aiming for the perfect pressure washer hose length, plenty of optimization is needed for pressure washing oil rigs. Let’s cover everything you need to know.

Assessing Pressure Washer Types

Whether you plan to buy or rent a pressure washer, you will want to begin your shopping list by determining what machine will work best for your operations. With so many types of power washers out there, you will need to do some research.

To start, you will need to decide on the water temperature. When comparing hot water pressure washers vs cold models, we strongly recommend heated machines for oil rigs. That is because the heated water provides extra pressure for rigorous cleaning tasks like grease and sludge.

After that, you next need to consider engine type. Between electric or gas pressure washers, we generally give the nod to gas models for pressure washing oil rigs. Gas models offer extra power compared to similarly sized electric models. They are also easier to navigate around hard-to-reach areas since they do not require an outlet.

Determining Pressure and Flow Rates

Because oil rigs often see difficult stains, selecting a suitable GPM & PSI for a pressure washer is crucial.

Pressure washer PSI stands for pounds per square inch, measuring water pressure. For tough stains like oil, grease, and sludge, you want a value of at least 3000, with higher numbers being even more effective.

On the other hand, pressure washer GPM stands for gallons per minute and helps describe the amount of water flowing out of your machine. Without adequate water flow, you won’t be able to dislodge and remove tough stains from the surfaces of your oil rig. Look for machines with at least 4 GPM to ensure you can handle various cleaning tasks on your rig.

Picking Suitable Detergents for Oil and Grease

Next, you need to figure out what kind of soap for pressure washers will be ideal. Focus on tough degreasers formulated explicitly for oil, sludge, and grease.

Our favorite detergent for oil rigs is Hotsy Brown. This formula is blended by the experts at Hotsy for use in the oil industry, with a non-butyl mix perfect for eliminating oil and grease.

However, Hotsy Brown is caustic for galvanized or aluminum surfaces. We recommend supplementing Hotsy Brown with Hotsy Ripper I, which is still effective at eliminating grease and oil and safe enough to use on painted surfaces.

Between those two soaps, you should be able to tackle essentially every cleaning task on an oil rig.

Additional Accessories to Consider: Specialized Nozzles, Flat Surface Cleaners, Telescoping Wands, PPE, and More

Once you have identified some fantastic soaps for the cleaning process, it is time to look for the best pressure washer accessories for oil rigs.

Nozzles play a critical role in pressure washing. Specialized options, like the Hotsy Turbo Nozzle or Hotsy Surface Cleaner, offer extra cleaning power to deal with caked-on oil and grease.

For hard-to-reach areas, a telescoping wand like Hotsy X-Jet can act as an extra set of arms to ensure you thoroughly clean everything on your rig. The X-Jet can extend up to 40 feet, allowing you to reach atop a derrick and everywhere in between.

You should also pair the best pressure washer hoses with a hose reel to help you stay organized while cleaning.

Finally, PPE for your employees is vital to safe operations. Invest in safety goggles, gloves, protective clothing, and non-slip boots to comply with worker safety standards.

Now that you have a thorough shopping list for oil rig pressure washing, all that is left for you to do is to figure out where to buy the best commercial pressure washer and accessories for your needs! If you are in Southeast Texas, we know just the place to go.

What Makes Hotsy of Houston Your Trusted Choice for Pressure Washing Equipment?

Hotsy of Houston is Southeast Texas’ #1 home for pressure washing. From industrial pressure washer trailers for large-scale jobs to specialized pressure washer detergent, you will find everything you need to streamline your cleaning processes.

We are a friendly team of Houston natives with decades of combined experience in the pressure washing industry. We are proud to be an authorized Hotsy retailer, working with the industry leader to provide battle-tested products to businesses across the region.

If you want to buy or rent an industrial cold water pressure washer in Houston, our team will be right by your side throughout the process. Whether you stop by our Pasadena store or just give us a call, we will assess your business needs to provide a personalized recommendation.

In addition to being the premier home for industrial pressure washers in Houston, we also carry pressure washer parts in Houston, including accessories like the Hotsy X-Jet and Foam Cannon and components for maintenance.

We are also the best place to go for industrial pressure washer repair in Southeast Texas, including Hotsy warranty servicing. We will help you assess any issues with an existing machine and avoid disruptions in your operations.

So, from pressure washing trailer setup to industrial pressure washer rental, you can rest easy knowing Hotsy of Houston is here to help your business clean smarter, faster, and easier!

Step-by-Step Guide to Oil Rig Pressure Washing

Now that you know where to shop, let’s discuss how to use a pressure washer on an oil rig.

Signs It’s Time to Clean Your Oil Rig

Without a standardized cleaning process, it can be easy to let minor stains develop into significant ones. You must recognize the signs indicating it is time to clean.

Look for visible oil, grease, or sludge accumulation on your equipment or walkways. If you can see significant buildup, you are already at risk of long-term damage to your equipment.

You must also routinely inspect your equipment for signs of decreased performance. This can signify hidden debris building up within each component, and a quick power wash can help you restore your operations to peak efficiency.

Preparing the Oil Rig for Cleaning

Once you have determined which areas need to be cleaned, it is time to set up for cleaning. Clear the area of any obstacles and loose debris, isolating the affected dirty areas for cleaning. Ideally, you should clean your oil rigs during down periods of operation, but if you constantly have staff present, be sure that you brief everyone on proper safety protocols.

You also want to find a high-quality pre treatment for pressure washing, which will help prepare your surfaces and facilitate speedier cleaning.

Overview of Using a Pressure Washer Safely and Effectively

Using a pressure washer is simple after you and your staff are adequately trained. You must understand how all of a machine’s controls, nozzles, and settings work to deliver the powerful jet stream.

Train employees on proper cleaning methods, including establishing a safe distance from the surface, wearing PPE, and specific spray patterns. For example, starting at the top of a surface and working your way down in sweeping motions is a foolproof way to ensure a thorough clean.

Additionally, you want to ensure your team knows how to use pressure washer soap. Consider how each soap affects different stains and surfaces. For instance, Hotsy Brown is ideal for oil stains on non-painted surfaces, while something less acidic like Hotsy Ripper I can help you spot clean painted areas.

Spot Cleaning Areas Your Pressure Washer Can’t Get

Pressure washing should cover most of your needs on an oil rig. However, you may need a few alternative methods in tight spaces that are difficult for your machine to access.

Manual cleaning techniques may be better suited for these specific areas, such as near delicate equipment components or tight crevices.

Depending on the surface, you may still be able to use Hotsy detergents with a lighter water source or manual scrubbing.

Post-Cleaning Procedures

Once your cleaning is complete, perform a thorough inspection of the area. If any spots are still dirty, restart the process by applying the detergent through rinsing.

After that, verify that all your machinery is clean and functioning as intended. You will then dispose of wastewater per the environmental regulations specific to your area.

Maintaining Your Pressure Washing Equipment

Another key to establishing a consistent cleaning process is maintaining and storing a pressure washer correctly. Learning how to maintain a pressure washer is simple; you just need to inspect your machine after each use for any wear and tear.

Common areas to focus on include nozzles, hoses, and fittings, which are the most susceptible to deterioration. If you encounter trouble, contact your retailer for specific tips on servicing and repairs!

How Often Should You Pressure Wash Oil Rigs?

So, how often should your cleaning processes occur? While this answer depends on several factors, including the local environment and company standards, we recommend frequent washing to prevent buildup.

As you conduct regular inspections and upkeep on your rig, you can determine the ideal cleaning frequency. Start with weekly cleaning and adapt accordingly. If you are not sure how best to proceed, you can always reach out to your retailer for specific advice.

Parting Thoughts on Pressure Washing Oil Rigs

Pressure washing is the most effective way to ensure your oil rig maintains peak efficiency. The speedy and safe cleaning is the most proven way to eliminate oil, grease, and sludge stains.

If you enjoyed our oil rig pressure washing guide, check out our blog! Other topics we have explored include what size pressure washer do I need, pressure washer rental costs, commercial building pressure washing, parking lot pressure washing, restaurant pressure washing, pressure washing graffiti, pressure washing concrete, and fleet pressure washing.

Otherwise, if you are looking for an industrial hot water pressure washer in Houston to assist in eradicating those tough stains, check out Hotsy of Houston! Our experienced and friendly team will work with you to find the perfect solution for your business, so call (832) 968-WASH(9274) or stop by our Pasadena Freeway store today to get started!

by Keval Shah

Disinfecting and Sanitizing Equipment, Hotsy, Hotsy Detergents, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

Restaurant Pressure Washing: Your Guide to Efficient Restaurant Cleaning

Maintaining a clean restaurant is crucial to the overall success of the business. But with so much activity day in and day out, restaurant cleaning with traditional manual methods can leave you and your staff feeling constantly behind.

The best way to turn that endless cycle of cleaning around is through restaurant pressure washing. Investing in the right equipment can shrink your cleaning schedules to a fraction of their current size.

But how does restaurant pressure washing work, and why does it help your business so effectively?

We’ll cover everything you need to know about pressure washing restaurants. To begin, let’s discuss why restaurant cleaning is so vital.

Why Restaurant Cleaning is So Important

If you have ever heard the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” it is vital to note that this phrase will never apply to the cleanliness of your restaurant.

Customers will run away at the first sign of a dirty restaurant, destroying your revenue. A restaurant with dirt, grease, and debris everywhere will put the health and safety of customers and employees in immediate danger. Even if some customers stick around, you risk being shut down by your local health department due to dirt and debris.

Health and Safety Standards in the Food Industry

Food safety is critical to any food service business. You must stay compliant with standards set into place by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.

Without a proper restaurant cleaning routine, you run the risk of foodborne illnesses like salmonella or E. coli on food contact surfaces and equipment.

