Learn the different types of pressure washer surface cleaner attachment that best suit your needs, how/where to use them, and how to choose the right one.

Cleaning tough surface areas can be a daunting task. Without the proper tools and equipment, it could take you forever until get the job done. The good news is there are handy machines designed for such cleaning tasks such as the pressure washer.
Pressure washers are very effective when it comes to cleaning any surface, be it floors, concrete walls, brick walls, vehicles, vehicle tires, roofs, wood surfaces, and many more. Pressure washers are used both for home use and professional use.
This machine has enough capability to do any hard cleaning jobs; some of its water streams have enough force to remove paint and other hard-to-remove particles from any surface.
However, purchasing the wrong pressure washer might not successfully clean the surface, or it might cause damage to the surface. Without proper guidance and knowledge, it can cause harm to you and other people, and you might even up damaging the pressure washer itself.
If you’re planning to buy a pressure washer for your own surface cleaning purposes, then it is important to identify first the different specs and types of pressure washers according to the nature of the surface you’ll be cleaning.
Contents
Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner Attachment
Here are some pressure washer surface cleaner attachment you should know that makes the machine convenient to use.
- Wheels – Enables you to transport the pressure washer anywhere and with ease. Those with larger wheels are recommended as they can tread rough terrain surfaces.
- Storage – Some pressure washers have storage that allows you to store the hose and nozzle, so it can go along with the machine itself. Some even have additional pockets to keep accessories you might need while you’re cleaning using the machine.
- Hose Reel – A pressure washer that has this attachment allows you to store the hose easily without damaging it, which can prolong its life.
- Detergent Dispenser – This attachment/feature mixes the water and detergent for you. All you have to do is fill it up when it’s already empty.
2 Types of Pressure Washers According to its Water Temperature
The temperature of the pressure washer’s water can be a factor on how efficient you’ll clean your dirty surfaces.
- Cold Water Pressure Washers – These are the most common pressure washers and are mostly used for everyday tasks at home such as cleaning outdoor furniture, removing dirt build-up, old and loose paint, and car washing.
- Hot Water Pressure Washers – They clean better and more efficiently than cold water pressure washers due to their heat, and they use less soap and detergent. They are ideal for farm use and professional use.
3 Types of Pressure Washers According to its PSI Measurement
PSI stands for pound per square inch. This is a measurement unit that determines the force and how much water the pressure washer shoots out on a specific task. This is an important spec to check as it helps you choose the exact pressure washer according to your cleaning needs. There are three types of pressure washer power according to their PSIs:
- Modest Power (Light Duty) – These pressure washers are the smallest types. Their PSI ranges up to 2,000. These are the ideal pressure washers for everyday task at home, such as cleaning outdoor furniture and rinsing your car after washing it.
- Mid-Range Power (Medium Duty) – Their PSI ranges from 2,000 to 3,200. Ideal for cleaning cars that are heavily covered with mud and any kind of dirt, home fences, and dirty garage floors. These types of washers are usually what professionals use for heavy clean-up tasks.
- Maximum Power (Heavy Duty) – Ideal for hard solid surfaces such as stone and brick. You should not use these on wood and car surface as it can cause damage. Their PSI ranges from 3,200 to 4,200. They provide enough power to remove tough stains and paint.
3 Types of Pressure Washers According to its Power Source
Of course pressure washers need a power source to operate and function. When deciding on what pressure washer to buy, choose those that are convenient to power up and safe to use depending on how/where you’ll use them. Here are the different types:
- Electric Pressure Washer – The name itself implies that this type of pressure washer needs electricity to run. It needs to be connected to a generator or an electric power output. Most electric pressure washers are light and ideal for indoor use.
- Diesel Powered Pressure Washer – This pressure washer as its name implies uses diesel fuel as its power source. They generate fumes as you use them; hence, it is not ideal to use them indoors. These pressure washers are perfect for medium and heavy-duty cleaning tasks.
- Petrol Powered Pressure Washer – These pressure washers are powered by petrol fuel. This type of power source is similar to diesel fuel. They also generate fumes, which makes it not suitable for indoor use. They’re ideal for medium-duty and heavy-duty cleaning tasks as well.
- Hydraulic Pressure Washer – They are made with a built-in hydraulic mechanism to generate power similar to a tractor. There are a lot of benefits in using a hydraulic pressure washer; you can use it in an area away from an electricity power source. It is usually quiet unlike other pressure washers, and it can help you save your fuel consumption. Hydraulic pressure washers are ideal for industrial use and farm use.
Reminders & Additional Info
Before you buy a pressure washer, understand its proper uses depending on what type it is. Know well the appropriate place to use them. If you choose the wrong type of pressure washer, then the money you’ve spent will be all just for nothing. Identify its power source whether it needs electric, diesel, petrol fuel, or hydraulic; identify its PSI measurement whether it is for light, medium, or heavy duty work. Never pour hot water into a pressure washer that is designed for cold water as this can damage its pumps. Choose those that have the right features. Purchase the additional attachments necessary to make your surface cleaning tasks easier and convenient.
Remember, when you own a pressure washer, provide a safe place for you to keep it as they can be dangerous to children and people not familiar with it. If it so happens your children are playing around with a pressure washer that’s turned on, the force of the outflowing water can be painful and even hazardous to their eyes. Be careful of the fumes that the diesel and petrol powered pressure washers generate. Those are very unpleasant to inhale and harmful to your lungs. Use them in a well-ventilated area. Watch out when using the electric powered pressure as well. Be careful not to drench the wire and power plug with water coming out from the machine’s hose. Always be safe while doing surface clean-up work. It always pays to know how a pressure washer works and how to avoid problems with it.
You can buy a pressure washer in your nearest store, dealers, and shops. And you can also purchase pressure washers online. They offer the best quality pressure washers along with attachments and accessories.