How Do Pressure Washing Works in Cleaning & Sanitizing?

Can pressure washing disinfect and sanitize? Since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out, sanitation and hygiene have become increasingly important.

Cleaning now requires cleaning all surfaces and going beyond just removing dirt and bacteria. Because simply keeping surfaces clean is no longer sufficient, your standard cleaning methods will no longer be effective.

More and more people are choosing pressure washing as a healthier alternative to other cleaning techniques, and there’s a good reason for it. You need to first look at the pressure cleaning procedure.

What Is Pressure Washing?

Pressure washing uses cold or warm water to remove dirt. Using a machine that sprays water at an incredibly high pressure to remove dirt and grime is known as pressure washing. Only the force of the water will be used to clean using a pressure washer. Most likely, a pressure washer was used when you cleaned something at home.

Most pressure washers will project cold water onto any unclean surface using pressurized force. Mud, dust, algae, and other substances will be washed away as the water bursts on the surface. Cold water is used in the pressure washer, therefore it can only effectively remove surface dirt.

How to Use the Pressure Washer to Clean, Disinfect, and Sanitize?

If you’re looking for a way to clean, disinfect, and sanitize all in one go, then using a pressure washer is the way to go. Pressure washers are powerful tools that can easily remove dirt, grime, and other build-ups from surfaces. Plus, when used with the right cleaners and disinfectants, they can also help to kill germs and bacteria.

• Cleaning: the process of eliminating debris, dirt, and other particles from a surface, an item, or an environment. Cleaning agents are chemicals that assist in removing filth.
• Disinfection: An operation called disinfection aims to eliminate harmful bacteria. Biocides, chemicals approved by the Ministry of Health that include disinfection active components (such as chlorine, alcohol, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, etc.), or physical agents like heat or its opposite, cold temperatures can all be used to get rid of germs and bacteria (think of the food blast chiller).
• Sanitization: Sanitation is a more involved process that must ensure an area is safe. Therefore, the environment must be safe and clean, but not necessarily spotless.

Sanitizing & Cleaning Using Pressure Washing

A pressure washer can be used to sanitize by combining sanitizers with pressurized water because of its extensive versatility. It is best to keep in mind that most sanitizers are chlorine-based, an element that is particularly aggressive with the materials used to make the pump of a typical pressure washer.

Therefore, even if your cold water pressure washer includes an integrated detergent tank, we strongly advise that you keep it empty and use a foam lance to combine the sanitizer immediately after the water has become pressured while keeping the additional liquid from flowing through the pump.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Pressure Washing

Advantages

• pressure washers are versatile. You may use them to clean most surfaces without risking harm because they have a variety of PSI settings.
• There are lots of options available with pressure washers. To make sure you have the correct amount of force for the job, you can select from a range of GPM and PSI values.
• Pressure washers are less expensive. For household use or lesser projects, pressure washers are preferable. So, even if you have a limited budget, you may locate a pressure washer that meets your requirements.
• The equipment is really simple to use and doesn’t require much technical expertise to use. Of course, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any kind of learning curve for them. They are still strong machines, so if you purchase one, be sure to read the manual carefully to ensure safe use.

Disadvantages

• Pressure washers, particularly gas pressure washers, can still reach up to 4,000 psi and inflict damage.
• When misused, especially when utilizing a high PSI and a 0-degree nozzle, they might result in injury.
• The PSI of cordless pressure washers is typically below 1000, making them far less powerful. This prevents thorough surface cleaning.

What Is the Cost of Pressure or Power Washing?

The cost of pressure washing services can vary depending on a number of factors. These factors can include the size of the area to be cleaned, the type of surface to be cleaned, and the equipment used.

In general, pressure washing costs can range from $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. Some professional cleaning services may only bill a set amount per hour. An hourly wage of $25 to $100 is possible. This base pricing may vary depending on the scope of the project, the required equipment, and their own insurance.

Tips for Pressure Washing Safely

When it comes to pressure washing, it’s important to take some safety precautions to ensure that you don’t injure yourself or damage your property.

Here are some tips to help you stay safe while pressure washing:

• Read the Manual User

It’s hardly the most exciting read, we know. However, the user handbook for a specific model will give you the most useful information about your particular pressure washer, ensuring that you are ready to use it both safely and effectively.

• Learn Which Nozzle Is Ideal

Most pressure washers and power washers come with a variety of nozzles. You must prepare yourself on which is ideal for certain jobs. Our main caution is the zero-degree nozzle. Unless there is a stain on concrete or cement that is really difficult to remove, you will very rarely need to apply this. Using this nozzle, which has the maximum force, might be risky because you run the risk of injuring yourself or destroying a surface.

• Use Appropriate Safety Gear

When power or pressure washing, it’s important to wear gloves, glasses, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from the high-pressure stream of water.

• Preparing the Surrounding Area

Make sure the area is prepared for your power or pressure washing. Cover any electronic or fragile items. This includes blocking off vents and power outlets as well as keeping children and pets away from the area. Additionally, make sure to remove any tripping risks.

• Start With the Wand at a Distance

When you first start power or pressure washing, be sure to start with the wand at a distance from the surface you’re cleaning. Gradually move the wand closer as needed.

• Never Aim the Stream of Water Directly at People or Animals

The high-pressure stream of water can cause serious injury, so be sure to avoid aiming it directly at people or animals.

Start Cleaning & Sanitizing Your Property Call Us Now!

Looking for a company that offers pressure washing services in New Orleans for residential and commercial properties? Look no further than Big Easy Pressure Washing. We offer top-quality pressure washing services at competitive rates, so you can rest assured that your property will be cleaned to perfection. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation, and see what we can do for you!