Impact on Customer Perception and Business Reputation

Maintaining a pristine restaurant is critical to impressing and retaining customers. Customers who walk into a clean restaurant get a positive first impression, which will influence their overall opinion of your services.

Through consistent cleaning, you can build the reputation of your eatery, garnering positive reviews, referrals from loyal customers, and repeat business.

What is the Best Way to Clean a Restaurant Fast?

While you have plenty of options available for restaurant cleaning, there’s only one way to tackle your cleaning tasks promptly without overleveraging your staff.

We highly recommend restaurant power washing. Let’s examine why pressure washing restaurants is the best option compared to manual cleaning methods.

Assessing Different Cleaning Methods for Efficiency, Safety, and Efficacy

When considering various restaurant cleaning methods, you’ll need to weigh many factors, including the time they take, material costs, safety for employees and customers, and final results.

First, traditional manual cleaning methods include mopping floors and wiping down equipment. These methods are incredibly time-intensive, so extra staffing costs can often nullify any cost savings you get. You may also find the results inconsistent and lacking since they rely on your staff’s cleaning abilities.

On the other hand, you can use chemical cleaners to clean your floors and equipment. While slightly faster than manual methods, there is a dangerous trade-off. Harsh cleaning chemicals can pose significant health risks for employees and customers, which will also pose a risk to your food safety measures.

Why is Restaurant Pressure Washing the #1 Approach?

So why is it more effective to pressure wash under restaurant equipment than manual cleaning or chemical-assisted cleaning?

Restaurant pressure washing allows you to deeply clean all the surfaces in your eatery consistently and quickly. Pressure washers can easily soak and sanitize those spaces like floors, walls, and hard-to-reach areas underneath equipment.

The deep cleaning provided by restaurant pressure washing can be accomplished without needing any heavy lifting of equipment or chemical exposure, keeping your staff healthy and happy.

Professional Cleaning Services vs DIY: Why Bringing Cleaning in House Makes the Most Sense

Restaurant pressure washing is extraordinarily effective, but you must decide between outsourcing cleaning and handling it in-house.

Professional pressure washing services can seem like a simple fix, but the costs can quickly add up. You can easily pay up to ten times the rental fee for professional services and risk professional cleaners damaging sensitive kitchen equipment.

Instead, we recommend you buy or rent a pressure washer, depending on your needs. Both options are more cost-effective, especially if you maintain a frequent routine that minimizes the need for deep cleanings.

Plus, handling your restaurant pressure washing in-house gives you complete control of staff training, ensuring everything is done precisely to your specifications and compliant with food safety standards.

So, what do you need to start pressure washing for your restaurant? Let’s discuss everything you’ll want to add to your shopping list.

What Do You Need for Restaurant Pressure Washing?

To start restaurant power washing, you’ll need to invest in a few things, whether you decide to buy or rent your equipment.

You’ll need a reliable machine suited for restaurant pressure washing. The best commercial pressure washers are created by Hotsy, a brand with over 50 years of experience and a reputation for durable and practical models.

Additionally, you’ll need to learn how to use pressure washer soap, including finding a food safety-compliant detergent that effectively removes common stains like grease and oil.

And, of course, you’ll need to find a reliable retailer to buy or rent your equipment. We’ll cover everything you need in this section.

A Commercial Pressure Washer

There are many types of power washers for commercial building pressure washing out there, each suited for specific tasks.

You’ll need a model capable of adapting to different surfaces for restaurant pressure washing. You should be able to pressure wash under restaurant equipment effectively, clear embedded oil and dirt from flooring, and even clean outdoor areas like walls and parking lots.

Depending on your layout, you can choose electric or gas pressure washers. Electric pressure washers get a slight nod since they are quieter and safer to use indoors, but a gas model may be more effective in specific cases with difficult embedded stains thanks to their extra power.

But what size pressure washer do I need?

We recommend a model with 1500 to 3500 PSI and adjustable GPM options. GPM and PSI for pressure washers stand for gallons per minute and pressure per square inch, controlling the water flow. You must adjust depending on the type of stain you are dealing with.

Detergents and Attachments

Once you’ve found a suitable model, you’ll need to figure out what kind of soap for pressure washers will work best. You want a restaurant-safe soap capable of killing bacteria and viruses and cleaning surfaces without harming food products.

The best detergents for pressure washers are found under the Hotsy brand. We recommend Hotsy Carbochlor or Hotsy Citrus Clean for food safety and restaurant power washing.

Carbochlor is NSF-rated for food safety and is also used in food manufacturing plants, while Citrus Clean shines on its own as a degreaser for flooring and even has a fresh-smelling orange scent.

The attachments you choose will also have a significant impact on your cleaning ability. We recommend accessories like the Hotsy Surface Cleaner for floors, walls, and tables or the Hotsy Turbo Nozzle for intense degreasing.

Where can you get all of this equipment? If you are looking for a commercial hot water pressure washer for sale in Houston, we have just the place in mind.

Why Source Your Equipment at Hotsy of Houston?

From hot and cold water pressure washers in Houston to rentals and pressure washing trailer setup, Hotsy of Houston is your #1 source for all things pressure washing.

Our team of Houston and Southeast Texas natives have over a century of combined experience in the industry, working with the most trusted name in the business, Hotsy. We’ve helped hundreds of business owners find the perfect pressure washers for their needs, whether they choose to buy or rent.

In addition to our inventory of pressure washer trailers for sale in Texas, we also carry specialized and all-purpose pressure washer soap formulated by Hotsy.

Hotsy of Houston is also the best place for pressure washer parts in Houston, featuring everything from the best pressure washer hoses to all of Hotsy’s attachments you need to reach difficult areas.

Shopping for a pressure washer, whether you buy or rent, should be an easy and enjoyable experience. Our customer support team is here to help no matter your needs, whether you are looking for pressure washer repair in Houston or want guidance on the optimal pressure washer hose length for your model.

Tips on Pressure Washing a Restaurant Safely and Efficiently

Once you have all of your equipment, it’s time for you and your staff to learn how to use a pressure washer.

Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Procedures

While pressure washing is safer than harsh restaurant cleaning chemicals, you must take a few steps to ensure a safe experience.

Always wear protective gear, like gloves, goggles, pressure washing boots, and hearing protection. Be sure that any areas are clear of food, employees, and customers before beginning.

Optimizing Pressure and Temperature for Various Surfaces

A restaurant will contain different surfaces and materials to wash, so you must adjust your machine accordingly. Use a lower PSI and GPM on delicate materials like glass or wood and higher settings for embedded grease and oil.

You’ll also need to choose between hot water pressure washer vs cold models based on your needs. Hot water is more effective at cleaning, especially in the winter, but may be overkill on delicate surfaces.

Actually Using the Pressure Washer: Pre-soaking to Final Rinse

Start with a pre treatment for pressure washing to break down heavy grease and oils, letting it sit for some time. Begin with a low pressure to coat each surface, then gradually increase the pressure to manage embedded stains and residues.

For walls and floors, spray in sweeping motions, allowing the water to coat each area thoroughly.

Managing Water and Chemical Usage

Be sure to monitor how much water you are using. Excess water can increase utility bills and lead to environmental waste, which could put your restaurant in the crosshairs of regulatory agencies.

Effective Drying Techniques

Once each surfaced is thoroughly washed with water and detergent, inspect each area for missed spots and return as needed. Then, allow each area to dry thoroughly. You can use fans or cloth towels to speed up the process.

While everything dries, storing a pressure washer properly will ensure everything is prepared for the next cleaning session.

More Restaurant Cleaning Tips

While we covered plenty of general pressure washing knowledge, let’s discuss a few restaurant-specific tips.

Getting to Areas Your Pressure Washer Can’t

Trying to pressure wash under restaurant equipment is best done with the help of a suitable attachment. Use long-handled nozzles like the Hotsy Undercarriage Cleaner or Hotsy Surface Cleaner to avoid moving heavy equipment.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Cleaning Schedules

Frequent cleaning can help avoid the need for intense deep cleaning sessions, saving you time in your staff schedules. We recommend spot cleaning daily or weekly as needed with water and a light soap.

You can do deep cleaning sessions for floors, walls, and equipment once a month, allowing you to plan accordingly.

Focusing on High-Traffic Areas

Grease and dirt will accumulate quickly in high-traffic areas, like your kitchens, employee entrance/exit areas, bathrooms, and front-of-house locations. Pressure wash these areas at least once a week or more frequently as desired for optimal cleaning.

Food Safety Compliance

Ensure that all your restaurant pressure washing procedures meet the requirements of the FDA, NSF, and other regulatory agencies.

These regulations include the frequency of your sanitization, the chemical makeup of your detergents, and avoiding cross-contamination.

Staff Training

Fully incorporate pressure washer training into your staff hygiene protocols. Demonstrate how to properly and safely operate your machines, including how to maintain a pressure washer, what detergents to use, and how to keep everything food safety-compliant.

Your employees won’t need a pressure washing license in Texas, but you still want to ensure everyone is on the same page to maximize safety.

Parting Thoughts on Pressure Washing Restaurants

Overall, restaurant power washing is the most effective and safe way to keep your eatery in pristine condition. Unlike manual or chemical cleaning methods, pressure washing is fast and food-safe.

If you are looking for industrial pressure washer rental in Houston, Hotsy of Houston has you covered. Our friendly and experienced team will help you find the perfect model, food-safe soaps, and helpful accessories.

Stop by our store off the Pasadena Freeway or call (832) 968-WASH(9274) to find the perfect commercial pressure washer in Houston for your restaurant.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

What is the Best Pressure Washer Soap? Choosing a Detergent for Your Cleaning Process

With unparalleled cleaning power, a simple learning curve, and long-lasting durability, it’s no surprise business owners worldwide continue to espouse the benefits of pressure washers. Pressure washers may be the stars of the show, but they form just one part of the equation to help you tackle those pesky stains your business frequently encounters.

