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How Do Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Work?

How Do Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Work?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when thinking about cleaning your entire driveway, an expansive patio, or perhaps even a commercial building. Fortunately, a high-quality pressure washer can speed things up and help you breathe fresh life into any surface.

Alone, though, it may fall short in removing tough grime and stains. That’s where a surface cleaner comes into play. So, how do pressure washer surface cleaners work?

These contain chemicals that can loosen the bonds certain messes can form on a surface - from oils to fats, organic matter, and more. They work well on a variety of surfaces, too.

We’ll walk you through the ins and outs of pairing a surface cleaner with a pressure washer below. You’ll also discover the premier flat surface cleaner selection in the UK at Jennychem. Pair these with an industrial pressure washer and supercharge your cleaning performance!  

How Do Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Work?

So, how do pressure washer surface cleaners work? Let’s start by showing you how pressure washers and surface cleaners work on their own before discussing the dynamic duo they are together.

Overview of Pressure Washers

You’re probably already familiar with pressure washers, also known as power washers. These are powerful cleaning machines designed to remove dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces by using high-pressure water jets.

There are many different types of pressure washers available, but they are most commonly broken down based on PSI - or pounds per square inch. This speaks to the power of their water jet, which ranges from 1,300 for residential applications to over 4,000 for commercial use.

Pressure washers can do everything from cleaning patios to stripping paint on buildings so you can start fresh. They’re incredibly versatile, which is why every home or business should have one. They consist of a few important components:

  • Motor or Engine: Either electric or gas-powered, the motor is what drives the water pump.
  • Water Pump: The pump is responsible for increasing the water pressure and expelling it through a hose.
  • Nozzles and Wands: The nozzles and wands control the water flow, directing it in either a concentrated or broad spray pattern depending on the task.

But, even the best commercial pressure washer in the UK will fall short on its own in certain settings. Let’s look at the other half of today’s cleaning conversation.

Overview of Surface Cleaners

As the name suggests, surface cleaners tackle dirt, grime, and contaminants from various surfaces in the home, industrial, or commercial settings. 

What makes them so versatile is they come in a wide range of formulations to meet different cleaning needs, such as disinfecting surfaces, removing grease, or breaking down stubborn stains. 

This means that choosing the right cleaner is essential not only to make sure the surface is left spotless but also to protect the material itself from the damage that could arise from using harsh chemicals. That being said, here are some of the common types of cleaners:

  • All-Purpose Cleaners: These handle general cleaning needs across all surfaces. They’re formulated to remove light dirt, dust, and stains on surfaces like countertops, sinks, and floors.
  • Degreasers: These are specifically formulated to tackle oil and grease, so you’ll find them used in kitchens and industrial settings where these issues are particularly problematic. They’re often alkaline-based to break down stubborn fats and oils.
  • Disinfectants: These target bacteria, viruses, and germs to sanitize surfaces in healthcare, food service, and public environments, maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of pathogens. Ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol kill germs fast.
  • Glass Cleaners: Specifically designed for transparent surfaces like glass, mirrors, and windows, glass cleaners are formulated to leave a streak-free shine. They often contain alcohol or ammonia to evaporate quickly and ensure a clear finish.
  • Acid-Based Cleaners: These remove mineral deposits, rust, and stains from hard surfaces. The acids break down limescale and soap scum on bathroom tiles, sinks, and metal fixtures. However, they need to be handled carefully due to their corrosive nature.

You can find surface cleaners in concentrated forms that require dilution, which tend to be more cost-effective - but ready-to-use products are common as well.  Whether you're looking for the best patio cleaner or washing up liquid for a kitchen, Jennychem has you covered.

But just like the pressure washer itself, surface cleaners won’t deliver the results you need on their own. So, how do pressure washer surface cleaners work together to supercharge cleaning results and efficiency? 

Pairing Them for the Ultimate Cleaning Efficiency and Results

The best way to clean expansive surfaces is by pairing a pressure washer and a surface cleaner. Each plays its part - the surface cleaner loosens the bonds certain stains have on a surface so the pressure washer can effortlessly blast them away. 

As we explained already, chemical surface cleaners target specific stains and break down grease, grime, mildew, algae, or dirt buildup. These chemicals effectively loosen contaminants, making them easier to wash away. 

Then, a pressure washer can provide the necessary force to rinse away the loosened debris and chemicals from the surface. The high-pressure water stream washes off the dirt, grime, and leftover cleaner, leaving the surface spotless.

Think of it like this - a surface cleaner does all the heavy lifting so a pressure washer can simply reveal a like-new surface. Together, they cut down the time and effort needed to clean stubborn areas.

For example, degreasers are ideal for cleaning oily surfaces like garage floors or driveways, while disinfectants are perfect for sanitizing high-traffic areas such as patios or outdoor furniture. Let’s take a closer look at common uses cases below.