If pressure washers are the movie stars getting all the accolades, pressure washer detergents are like the composer or director behind the scenes. The best pressure washer soaps amplify the cleaning power of pressure washers and allow you to achieve a speedy clean with a fraction of the effort manually scrubbing may take.

As the premier dealer of hot and cold water pressure washers in Houston, we have cultivated expertise in the best soap to put in pressure washers over the years. We decided to put our wealth of knowledge to good use by creating this guide to help you find the best soap to use with pressure washers for your business.

With our help, you can identify the best detergent for pressure washers and streamline your cleaning processes, so let’s jump right into our guide!

How Having the Best Pressure Washer Detergent Can Elevate Your Cleaning Process

Stubborn stains like grease and oil pull no punches, so neither should your business. Without the best pressure washer detergents, those difficult stains will take much longer to clean with water alone.

The best soaps are specifically formulated for different cleaning tasks and offer a laser-focused way to eradicate dirt, grime, and pathogens. As the #1 home for cold and hot water pressure washers in Houston, we always offer personalized recommendations to our customers to help them find the best pressure washer detergent.

With the help of the best pressure washing soaps, you can achieve speedier cleaning and effectively sanitize your work and commercial areas. Plus, the best soaps for pressure washers are formulated to be eco-friendly and safe for human health.

Clean Faster and More Effectively

For business owners with packed schedules and jammed employee task lists, pressure washers are meant to streamline cleaning operations. The best detergents for pressure washers are a must-have if you desire speed.

Water alone often struggles to take down difficult stains promptly, and trying to blend your own formulations of cleaning products can be ineffective at best and a health risk at worst. Thankfully, the best soaps to use with pressure washers allow you to hone in on the specific stains your business regularly encounters.

For example, if you run a food manufacturing plant and find yourself stumped by difficult oil and grease stains that simply won’t go away, you can find the best soap to use in a pressure washer specifically for grease.

Sanitize Your Working Environment

Finding the best soap to use in a pressure washer isn’t just about efficiently eradicating stains. Many of the best pressure washer detergents contain powerful sanitizing chemicals that ensure your commercial or industrial spaces are safe and pathogen-free.

The sanitizing power of the best soaps is especially critical for hospitals, factories, and commercial areas, where employees and visitors need a safe environment. For example, hospitals can pair the best soap to use in a pressure washer with a high-quality electric washer to sanitize patient rooms or operating rooms to speed up cleaning tasks.

Industrial factory owners can also utilize the best soap to put in pressure washers to sanitize equipment and machinery, which is especially vital if your business works in food manufacturing.

Using the best detergent for pressure washers is a massive boon if your business maintains commercial spaces. The best pressure washing soaps can clean and sanitize high-traffic areas like lobbies, restrooms, or dining areas in a fraction of the time manually scrubbing takes.

Save Money While Protecting the Environment

Using the best soaps can not only save you time but also save you money in the long run. These soaps are specially formulated to be highly concentrated, meaning that you need less soap to achieve the same level of cleaning power. However, directly saving money on the best soap for pressure washers isn’t the only cost savings you’ll see.

In addition to their cost-effective formulations, the best soaps for pressure washers are eco-friendly. The best detergents for pressure washers are made with biodegradable products and without harsh chemicals like chlorine, keeping the environment safe.

Plus, the eco-friendly formulation of the best detergents for pressure washers helps you save on your water bill since it provides the extra cleaning power needed to get cleaning tasks done quickly.

By choosing the best soaps to use with pressure washers, you can achieve a speedy and sanitized clean while reducing your environmental impact compared to harsh chemicals and high water use.

The best soap to use in a pressure washer balances all these factors, but how can you identify the optimal choice while shopping? Let’s discuss those factors in the next section.

What Should You Look for in the Best Pressure Washer Soap?

When looking for the best soap to use with pressure washers, separating the wheat from the chaff can be tricky. As the premier home for pressure washer rental in Houston, we’ve mastered the art of finding the best pressure washing soaps for our clients, no matter their cleaning needs.

As such, our tips will help you in your shopping endeavors. The best soap for pressure washers balances cleaning power, eco-friendliness, and versatility to provide an efficient cleaning experience.

Cleaning Power: The Ability to Tackle Different Types of Grime

The best pressure washer soaps are designed to tackle a wide range of grime and dirt, from oil stains on driveways to mildew on siding. These soaps are formulated with powerful ingredients that break down dirt and grime, speeding up the removal process.

You’ll need to assess the typical stains and debris you encounter in your business to find the best soap for pressure washers for your specific needs. Some of the best pressure washer soaps are created explicitly for given types of stains in mind, like oil, grease, or pathogens, while others are versatile enough to handle multiple different tasks.

Eco-friendliness: Importance of Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Ingredients

The best pressure washer soaps are safe enough to keep your employees and clients safe, along with the surrounding environment. Look for detergents with non-toxic ingredients that are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals.

Some of the worst chemicals you should avoid are phosphates and chlorine, except in niche cases. The best detergents for pressure washers can still get the job done without putting biological life in danger.

Versatility: Usablility on Different Surfaces

Even with specialized formulations, the best soaps for pressure washers can still tackle a wide variety of cleaning tasks and surfaces. Many of the best pressure washer detergents are safe enough for use on wood, metal, and concrete, making them an excellent all-purpose cleaning solution.

By narrowing down the amount of pressure washer soaps you need to purchase, you can save on costs and storage while improving your business’s cleaning efficiency.

Concentration: Impact on Cost-Effectiveness and Storage

There is a common theme among the best pressure washer detergents, which is the unique formulations that set them apart from the rest. Top-tier pressure washer soaps are highly concentrated, allowing you to achieve the same cleaning power with less soap than inferior detergents.

This high concentration is vital for saving money on costs and storage space, as you can keep one tub of pressure washer soaps longer than low-concentration soaps. The best pressure washer detergents are also easier to transport in your vehicle or to carry around a job site, offering mobility and versatility to your cleaning tasks.

Overall, the best pressure washer soaps stand out from the crowd thanks to their cleaning power, environmental friendliness, and versatility. Now that you know all of the factors that should go into your decision, we will switch gears to discuss the best pressure washer soaps on the market.

So, What is the Best Soap For Pressure Washers?

Deciding on the best soap for your pressure washers involves a lot of research, but there’s one category that’s a no-brainer. The best brand in the pressure washer industry is Hotsy, with a track record of over 50 years of helping businesses revolutionize how they clean.

There is a Hotsy brand detergent for any use case you can imagine, and we’ll be breaking down the benefits of our favorites. First, we should discuss why the Hotsy brand has been trusted for half a century in the first place.

Why You Can Count on Hotsy of Houston for the Best Soap to Use in a Pressure Washer

As Houston’s exclusive Hotsy dealer, we are uniquely equipped to provide you with the best soaps for your pressure washers. Hotsy’s pressure washer soaps are all specially formulated with biodegradable products that deliver speedy cleaning results.

As your home for all things pressure washers in Houston, Our staff has provided personalized recommendations to hundreds of business owners in Houston and the surrounding areas. We have helped everyone, from food manufacturers to commercial storefront owners, with over 40 blends of soap in stock.

Breakthrough

This detergent doesn’t pull any punches with its name, as it’s one of the most effective ways to eliminate grease and oil. Breakthrough is one of the best all-around detergents, as it pairs wonderfully with cold water and is even safe enough to use on vehicles.

Ripper I

Ripper comes with five gallons of degreasing power. The formulation contains rust inhibitors and water-softening chemicals that tackle oil, grease, and petroleum stains. It’s also safe for metal surfaces and only uses biodegradable materials.

Power-Shine

Hotsy Power-Shine wraps up your cleaning tasks with a nice bow on top, featuring a waxy finish that enhances the shine of vehicles and aluminum surfaces. The finish of Power-Shine is powerful enough to ward off salt, acid rain, and air pollution.

Carbon-Ate

Hotsy Carbon-Ate is one of our brand’s most highly concentrated soaps, able to tackle debris and grime typical to vehicles and grease stains. Carbon-Ate is a versatile soap that works for many types of businesses, making it an instant favorite.

Transport

Armed with Hotsy Transport, your vehicle fleet will stay pristine. This unique formulation works on aluminum, stainless steel, and painted vehicle surfaces and is safe enough to clean engines. Transport is a must-have for RVs, trailers, trucks, and buses.

Hotsy Brown

Hotsy Brown’s robust formulation picks up the slack when other detergents fall short. Hotsy Brown uses a caustic non-butyl formulation to eradicate tough stains, like road film or exhaust marks. Hotsy Brown is an excellent choice for heavy-duty jobs, but you’ll want to keep it away from delicate materials like aluminum or galvanized metal.

Aluminum Brightener

Hotsy’s Aluminum Brightener is an acid-based formulation that is one of the most reliable ways to have your surfaces shining like they are brand new. It’s perfect for trailers, aluminum tanks, and painting preparation.

Verde All Purpose

Hotsy Verde All-Purpose provides a guilt-free clean for nearly any job. This phosphate-free blend of biodegradable materials has the cleaning power to ensure you save on your energy bill while keeping the planet safe.

Carbochlor

Hotsy’s Carbochlor is a life-saver for food manufacturing plants. Carbochlor is NSF regulated for use in food safety plants, with a safe formulation that tackles grease, oils, and fats common to the manufacturing process.

Salt Lick

When those winter months come around, Hotsy Salt Lick has you covered. This formula specializes in de-icing and removing road film, washing away icy materials. Thanks to the calcium-based formula, Salt Lick will leave behind a solution that prevents the recurrence of heavy soils or road film.

Con-B-Gon

As one of Hotsy’s specialty detergents, Con-B-Gon is crucial in helping remove dried concrete splatter. The foaming formula pairs excellently with a foaming nozzle to quickly clean large splatter areas.

Tubmate

Hotsy Tubmate is an excellent tool in your arsenal if you work with aqueous parts. This all-purpose soap is biodegradable and phosphate free and works with automatic detergent injectors.

Citrus Clean

With the help of D-Limonene, Hotsy Citrus Clean is one of the best degreasers in our lineup. You can pair Citrus Clean with other detergents for extra degreasing power, but it also shines in its own right. Plus, it smells great, with an orange-based scent.

Phosphatizer

Hotsy’s Phosphatizer has a strong record of over twenty years in the making as a one-step phosphatizing solution for iron and steel parts.

Quick Guide to Choosing the Best Pressure Washer Soap for Your Unique Needs

Finding the best pressure washer detergent on this list may seem daunting, but your search should begin with the unique needs of your business. Identify the specific stains you commonly encounter, whether dirt, debris, or oil-based.

From there, you’ll want to consider if you need a specialty blend, like Con-B-Gon for concrete surfaces or Tubmate for aqueous parts. Otherwise, you can start your search with an all-purpose option like Breakthrough, Verde, or Citrus Clean for general applications.

If you have a fleet of vehicles, we recommend Transport or Power-Shine, as they are safe and provide your vehicles with a shiny finish.

Of course, you don’t have to struggle with the decision alone; Our team at Hotsy of Houston is standing by to help you!

When in Doubt, Reach Out – We’ll Help You Find the Best Pressure Washing Soap for Your Needs!

As the #1 home for machines, soaps, and pressure washer parts in Houston, you can always rely on our decades of combined expertise to help you find the perfect detergent for your needs.

Over the years, we’ve worked with businesses to provide a detailed assessment and quote that considers the unique quirks of their setup. We can consistently pinpoint the best pressure washer detergents for your needs, from Carbochlor for food plants to Hotsy Brown for factories.

Our compassionate team is available by phone and email, and you can also stop by our store located off the Pasadena Freeway in Houston.

Parting Thoughts on the Best Detergent for Pressure Washers in 2023

Searching for the best soap to use in a pressure washer is challenging, but it’s not a decision to take lightly. Water alone is often not enough to accomplish every cleaning task on your list, while lower-quality pressure washer soaps can be ineffective and pose safety risks at worst.

The best pressure washer soaps balance cleaning power, eco-friendliness, and efficient formulations, the perfect mix to help your business streamline cleaning tasks. The best soaps for pressure washing ensure a sanitized work environment, which is especially vital for hospitals and food manufacturing plants.

As the #1 home for sales and rentals of pressure washer trailers in Houston, Hotsy of Houston is the best place to shop for pressure washer soaps. We carry a diverse inventory of over 40 products, from all-purpose options like Verde and Breakthrough to specialized soaps like Carbochlor and Phosphatizer.

Our dedicated team of Houston residents has decades of combined expertise in the field, ready to provide you with a personalized quote for your business. Whether you stop by our office in Houston, email us, or call us at (832) 968-WASH(9274), we are here to help.

Don’t let the water in your pressure washer do all the work! Instead, give your pressure washer some love with the help of our Hotsy detergents by reaching out to us today.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy, Hotsy Cold Water Pressure Washer, Hotsy Hot Pressure Washer

How to Store a Pressure Washer: The Complete Guide to Pressure Washer Storage

Investing in a brand-new power washer for your business is the best way to remove all the hassle from cleaning tasks. Blasting away debris becomes like child’s play with the help of a suitable pressure washer.

But after a hard day’s work, how do you break your machine down and store it for the next time? And what if you need to store your pressure washer for winter? As the premier provider of hot and cold water pressure washers in Houston, Hotsy of Houston is here to help you navigate proper power washer storage. We’ll explore all the pressure washer storage ideas you need to know. Whether you decide to invest in a machine or just need to rent a unit for a few weeks to eradicate stubborn stains, we’ve got you covered.

First things first, why is it critical to learn how to store a pressure washer in the first place?

The Importance of Proper Pressure Washer Storage

Once you’ve decided to switch from manual cleaning to teaching your staff how to use a pressure washer to streamline cleaning tasks, you’ll need to know how to store a pressure washer. This ensures it will stay in top condition for years, maximizing the value of your investment.

Over time, safely storing pressure washers can save expenses compared to paying pressure washer rental costs every time your business needs cleaning.

Preventing Damage and Extending Lifespan

Properly grasping these pressure washer storage ideas is a critical part of how to maintain a pressure washer. If your power washer is incorrectly stored, it can quickly accumulate damage from temperature fluctuations, excess moisture, or corrosion.

The damage caused by improper storage can quickly add up over time. For example, failing to drain your pump and hoses completely will cause the excess water to damage your device, especially during the winter.

Over time, a lack of proper power washer storage will cause dangerous cracks, rust, and ruptures that can render your machine useless long before its typical lifespan.

Importance of Storage in Maintaining Performance

Even the best commercial pressure washers are vulnerable when stored in poor environmental conditions. Environmental wear and tear impacts your ability to eradicate stubborn stains.

Let’s return to our example of excess moisture in the pump and hoses of your machine. This water buildup can cause your seals and valves to dry out and become brittle due to water erosion, directly impacting performance.

Additionally, mineral buildup can clog your components and interfere with cleaning. Understanding this guide’s pressure washer storage ideas will help keep your machine pristine.

How to Store a Pressure Washer: Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Storing a Pressure Washer

Now that you know the impact proper procedures can have on the lifespan of your devices, it’s time to explore our pressure washer storage ideas in full detail. It is critical to ensure every employee in your business understands this checklist.

Gather your materials. You will need a spacious storage area, a fuel stabilizer for gas machines, and a tarp for your device.
For gas engines, you’ll begin by adding a fuel stabilizer to the tank. This will prevent the breakdown of any excess gas which could hinder the components.
Clear the tank of fuel by detaching the tank and letting the engine run for up to 5 minutes.
Turn off your machine and drain all the water from the pump by detaching the hose.
Disconnect and drain all accessories, including hoses and spray wands.
Rinse your soap tank with clean water to clear leftover detergent.
Store and cover your machine in a sheltered space with all your accessories, soaps, and equipment.

While the checklist is a great beginner’s guide to how to store a pressure washer, there are a few specifics we should explore further.

Ideal Storage Locations: Indoor vs Outdoor Considerations

So you have the basics down, but just like in real estate, there’s a critical factor to consider: location, location, location.

The best location for storing pressure washers will depend on your available space and climate. Indoor areas like small sheds, offices, or basements can shield your device from elements but may be impractical for larger devices.

Conversely, outdoor locations must have enough protection from precipitation, extreme temperature changes, and direct sunlight. In either case, we recommend storing pressure washers in an elevated position to prevent any flooding in case of excess water.

Once you’ve found an ideal spot for pressure washer storage, we encourage you to mark the area to ensure you and your team are all on the same page.

Correct Positioning and Protective Covering

Another crucial part of learning how to store a pressure washer is figuring out the best way to position your device. While the ideal position could vary based on your specific machine, there are some general best practices to consider.

Position your machine upright on its wheels or base for maximum stability. From there, you’ll take your protective covering like a tarp, placing it over the entire machine. Be sure the material is breathable enough to prevent any moisture buildup over time.

Once the tarp is on, secure it with rope or bungee cords, especially if you use an area susceptible to wind.

Tips for Storing Accessories and Attachments

Now that your machine is stored correctly, you’ll want to care for your accessories and extra equipment.

We recommend a nearby area with a toolbox, storage container, or pegboard to organize your nozzles, brushes, and extension wands. You should also clearly label each of your accessories and brief employees on specific use cases for specialized gear.

This is especially vital when storing your pressure washer detergent. By clearly labeling each soap, you can save time and ensure employees understand what kind of soap to use for pressure washers.

These storage tips even apply to pressure washing gear. You can also store safety gear like goggles, gloves, and pressure washing boots to encourage a safer work environment.

Consider The Specifics of Your Machine!

While we’ve covered the basics, understanding tips for your specific machine can help you further avoid storage damage.

Several pressure washer types are available on the market, including gas vs electric power washers and hot water vs cold water pressure washers. Your business needs may require multiple machines, so you must ensure your employees understand storage procedures for each device.

Gas pressure washers require emptying the gas tank and stabilizing fuel before long-term storage. Compared to electric pressure washers, many of these devices are also larger and could require outdoor storage in a garage rather than in an office space.’

While electric pressure washers are simpler to manage, you still need to ensure any power cords are appropriately coiled and organized.

Hot and cold water devices have similar routines during the summer, but the winter months require specific procedures. Hot water machines contain a water heater and temperature systems that must be drained and flushed with antifreeze to avoid climate-based damage.

Speaking of cold weather, we’ll cover the winterization process in further detail next!

Seasonal Considerations: Storing a Pressure Washer in Winter Specifically

Learning how to store a pressure washer in the winter requires a few more steps to avoid any long-term damage. These tips are helpful even with cold water pressure washers or for businesses in climates with mild winters, as any sudden temperature dip can be disastrous for your device’s lifespan.

Protecting Your Equipment from Freezing Temperatures

You should disconnect all water sources and spray accessories and check for a thorough drain. A helpful way to ensure proper drainage is to thoroughly flush the pump and water system with antifreeze. While most types of antifreeze for plumbing or vehicles will suffice, check with your manufacturer for specific recommendations.

Necessary Steps for Cold Weather Storage

Here’s a quick checklist for winterizing your machine.

Drain your device entirely, including accessories and internal components.
Use antifreeze to flush your pump and water tanks.
For gas engines, fill your tank, then add a fuel stabilizer to avoid condensation.
Store your machine in an insulated area with temperatures above freezing.
Cover your machine and insulate any exposed tubes.