Common Use Cases for Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners

From learning how to clean oil off driveway to how to clean algae from patio, the applications for a pressure washer and surface cleaner are seemingly endless. Here are some of the most common:

  • Driveways and Concrete Surfaces: These surfaces accumulate oil, grease, and dirt that a chemical degreaser can quickly eradicate. Degreasers dissolve these substances while the pressure washer blasts them away, restoring a like-new condition.
  • Decks and Wooden Surfaces: Wooden surfaces often develop mold, mildew, or algae. A specially formulated wood surface cleaner used alongside a pressure washer can remove organic buildup without damaging the wood. Just be careful about using too much PSI, which could splinter the wood.
  • Patio and Tiled Areas: Patios and tiled surfaces are susceptible to grime and moss growth. Using a chemical cleaner designed for tiles followed by a pressure washer rinse keeps these surfaces spotless and safe to walk on.
  • Grease-Laden Garages: Grease and automotive fluid spills are difficult to remove, and unfortunately quite common in garages. Chemical degreasers used with a pressure washer can eliminate the buildup, leaving the floor clean and safe from slipping hazards.
  • Outdoor Furniture and Equipment: These are prone to dirt, pollen, and mildew. But, combining a multi-purpose surface cleaner with a pressure washer allows for effortless contaminant removal and disinfection without damaging the item in question.
  • Brick and Stone Surfaces: These are susceptible to moss, algae, and dirt buildup. A masonry-specific chemical cleaner can restore these surfaces to their pristine state without eroding the material, especially when paired with a pressure washer.

Whether you’re trying to learn how to clean patio slabs with pressure washer or a manufacturing plant, the possibilities are endless when you have a reliable pressure washer and the optimal surface cleaner in your arsenal. Your search for both ends at Jennychem.

See For Yourself How Well Our Surface Cleaners Work With a Pressure Washer!

Jennychem has been the #1 choice for all things chemical cleaning in the UK for 35 years and counting. We consistently exceed our customers’ expectations by delivering world-class products at competitive prices with exceptional support every step of the way.

Learn more about our surface cleaner and pressure washer lineup below to upgrade your cleaning regimen. We’ll share tips on making the most of a pressure washer surface cleaners, too.

What Makes Our Surface Cleaners So Special?

We are proud to present the premier selection of surface cleaners across the UK. From general-purpose formulations that do it all to surface-specific cleaners, there is something for you here in our catalogue.

  • Multi-Purpose Disinfectant: Powerful, versatile, and effective against germs and bacteria. Ideal for high-touch areas, kitchens, and floors. Economical with customizable dilution options.
  • Lemon Blast Surface Cleaner: Efficiently removes grease and oil with a refreshing lemon scent. Suitable for everyday cleaning or heavy-duty tasks on tiled surfaces. Leaves a spotless, streak-free finish.
  • Pet-Friendly Disinfectant: Tough on germs but gentle around pets. Available in eight fragrances for a fresh, safe environment. Perfect for homes, kennels, and other pet-friendly spaces.
  • Blitz Ultra Surface Cleaner: Strong alkaline formula for tackling tough grease and grime. Perfect for kitchens and high-traffic areas. Leaves surfaces spotless, shiny, and smelling great.

There are many others in store for you, too. Each has its place, but if you aren’t sure which to go with, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our customer service team is eager to point you in the right direction and help you elevate your cleaning results and efficiency. 

Browse Our Pressure Washers While You’re at it! 

If you don’t already have a pressure washer on hand, you can explore our Kranzle pressure washer lineup here at Jennychem as well. This is the UK’s most trusted industrial power washer manufacturer, and once you see them in action, you’ll understand why.

You can choose from small-scale solutions for home use like the Kranzle K 1050P Home Pressure Washer at just 1,885 psi and 7.5 litres per minute. 

Or, consider the Kranzle Quadro 11/140 TS for more heavy-duty cleaning needs - it’s virtually indestructible! It also has a cleaning agent intake and injector system so you can effortlessly pair your pressure washer with a surface cleaner. 

Speaking of which, here are some tips on pairing the two together. 

Tips on Using a Pressure Washer and Surface Cleaner Together

Using a pressure washer and surface cleaner will change the way you look at cleaning large surfaces. But it can also be overwhelming at first if you’re not sure how to make the most of this dynamic duo. Here’s our advice:

  • Dilute Your Surface Cleaner Correctly: Using too much cleaner can lead to waste, while too little may not be effective. Find the sweet spot per your product’s guidelines.
  • Apply the Cleaner First: Put the surface cleaner directly onto the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. This dwell time is where the cleaner breaks down dirt and grime.
  • Start With a Low PSI: Always use as little pressure as needed to remove the mess in question. This will help you avoid damaging delicate surfaces. Gradually increase the PSI based on the surface material.
  • Use the Right Nozzle: This component controls the spray pattern and pressure. Use a wide-spray nozzle for general cleaning, and switch to a narrow one for more focused tasks like blasting away stubborn grime.
  • Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly to remove all traces of cleaner, preventing any residue from affecting the surface later on.

Our blog has more resources on how to use patio cleaner for specific cleaning tasks, such as how to clean moss off patio, how to clean black spots off patio slabs, or how to clean bird poop off patio. You can also learn about homemade driveway cleaner or DIY patio cleaner

But at this point, the only thing left to do is set yourself up for cleaning success by sourcing a pressure washer and/or surface cleaner at Jennychem today!

Parting Thoughts on How Pressure Washer Surface Cleaners Work

So, how do pressure washer surface cleaners work? This guide should have left you with a clear understanding of the role power washers and surface cleaners play on their own and why pairing them together creates such incredible cleaning synergy.

Jennychem is your one-stop shop for the best driveway cleaner, patio cleaner, car cleaning products, weedkiller, and more. Whether you’re trying to boost productivity in your commercial cleaning process or you want to streamline chores around the house, we’re here to help.

Say goodbye to stubborn stains and wasted time - achieve spotless results faster with our selection of surface cleaners and pressure washers today!

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