Getting Your Unit Back Up and Running After Long-Term Power Washer Storage

After reading this guide on how to store a pressure washer, there’s another key thing for you and your staff to learn: how to get your machine running again!

Steps for Re-commissioning After Prolonged Storage

These steps will look similar to our pressure washer storage guide, only in reverse.

Remove any coverings and ropes.
Inspect the machine for any cracks or leaks and repair them as needed.
Perform maintenance tasks like oil changes for gas units and test your spark plugs, air filters, and pumps.
Run your pump dry to flush lines of any excess moisture
Drain old antifreeze and fill your tanks with fresh water.

Inspecting for Potential Issues

As part of your inspections, you want to watch for any damage from storage. Test your machine for leaks or cracks in the pump, hoses, and tanks. You must also watch for mineral build-up within these components.

By taking the extra time to look for potential problems, you can get them fixed and avoid additional damage.

Final Thoughts on How to Store a Pressure Washer

Storing a pressure washer may be a simple process, but every step in these instructions is crucial to the long-term health of your device.

Properly storing pressure washers is only part of ensuring your appliance lasts decades. The other way to extend a pressure washer’s lifespan is to buy or rent a pressure washer from the most trusted name in the industry: Hotsy!

Hotsy of Houston is the #1 dealer for sales and pressure washer rentals in Houston. Our team of Houston residents has decades of combined experience in the industry. We pair that knowledge with Hotsy machines that have earned their reputation over five decades of helping businesses eradicate stubborn stains.

Our inventory of cold and hot water pressure washers for sale in Houston contains a machine for nearly every stain, from vehicle debris to grease and oil stains and even biofilm for maritime businesses.

Hotsy of Houston is also the #1 home for pressure washer repair in Houston, including Hotsy Warranty servicing and pressure washer parts in Houston for quick fixes.

Our friendly team is available to help you with all your burning questions, from the best soap for power washers and pressure washing pre treatments to the best pressure washer hoses, pressure washer hose length, and other accessories.

Our blog has more resources on topics like pressure washing licenses in Texas, what size pressure washer do I need, and how to use soap with a pressure washer.

So whether you are looking for a pressure washer trailer for sale in Texas, help with pressure washer trailer setup, or need advice on how to store your machine, Hotsy of Houston is here to help. Contact us by email, phone at (832) 968-WASH(9274), or visit our Pasadena location.

And if you’re ready to shop for a new commercial pressure washer in Houston, there’s only one thing left to do. Reach out to us today to begin streamlining how your business handles cleaning!

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

Pressure Washer GPM: What is GPM on Pressure Washer?

Deciding to switch from hand scrubbing and manual cleaning to pressure washing is an excellent decision for any business. However, there’s much to consider in finding the best commercial power washer.

Among the vital decisions you must make is figuring out an ideal pressure washer GPM. This choice will directly impact your ability to tackle the tough stains your business regularly encounters quickly.

So, what is a good GPM for pressure washers, anyway?

From what GPM means to why more isn’t always best, we’ll explore all you need to know about GPM on pressure washers.

What is GPM on Pressure Washer?

Before we discuss the ideal pressure washer GPM for your needs, we must first establish what it means and why it’s so important. Because the GPM on pressure washers directly impacts the flow of water from your machine, finding the right setting is critical for promptly accomplishing your cleaning tasks.

What Does GPM Mean on a Pressure Washer?

Pressure washer GPM stands for gallons per minute. This refers to how much water flows from your pressure washer through the wand or nozzle.

Functionally, the more GPM you have on a pressure washer, the more water you can use to tackle tough stains. This attribute also pairs with another vital rating, PSI, to determine your overall cleaning ability.

Why Does Pressure Washer GPM Matter?

But why is the volume of water in a pressure washer so important?

Higher pressure washer GPM ratings mean you will have a faster flow of water, which has a few crucial effects.

Adequate water flow is required to remove dirt, grime, and debris. Higher GPM on pressure washers helps your machine flood these problem stains, quickly washing them out. In addition to power, finding a suitable GPM for your machine can also provide an easier cleaning experience.

More water flow allows you to cover larger surface areas without waiting for your pump to refill. This helps avoid any delays in cleaning and helps your business stay on schedule. Higher GPM ratings are also more suitable for specialized wash tools like wide-angle wands, providing enough volume to rinse away soapy residues adequately.

Okay, so what is a good GPM for a pressure washer? We’ll explore exactly that in the next section.

What is a Good GPM for a Pressure Washer? How Many GPM for Pressure Washer is Ideal For Your Unique Needs

The optimal pressure washer GPM for your business can vary significantly based on your overall needs. For example, the GPM you need for pressure washing commercial buildings is higher than if you are managing a fleet of commercial vehicles.

Why More Isn’t Always Better

While you may be tempted to get the most powerful pressure washer possible to cover all your bases, going overboard could be overkill. Using a pressure washer with an excessively high GPM can lead to oversaturated or damaged surfaces, issues with pressure, and extra wear and tear on your machine.

Because GPM affects the water flow rate, high values will lead to surfaces staying wet for longer. This can lead to streaking or soapy residues, which can be visually unpleasant or harmful to surfaces like vehicles, decks, and walls.

You must also balance GPM with pressure. If your pump devotes too much energy to water flow without sufficient pressure, you will oversaturate your stains without clearing them.

Higher GPM machines also have additional quality-of-life considerations at play. These machines are often larger, requiring larger pumps, extra fuel or electric power, and wear out easier over the long run.

Identifying the Ideal GPM Range for Different Industrial Uses

With many different types of pressure washers available, striking the perfect balance of GPM comes down to the kinds of stains common to your operations. Let’s look at some of the most common use cases companies run into and find an ideal GPM for each one.

Cars and Delicate Machinery: Excess water can damage these delicate surfaces, so we recommend aiming for anywhere from 1 to 2 GPM for these tasks.

Decks, Fences, Siding: These areas are often made of lighter material but require extra volume to clean quickly. 2 to 3 GPM is a good fit.

Concrete and Brick: Debris can get stuck in flooring or walls made of these materials, but 3 to 4 GPM will provide enough oomph to get the job done.

Industrial Equipment and Heavy Machinery: If you want to quickly clean industrial equipment and other types of heavy machinery, including large vehicles like semi-trucks, you’ll want anywhere from 4 to 6 GPM.

When in Doubt, Reach Out!

Finding an appropriate GPM setting for your business is best done with the help of a professional. A knowledgeable person in the pressure washer industry can work with you to analyze specific cleaning needs, ranging from biofilm for maritime companies to food debris and grease for food manufacturing plants.

If you need help, contact our team at Hotsy of Houston by phone or email! We’ll listen to your needs and come up with an action plan. This can also be a helpful way to decide between buying vs renting a pressure washer. We can help you determine if you should rent a machine with a specialized GPM for specific debris or opt for a pressure washer for the long term to help with your most common stains.

More Tips on Choosing Your Pressure Washer Beyond GPM

Now that you know how GPM on pressure washers works and what to look for while shopping, there are a few other factors to consider. Everything from what soap to use for pressure washers to which type of motor or what pressure rating will affect how you clean and your maintenance requirements.

The Relationship Between GPM and PSI

GPM and PSI go together like bread and butter. You’ll need to find an ideal setting to manage your cleaning tasks quickly and effectively.

PSI stands for pressure per square inch. This will directly affect how powerful your stream of water is. The higher your pressure washer PSI, the greater your odds of breaking down stubborn stains.

The two qualities have a complementary relationship, where insufficient amounts in either can spell disaster to your cleaning potential. A low PSI machine with a high GPM will lead to excess water flow that doesn’t clear stains. High PSI with low GPM will lead to a powerful stream… with barely enough water to reach a stain, much less wash it away.

Generally, you want to pair PSI and GPM with similar values of each:

1,500-2,000 PSI is suitable for light tasks around 1 to 2 GPM
2,000-2,500 PSI for tasks like decks, siding, and walls up to 3 GPM
Over 2,500 PSI for machines over 3 GPM

Considering Other Key Features: Durability, Mobility, and Temperature Control

There are other vital factors to weigh when shopping for a pressure washer.

Pressure washer sizing & Mobility: Considering the size of your pressure washer is essential to ensure you can accomplish cleaning tasks smoothly. Look for machines with trailers, lightweight designs, and large tires to effectively maneuver around your commercial and industrial spaces while cleaning.

Electric pressure washer vs gas: The type of motor in your machine will affect many factors, including your pressure washer GPM. Gas models are more powerful with higher PSI and GPM on average, making them better for heavy-duty jobs in most cases. Electric models are easier on energy cost and more convenient for smaller tasks.

Hot vs cold water pressure washer: The temperature of your water also plays a factor depending on your local climate. Hot water pressure washers have slightly lower GPM and PSI since some of the pump’s energy is diverted to heat water. However, heated models benefit from maintaining effectiveness even during the winter.

The Importance of Accessories and Soap

Outside of your machine, you also want to make sure every box is checked off of your pressure washing equipment list. You’ll want to learn how to use a pressure washer with soap, including finding specialized soaps for various types of stains.

For example, Hotsy Brown detergent is renowned across the industry for defeating tough stains like road film and exhaust, but you may want something lighter like Hotsy Transport for your vehicles.

Be sure to grab a reliable pressure washing pre treatment as well to prepare your surfaces for cleaning.

You’ll also want to invest in specialized accessories like nozzles or wands to reach tough areas, like the Hotsy Surface Cleaner, for getting under machines and cabinets.

And don’t forget safety equipment, like goggles, gloves, and boots for pressure washing to promote a safe workspace while cleaning.

Find the Perfect Commercial Pressure Washing Solution at Hotsy of Houston!

The #1 home for industrial and commercial hot water pressure washers in Houston is Hotsy of Houston. We are proud to be one of the largest Hotsy dealers in the United States while staying true to our hometown roots in Southeast Texas.

But why choose the Hotsy brand in the first place?

As the most storied company in the industry, Hotsy has built a powerful reputation over 50 years thanks to durable and effective machines that easily tackle tough stains. Hotsy is trusted by companies across several industries, from McDonald’s and Sonic to HEB and Bobcat.

Our team of Houston natives has over a hundred years of combined experience working in the pressure-washing industry. Whether you are looking for hot or cold water pressure washers in Houston, you can shop confidently, knowing our friendly team will guide you toward the perfect fit for your business.

Hotsy also carries soaps and accessories that can help you hone in on specific cleaning tasks unique to your business. You can find the best soap for pressure washers with us, whether it is something like Hotsy Transport for a vehicle fleet or Hotsy Carbochlor for a food manufacturing plant.

You can also find a variety of nozzles for specific tasks, like the Hotsy Surface Cleaner for floors or the Hotsy Foam Cannon for vehicles.

If you prefer to try before you buy, Hotsy of Houston is also the best place for commercial pressure washer rental in Houston. We will help you find the perfect machine and pressure washer detergent for the job, including offering pressure washer trailers in Houston for large-scale projects.

And while Hotsy machines have a longer lifespan than other models on the market, we still recommend a little TLC to keep them at their peak. To help with your pressure washer maintenance routines, Hotsy of Houston also provides pressure washer repair in Houston and pressure washer parts in Houston.

Whether you are looking to buy, rent, or just want advice on the best pressure washer GPM setting for a specific type of debris, our Hotsy of Houston team is ready to help.

Final Thoughts on Pressure Washer GPM

Before you shop for a Hotsy pressure washer to tackle those pesky stains, let’s briefly recap our discussion. What is GPM on pressure washers, and how many GPM for pressure washers should you look for when shopping?

Pressure washer GPM is a vital quality that directly impacts cleaning ability and speed. The GPM on pressure washers stands for gallons per minute, signifying the water flow rate your machine can produce. Finding an ideal GPM on pressure washers requires you to assess your cleaning needs, as lighter tasks like vehicles and patios will need less GPM than heavy-duty tasks like concrete or machinery.

Check out our blog if you enjoyed learning how many GPM for pressure washers is ideal. Our latest guides include homemade pressure washer trailer setup, do I need a license to start a pressure washing business, the best hoses for pressure washers, ideal pressure washer hose lengths, the cost to rent a pressure washer, and how to store a pressure washer.

Otherwise, now that you understand how GPM on pressure washers works, all that is left is to start shopping! If you’re looking for a commercial or industrial pressure washer in Houston, Hotsy of Houston has your back.

Visit us at our store located off the Pasadena freeway, call us at (832) 968-WASH(9274), or shoot us an email at [email protected] to start the process of buying or renting a pressure washer for your business.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

Different Types of Pressure Washers: Buying Guide to Choosing the Right Machine

The world of pressure washers is both vast and intricate, with choices that can seem daunting to even the most informed buyer.

Should you harness the fiery efficiency of hot pressure washers or the cool precision of cold water machines?

Will the roaring power of gas-driven machines help you optimize your cleaning process or should you rely on the quiet hum of electric variants?

Do you need the rugged capability & versatility of trailer-based units ready to tackle any location?

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers in this pressure washer buying guide. We’ll unpack all the different types of pressure washers and guide you through choosing the one that will elevate your company’s cleanliness and productivity.

The best part? Once you have a grasp on what suits your needs, we’re here to equip you with the perfect commercial pressure washer in Houston tailored just for you. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of pressure washer types below!

The Different Types of Pressure Washers Explained

Pressure washers can be categorized in a few different ways:

Water temperature

Power source

Mobility

Each of the common pressure washer types has its place, but only one is right for you. So, let’s find out which style that is by highlighting the 5 most common types of pressure washers below in our pressure washer buying guide.

Electric Pressure Washers

Electric pressure washers have become a staple in light-duty commercial settings and for good reason. Here’s a deeper look at the unique benefits of these silent, efficient operators:

Efficiency and Quiet Operation: Electric pressure washers produce minimal noise, unlike their gas counterparts. This makes them ideal for residential areas or indoor spaces where noise can be a concern. The tranquility they offer ensures you maintain a peaceful environment while still getting the cleaning job done.
Eco-Friendly: Electric pressure washers are the green choice with no emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. This eco-friendly nature appeals to many businesses that are keen on sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact.
Ease of Use and Maintenance: This style typically requires less maintenance than gas-powered units because it has fewer moving parts and no need to refuel. They’re also lighter and easier to move around.

However, it’s essential to note that while electric pressure washers are convenient, they might lack the raw power required for some heavy-duty tasks.

Their reliance on electricity means they aren’t as portable as some might need, especially in areas without easy access to power outlets. If you’re trying to clean construction equipment in a job site or power wash a parking lot you’ll have to deal with the hassle of extension cords and limited mobility.

Gas Pressure Washers

Gas pressure washers offer raw power and are designed for rigorous tasks. Here’s why these machines are the go-to for many industrial use cases:

Unparalleled Power: Gas pressure washers pack a punch. Their high PSI (pounds per square inch) output ensures they can tackle even the most stubborn dirt and grime, making them perfect for commercial settings or heavy-duty tasks.
Portability: Gas pressure washers aren’t tethered to a power source so they offer a level of portability that electric units can’t match. Whether you’re cleaning a remote construction site or moving across vast agricultural fields, these units go wherever the job demands.
Durability: These are built for demanding environments as they often come with robust construction and features that enhance their lifespan, ensuring they can withstand the tests of time and terrain.

However, gas pressure washers require more regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter checks. They’re also louder and produce emissions, factors to consider based on where and how you plan to use them. In that sense, they aren’t the best choice for indoor jobs.

Hot Water Pressure Washers

When you think of the most robust cleaning solution a heated power washer likely comes to mind. What is a hot water pressure used for, though?

While cold water can displace dirt, hot water pressure washers bring the additional advantage of heat to break down stubborn substances, offering a deeper level of cleanliness.

Deep Cleaning and Sanitizing: Heat is an excellent solvent. When combined with pressure, it can dissolve greasy residues, oils, and other sticky materials more effectively than cold water alone. This makes hot water pressure washers especially useful in industries like automotive, food processing, or any setting with oil and grease buildups.
Faster Results: Hot water not only cleans more thoroughly but also quicker. The heat accelerates the cleaning process, reducing the amount of pressure washer detergent needed and thereby saving time and resources.
Sanitation Benefits: Beyond mere cleaning, hot water kills bacteria and germs, ensuring surfaces are sanitized – a boon for industries that require hygienic environments.
Safer for Delicate Surfaces: Operators can use less pressure (PSI) to achieve the same clean when relying on a heated water source. This can be bolstered even further by the use of detergents. In essence, you can project delicate surfaces like windows and paint from too aggressive of a water jet.

However, the complexity of heating mechanisms means hot water pressure washers might need more maintenance than their cold water counterparts.

That being said, when you get an industrial hot water pressure washer in Houston at Hotsy you don’t have to stress about maintenance. We can get you set up on a service plan that protects your investment while eliminating stress.

Cold Water Pressure Washers

Cold water pressure washers are versatile, making them suitable for a variety of general cleaning tasks. They’re the everyday cleaning champions for messes that don’t contain grease, oil, or other sticky, hard-to-eradicate contaminants. Here’s why:

Versatility: From cleaning a vehicle fleet to restoring your building’s siding, cold water pressure washers handle a wide range of everyday tasks with ease.
Cost-effective: These are a go-to for businesses looking for efficient cleaning without the added expense of heating mechanisms as they’re generally more affordable than hot water variants.
Simplicity and Durability: With fewer components to worry about, cold water pressure washers are often more straightforward and durable, resulting in potentially lower maintenance needs.

It’s important to remember, though, that while they’re adept at handling many tasks, cold water pressure washers might not be the best choice for tasks that involve sticky residues or sanitization. They lack the efficiency and efficacy a hot water pressure washer offers.

That being said, maybe your business doesn’t need the most robust cleaning solution – just something that cleans light messes fast. And for that, an industrial cold water pressure washer may suit you perfectly.

Pressure Washer Trailers

Maybe your business doesn’t have a water source on site – or your cleaning needs take you on the go. If so, pressure washer trailers are a godsend. They combine the power of pressure washers with the mobility of a trailer. The benefits of this cleaning solution include:

High Mobility: Designed for professionals who need to clean at various locations, these trailers allow you to bring your cleaning power wherever it’s needed, from construction sites to large commercial properties.
All-in-One Solution: These trailers often come equipped with water tanks, pressure washing units, and storage areas for detergents and tools—everything a professional could need for on-the-spot cleaning.
Customizable: Many providers, including Hotsy of Houston, offer customization options, ensuring you have the perfect setup tailored to your business’s unique requirements.

Pressure washer trailers can be a significant investment given their comprehensive nature. There is also the challenge of storing these when not in use as they can be quite large.

However, the convenience and efficiency they offer can quickly offset the initial costs for businesses that frequently shift locations.

And, as with all the pressure washer types, you can count on us if you’re in the market for a pressure washer trailer for sale in Houston. That being said, let’s progress this pressure washer buying guide to help you figure out what type of pressure washer makes the most sense for your business.

Pressure Washer Buying Guide: What Type of Pressure Washer Do I Need?

Selecting the right type of pressure washer for your needs requires you to align your specific cleaning needs with the unique benefits of one of the different pressure washer types.

The perfect pressure washer for you should be the intersection of how tough the messes are that your company faces, available power sources, and how mobile you need the equipment to be. Our pressure washer buyer guide will help you navigate all these considerations below.

Understanding Your Cleaning Needs

Before anything else, identify what you’ll be cleaning most often. Different tasks necessitate different types of pressure washers.

Intensity of Cleaning: If you’re dealing with stubborn grime, oil, or need sanitation, a hot water pressure washer is your best bet. On the other hand, for everyday tasks like cleaning vehicles or patios, a cold water pressure washer will suffice.
Frequency of Use: If you’re using the machine daily for heavy-duty tasks, you’d want a robust, industrial-grade unit. Conversely, for occasional cleaning, a residential model could be more appropriate.
Surfaces to Clean: Delicate surfaces might require adjustable pressure settings to avoid damage, while rugged surfaces might need higher pressures to ensure effective cleaning.

Considering the Power Source

Choosing between an electric or gas powered unit depends on where you plan to use the washer and the availability of power sources. Here is a quick recap of where each type of machine works best:

Electric Pressure Washers: These are quieter, emit no fumes, and are perfect for indoor use or in areas with accessible electrical outlets. Remember, they typically offer lower pressure compared to gas models but are often more than sufficient for light cleaning tasks.
Gas Pressure Washers: Ideal for places without electricity or for more powerful washing needs. They can be used virtually anywhere outdoors as they just need fuel.

Our thorough breakdown between electric pressure washer vs gas powered machines offers more insights on the subtle nuances in the two styles. That being said, let’s look at another critical crossroads: hot vs cold machines.

Temperature Matters: Hot vs Cold

The choice between hot and cold water in pressure washing requires you to consider the nature of the common cleaning jobs you have.

We touched on the main differences between hot vs cold water pressure washer briefly above and we also have a more thorough conversation comparing the two if you’re interested. But, here is what it really boils down to:

Hot Water Pressure Washers: Hot water is effective for removing oil, grease, and other tough stains. The heat reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix more easily with detergents and penetrate grime more effectively. Moreover, hot water sanitizes surfaces, which is essential in industries like food processing.
Cold Water Pressure Washers: These are ideal for removing dirt, mud, and everyday stains. They are generally more energy-efficient as they don’t heat the water, making them suitable for routine cleaning tasks.

If you have really robust cleaning needs it’s worth investing in a hot water unit. However, if you just need to tidy up every so often and dust off equipment or sidewalks, a cold water unit will get the job done at a fraction of the cost and with less maintenance.

Evaluating Portability Requirements

Beyond just factoring in the availability of power, where you clean influences if you need the mobility of a trailer or not.

And even if you don’t need a full-fledged trailer, you may need a pressure washer that can be attached to the back of an ATV for fieldwork. If nothing else, you may at least need a pressure washer with castors on it to move around a large warehouse with ease.

That being said, here are the factors to consider when navigating portability needs:

Stationary Use: If you’re planning to use the washer primarily in one location, such as a fixed car wash station, then portability might not be a primary concern.
Frequent Movement: Consider models with wheels or even pressure washer trailers for cleaning tasks across a large property or various sites. The latter provides an all-in-one mobile solution, allowing you to clean on the go without any hassle.
Storage: Don’t forget to consider where you’ll be storing the unit. Some models are more compact, or have foldable designs, making them easier to store when not in use.

Efficiency and Efficacy: PSI & GPM

Two key metrics define a pressure washer’s power: PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and GPM (Gallons per Minute). It’s important that you recognize the role each of these play in your power washer’s performance:

PSI: This indicates the pressure of the water. A higher PSI means the water stream is more forceful and effective for tougher cleaning tasks.
GPM: This measures the volume of water a unit dispenses. A higher GPM can help complete tasks faster as it covers more area in less time.

Remember, the right balance between PSI and GPM is vital. While high PSI can remove stubborn dirt, it might damage delicate surfaces. Meanwhile, a suitable GPM ensures efficient cleaning without wasting water.

This is something that, as with all aspects of our pressure washer buying guide, requires careful analysis of your cleaning needs. If you’re in the Houston region it’s something we can help you navigate with more certainty – so don’t hesitate to reach out!

Safety and Additional Features

A pressure washer’s built-in safety mechanisms and added features can significantly enhance the user experience, ensure user safety, and optimize cleaning tasks. Here are a few to look for in choosing the best type of pressure washer for your needs:

Safety Locks and Guards: Modern pressure washers come with trigger locks to prevent unintended activation. Protective guards around nozzles and other components protect the user from potential hot water or steam burns and prevent unintentional contact with high-pressure streams.
Detergent Tanks: Integrated detergent tanks or injection systems allow for the use of cleaning agents. This feature enhances the cleaning process, especially for stubborn stains or when sanitization is a priority.
Adjustable PSI/GPM: Some high-end models offer adjustable PSI and GPM settings. This gives users the flexibility to change the force and volume of water as per the cleaning requirement, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.
Interchangeable Nozzles & Tips: Different cleaning tasks might require different water stream types. Having a set of interchangeable nozzles can offer a range of stream intensities and angles, from pinpoint jets to wide-angle sprays.
Thermal Protection: Overheating can damage the pump. Thermal relief systems or automatic shutdown features can protect the unit when it gets too hot or when left running for extended periods without triggering the spray.
Hose Reels: A built-in hose reel simplifies storage and ensures that the hose isn’t left lying around, minimizing tripping hazards.
On-board Storage: Compartments or hooks for storing tools, nozzles, and other accessories keep everything within arm’s reach and help in organizing.
Water Filter: A built-in filter can protect the pump and nozzle from potential damage from debris in the water source.
Anti-Vibration System: This feature can be a blessing, especially in more powerful units. It reduces the wear and tear on the machine and offers a more comfortable user experience.

Trust Hotsy of Houston No Matter Which of the Pressure Washer Types Your Business Needs!

Hotsy of Houston brings over 40 years of experience in this industry to the table – meaning you can rest assured you’re working with a partner you can trust.

Our expansive selection, from the best commercial pressure washer to the best soap for pressure washers, is unmatched. We also offer a full range of pressure washer parts in Houston if you’re interested in supercharging your cleaning process all around.

But, we don’t just sell you the products you need to keep your company clean and productive. We even offer pressure washer rental in Houston if you only need a machine every so often.

And whether you’re buying or renting you can expect world-class customer service every step of the way. Our seasoned team is eager to offer tailored advice that ensures you select the perfect unit with confidence.

Once you do, our dedicated pressure washer service in Houston promises your equipment’s optimal performance for years. Choose Hotsy of Houston – where quality and service come standard no matter which of the pressure washer types is right for you.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Pressure Washer Types

That concludes our pressure washer buyers guide. Hopefully, you have a clearer understanding of which of the pressure washer types best suits your business.

From the sheer power of gas pressure washers to the quiet efficiency of electric ones, and the deep clean of hot water systems to the convenience of cold water variants, every type has its unique advantages tailored to specific cleaning demands. And let’s not forget the mobility of pressure washer trailers.

If you’re interested in learning more beyond our pressure washer buyers guide, our blog has resources on using soap with a pressure washer, renting vs buying a pressure washer, what soap to use in a pressure washer, and a whole lot more.

Otherwise, it’s time to take what you’ve learned and find the right type of pressure washer for your unique needs. Partner with Hotsy of Houston and lean on our expertise to guide you to the perfect fit for your business.

by Keval Shah

Hotsy

How to Build a Pressure Washer Trailer Setup

A mobile pressure washing trailer is a godsend when your company’s cleaning needs take you on the go and you never know if you’ll have a water source nearby.

Texas businesses are increasingly interested in learning how to build a pressure washer trailer setup. And the allure is undeniable – imagine the savings, the customization, and the satisfaction of building it with your own two hands.

Yet, the reality of building a pressure washing trailer is that you’ll encounter challenges that may end up costing you more in the long run. Moreover, your cleaning capabilities may be compromised when undertaking the DIY pressure washer trailer setup.

That’s why our advice is to invest in the best from the start. Save yourself the time, hassle, and costs by discovering how our selection of pressure washer trailers in Houston can elevate your company’s cleaning processes.

However, if you’re sold on learning how to build a pressure washing trailer, you’re in luck. We’ll still guide you through the process below.

The Appeal of Building a Pressure Washer Trailer Setup

First things first – why would you need to consider building a pressure washer trailing setup in the first place?

Companies with in-house cleaning needs can get by with a stationary pressure washer. However, those whose cleaning needs take them on the go can greatly benefit from a more mobile solution.

The Rise of Mobile Cleaning

Businesses and homeowners alike find value in services that come to them rather than the other way around. This has given birth to the rise of mobile cleaning, wherein the cleaning service, complete with all its equipment, moves from site to site, providing spotless results wherever it goes.

The benefits of such mobility are manifold. For one, it negates the need to transport grimy items or surfaces to a cleaning station, making it particularly useful for large items or structures like buildings, vehicles, or equipment.

Additionally, mobile cleaning solutions such as pressure washer trailers can service multiple locations in a single day, amplifying the potential for business operations and increasing convenience for residential needs.

It also eliminates a huge pain point of trying to find a water source in remote locations. From construction sites to oil rigs to farms and other rural areas, bringing the water source to the job with you makes this a concern of the past.

The Allure of Customization

Building your own pressure washing trailer setup means having the liberty to pick every component, every nozzle, and every feature that fits precisely into what you envision for your operations.

This kind of customization allows you to cater to specific cleaning requirements that might not be met by off-the-shelf products. Moreover, there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with creating something from scratch.

This sentiment often resonates with DIY enthusiasts who love the challenge of piecing together their own equipment. Such a project can provide a deep understanding of the mechanics of the machinery, potentially aiding in troubleshooting issues down the line.

The Shortcomings of a Homemade Pressure Washer Trailer Setup

While the prospect of building a pressure washer trailer might be tantalizing, it’s essential to weigh the allure against the practicalities and potential pitfalls of such an undertaking.

Time and Effort

Pressure washer trailers are mainly used in industrial settings. And while the business uses cases for mobile cleaning are vast, all these companies share one common trait: time is money to them.

Building a pressure washer trailer requires a significant time investment. From researching the right parts, sourcing them, and then actually assembling everything, the process can be long-winded. This means downtime where you’re not serving clients or generating revenue.

In this sense, building a pressure washing trailer is not a sound financial investment. In fact, you’re better off spending that money on a professional pressure washing trailer setup and paying for the purchase by focusing on core business activities.

Possible Safety Risks

One of the more overlooked aspects of DIY projects, especially ones involving high-pressure equipment, is safety. Commercially-produced pressure washer trailers adhere to strict safety guidelines and undergo rigorous testing before they’re deemed ready for market use.

Thus, there’s a risk of overlooking crucial safety features when building a pressure washing trailer without the right expertise or knowledge of industry standards.

This can lead to hazards both during the construction phase and when the machine is operational, risking injury or damage. You’re paying for peace of mind when you invest in a professional setup.

Cost Overruns

While many undertake DIY projects hoping to save on costs, these endeavors can often become more expensive than anticipated. There’s always the chance of making errors, needing to buy additional or replacement parts, or discovering halfway through that a different component would have been more suitable.

These cost overruns, combined with the potential loss of earnings from time spent on the project, can make the DIY route a more expensive endeavor than initially projected.

Just imagine the frustration of building a pressure washer trailer to save money only to end up spending more in the long run!

Shortcomings in Lifespan and Performance

The longevity and performance of DIY pressure washer trailer setups can’t compete with professionally manufactured units.

Commercial trailers are built to last, using materials and components tested under extreme conditions. A DIY pressure washing trailer, while built with enthusiasm and effort, might not stand the test of time in the same way, requiring more frequent repairs or replacements.

In terms of cleaning efficacy and efficiency, a professional setup will also outperform its DIY pressure washer trailer counterpart. Think about it like this – your business’s reputation is influenced by cleanliness and productivity. So why would you settle for less than the best?

How to Build a Pressure Washer Trailer Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

We’ve come to realize that building a pressure washing trailer setup rarely ends up being the right move for businesses through our 40 years of experience and counting.

Nevertheless, we respect your tenacity and are going to walk you through the basics of how to build a pressure washer trailer step by step below. That being said, we do encourage you to research further before undertaking this complex DIY project.

Step 1: Choosing Your Trailer Base

The foundation of your mobile cleaning unit starts with the right trailer. It’s essential to consider factors like:

Size: You’ll need a trailer that can comfortably house the pressure washer, water storage tanks, hose reels, and other accessories. Ensure ample space, but also think about the size’s effect on maneuverability and storage when not in use. All of this will depend on the scope of your cleaning tasks.
Weight Capacity: Your trailer must handle the weight of all the equipment, including a full water tank. Always account for the maximum capacity when assessing potential trailer bases.
Construction Material: You’ll want a trailer made from durable, rust-resistant materials, ensuring longevity even in damp conditions. There’s no denying the daunting financial undertaking of buying or building a pressure washer trailer setup, but it’s worth investing in quality from the start – trust us.
Tire Quality: Good tires are crucial. Ensure they’re robust enough to handle the loaded weight and have a tread suitable for various terrains. After all, you’re likely building a pressure washing trailer setup to visit remote sites without paved roads.

Step 2: Selecting the Right Pressure Washer

Now comes the heart of your setup – the pressure washer. Here’s what to keep in mind in choosing the pressure washer(s) to mount on your trailer:

Type: Pressure washers come in hot and cold variants. While commercial cold water pressure washers are fine for light cleaning tasks like removing dirt and dust, commercial hot water pressure washers can tackle more stubborn grime and grease. Learn more in our breakdown of hot vs cold water pressure washers.
Power Source: As we discuss in our guide to gas vs electric power washers, electric pressure washers are quieter and require less maintenance. But you’re building a mobile pressure washer trailer – which means you may not always have outlets nearby. Thus, your best bet is a gas pressure washer, which can operate anywhere. It’s also going to be more powerful than its electric counterpart.
PSI & GPM Ratings: The cleaning power of your washer is determined by its PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) and GPM (Gallons per Minute). Ensure your chosen washer matches the intensity of the tasks you’ll be undertaking.

Learn more about choosing the best commerical pressure washer for mounting on your trailer in our blog. We also have pressure washer buying guide worth reading.

Step 3: Water Storage

An essential aspect of any DIY pressure washing trailer setup is water storage. This is part of the appeal of these trailers – they have a water source onboard! Here are the key considerations in choosing a water storage solution for your trailer:

Tank Size: Calculate how much water you might need for an average job. It’s always better to have a little extra than run out mid-task.
Tank Material: Opt for materials like polyethylene, which are durable, light, and resistant to algae growth.
Placement: Ensure the tank’s placement on the trailer doesn’t hinder balance or maneuverability. You’ll also want to consider ease of refilling.

Step 4: Hose Management

How you manage the hoses on your DIY pressure washer trailer is crucial. A tangled or improperly stored hose can reduce your operational efficiency, lead to premature wear, and even pose a safety risk. Here are your options pertaining to a homemade pressure washer trailer setup:

Reels: Invest in a quality hose reel. This will allow you to swiftly retract and deploy your hose, saving you time and minimizing wear. Make sure the reel is securely fastened to the trailer, reducing movement during transit.
Length and Diameter: Select an appropriate hose length based on the jobs you foresee. However, remember that longer hoses can reduce water pressure. Balance is key. Also, ensure the hose diameter is consistent with your washer’s specifications.
Material: Opt for a high-quality, kink-resistant hose for longevity. Though they might cost a bit more initially, their durability can save money in the long run.

Step 5: Accessorizing Your Trailer

Accessorizing your homemade pressure washer trailer setup isn’t just about aesthetics or branding, it’s about functionality. The right accessories can significantly enhance the efficiency and versatility of your pressure washer trailer. Here’s how:

Nozzles: Different cleaning tasks may require various nozzles. Having a range will allow you to adjust based on the cleaning surface and desired pressure.
Detergent Tanks: These are invaluable for jobs that need more than water. Ensure it’s easily refillable and can distribute pressure washer detergent uniformly.
Additional Storage: Shelving or toolboxes can be a boon, allowing you to store cleaning agents, spare parts, or other necessary tools.

Step 6: Ensuring Safety and Compliance

Safety shouldn’t be an afterthought. Building a pressure washer trailer that’s not only efficient but also compliant with safety standards is imperative. These are the factors at play:

Weight Considerations: Always ensure that the combined weight of your equipment does not exceed the trailer’s weight capacity. Overloading can be hazardous during transit.
Locking Mechanisms: All equipment, especially the pressure washer and water tanks, should be securely fastened to prevent any movement during operation or transportation.
Emergency Shutoff: Ensure your pressure washer has an easily accessible emergency shutoff. In case of any malfunction, being able to quickly stop the machine is crucial.
Regulations: There might be specific regulations concerning transporting large amounts of water or commercial equipment on the roads depending on your locale. Make sure your trailer is compliant to avoid any legal complications.

Cutting corners here is not an option – and, it’s yet another reason why we don’t advocate for learning how to build a pressure washer trailer.

As we’ve said throughout this conversation, we encourage you to save time and trouble while boosting cleaning performance by partnering with the experts at Hotsy of Houston for a professional pressure washing trailer setup.

Save Time and Trouble While Boosting Cleaning Performance: Building a Pressure Washing Trailer Setup at Hotsy of Houston!

Why shoulder the burdens of guesswork, potential errors, and wasted time associated with building a pressure washing trailer setup when there’s a tried-and-true solution ready for you?

We transform the overwhelming task of building a pressure washing trailer into a streamlined, enjoyable experience at Hotsy of Houston. We’re known as the most trusted Houston pressure washers experts for a reason!

Instead of sifting through endless models and parts, you’ll have a simple form to guide you. You tell us about your mobility preference, be it a truck, trailer, or van. Then, specify the Hotsy pressure washer model that you’ve got your eyes on.

Choose your water tank capacity, decide on hose reel lengths, and pick out those essential add-ons like toolboxes, braking systems, or wastewater recovery options.

Even those often-overlooked yet crucial details, like antifreeze tanks and detergent storage, are on our radar. Add your contact info and we’ll be in touch with the next steps, simplifying what would otherwise be a longwinded stressful process.

Our four decades of unparalleled experience stand testament to our commitment and expertise. We’ve assisted countless businesses in fine-tuning their mobile cleaning setups, ensuring they get the utmost value and performance out of their investment. We hope to do the same for you.

Take the first step to building a pressure washer trailer setup with us by filling out our form today.

Closing Thoughts on How to Build a Pressure Washer Trailer

That concludes our guide on how to build a pressure washer trailer. As you can see, building a pressure washer trailer, while alluring in its customizability, brings with it a slew of challenges.

From the potential risks of DIY setups to the intricacies of ensuring optimal performance, the path is laden with pitfalls. While the DIY pressure washer trailer setup can be an adventure, true peace of mind and peak efficiency lie in trusting experts with years in the field.

For those in the Houston area and beyond, Hotsy of Houston stands ready to partner with you, ensuring you not only get a trailer, but a durable, efficient, and safe mobile cleaning solution.

Our blog has more resources on topics like how to use soap with a pressure washer, renting vs buying pressure washers, hot water pressure washer use cases, what kind of soap to use for a pressure washer, and the best soap for pressure washing.

But why not get started bringing your pressure washing trailer setup to life today at Hotsy? You’re just a few clicks away from transforming the way your company handles remote cleaning!

by Keval Shah